Survey results 2024: What must finance and accountancy employers provide to attract and retain top talent?

The finance and accountancy market is undergoing significant transformations, driven by evolving economic conditions and shifting workplace dynamics. This means employers must navigate these adjustments accordingly in order to continue attracting and retaining top talent.

Recently, Sellick Partnership conducted a survey among professionals within the sector to highlight key trends that employers must now be aware of. This is a development of our 2023 Finance & Accountancy survey, to see how candidate expectations have developed a year on.

The survey was completed by over 700 finance and accountancy professionals from across the North West of England, and the report has been designed to provide insight into their perceptions of the current market. These included challenges such as the rise in technology, the factors impacting job satisfaction and what would motivate individuals to consider a new role.

Our key findings 

The respondents that completed the survey had a range of experience, from less than 12 months post-qualified experience (PQE) to over 20 years PQE, with a mixture of results in between. There was almost a 50/50 split between men and women, highlighting that the results offer a good insight into the market as a whole. 

The survey revealed the following key findings: 

• Almost three-quarters of finance professionals are less than ‘very happy’ in their current role. 
• Over 46% believe they are underpaid to at least some degree – a 10% rise from last year. 
• When it comes to job opportunities, 66% say they have considered them over the last two years – with 21% open to hearing about new opportunities right now. 
• 75% of people use recruitment agencies to look for a new role. 
• When asked about the most important aspects of a new job offer, the most popular response was salary at 88%, followed by 49% saying flexible working, 29% compatible company culture, 29% hybrid working, and 19% career development plan. 

Candidate salaries 

When asked how they felt about their current salary, 46% said they are either slightly or significantly underpaid, while 37% said they do not believe their salary is reflective of the role they do, in comparison to industry norms.

Download the survey report for a full salary guide.

We also asked candidates about their perception of the current market, and what they are finding challenging. They highlighted a number of recurring concerns or potential challenges, these included:

• Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and technological advancements.
• Economic instability, salary restrictions and inflation.
• Lack of talent in the market.
• Retention of employees.
• Changes in workplace policies around flexible and hybrid working.

Get in touch today 

At Sellick Partnership, we have a talented and experienced team of Finance & Accountancy Consultants to support and guide you through your recruitment strategies. Whether you want to take a look at your current offering or discuss the market generally, we are here to help. 

You can reach out to us today for an informal and confidential discussion.