13 February 2008

Australian skills shortage in accountancy

Australian employers face a skills shortage in accounting and finance professionals, it has been suggested.

Australian employers face a skills shortage in accounting and finance professionals, it has been suggested.

A global salary survey by Robert Half has revealed that starting salaries for entry-level accounting positions rose by a quarter between 2006 and 2007 with graduates earning an average of £19,500 a year compared to £15,500 in 2006, reports Onrec.com.

Phil Sheridan, UK managing director at the firm, commented that a more diverse and multicultural workforce is required for business looking to expand effectively in today's global business world, which would suggest that Australian immigration as a possible solution for the country's skills shortage.

He told the news provider: "The benefits of employing a more diverse, multicultural workforce that reflects the global nature of business today is likely to drive more businesses to seek talent globally in the years ahead."

With potentially higher salaries, both entry-level and seasoned professionals have the opportunity to benefit financially in accountancy, Mr Sheridan added.

Meanwhile, in related news on the potential benefits of Australian immigration , businesses in the eastern states of the country are looking to recruit tour operators and travel agents in response to a growing skills shortage in the tourism industry, AFTA Travel and Tourism College SA lecturer Cathy Turner said this week.


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