Boost for accountancy graduates - graduate jobs

Accountancy graduates have learned about the sector which could offer them the largest wage rises.

New figures have shown that the past year has seen accountants working in tax enjoy sharp salary increases compared to people working in other areas of the profession.

Tax accountants have seen their wages rise by nearly a fifth in the past 12 months compared to a 2.1% rise elsewhere, accountancy and finance recruiter Marks Sattin said.

The figures led the MD of the firm to call tax accounting one of the "biggest areas for expansion" over the period.

Managing director Dave Way added: "Taxation requirements on companies trading in the EU have become increasingly complex as the array of obligations, deductions and rates, as well as the requirements for completing intrastat returns and EC sales lists have grown.

"On top of this, the passing of FATCA has put the focus squarely on hiring professionals with a comprehensive knowledge of compliance and risk.

"Major financial institutions have started pushing hard to ensure they are as tax efficient as possible. For many employers, the value of the cost savings which can be generated by accountants with these skills has become clear."

Copyright Press Association 2011