Poolia Parker Bridge has reported a shortage of accountants following a lack of recruitment at trainee level combined with a period of downsizing by major organisations over the past few years.

Poolia managing director Lynda Pickess says: “Businesses today need finance professionals who are not only highly proficient but can also demonstrate a broader range of commercial skills. There just aren't enough of them, especially for front-line roles."

Poolia says skills shortages and project roles driven by regulatory requirements and legislation continue to fuel demand for temporary staff. Whereas historically temps were used to cover short-term absences because of holidays and illness, companies are now using temps on a more strategic basis to gain access to specific expertise and to undertake special projects.

A survey of salaries based on positions recruited by Poolia over the last six months shows a newly qualified accountant can expect to earn up to £48,000 per year in the banking and financial services sector. Climb the ladder to become finance director and you will get a salary of up to £100,000, it found.