Accountants 'want career development'

Accountants value opportunities for career progression and development when assessing their happiness in their role, a new survey reveals.

Some 42 per cent of those in accountancy jobs said that a "clear career path" and chances for promotion were the most important factors for job satisfaction, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

This issue was rated highly across the board, from employees in tax jobs to those working as finance managers. However, only 17 per cent of respondents said that their organisation was performing well in this respect.

Michael Izza, chief executive of the ICAEW, said: "It is reassuring to see the importance that chartered accountants in business place on training and career progression.

"Continuing professional development is a key element of a professional's lifecycle and, coupled with further qualifications like the Corporate Finance Diploma, all help ensure that members are able to progress their career as well as being attractive to future employers."

The ICAEW has more than 128,000 members.