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[November 03, 2006]

EXEC MIDLANDS: Who says accountants are dull and boring?

(The Birmingham Post Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Birmingham's youth have a more positive image of accountancy and financial management than many assume, according to a survey conducted for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

The research, carried out among 18 to 25 year-olds as part of a national survey by pollsters YouGov, revealed more than 70 per cent of them refused to categorise a career in accountancy as dull and boring. In addition, almost a third were already working in this field, considering doing so, or would think about taking jobs in it if they felt they had the necessary aptitudes.

Charles Tilley, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants chief executive, said: "These findings are highly encouraging and suggest Birmingham's young people are aware of the reality of working in modern accountancy and financial management.

"This is far less about traditional number crunching and more about matters such as organisations' strategic direction and investigation work, for example, than was generally the case in previous eras.

"It is clear many of those surveyed in the region not only understand modern financial management but find it attractive as a career option."

However, it appears some young people in Birmingham underestimate how rewarding a career in accountancy can be.

"Less than 30 per cent of those surveyed recognised it could be extremely lucrative financially and under 20 per cent agreed it was often a stepping stone to extremely senior jobs.

This contrasts with the current industry figures stating more than a third of CIMA members earn more than pounds 50,000 a year, with in excess of five per cent receiving at least pounds 100,000.

In addition, almost 30 per cent are very senior professionals, with almost ten per cent being chief executive officers or directors, including managing directors. About 700 members are top managers in FTSE 350 companies, with nearly 50 occupying board positions in these organisations.

Only about 20 per cent of Birmingham survey respondents said a grounding in accountancy and financial management could open the door to other careers and a quarter that it was an important and necessary aspect of managing organisations. CIMA figures show around 40 per cent of members work outside core finance functions, indicating how development in the subject can be a passport to other lines of work.

Mr Tilley commented: "Although many of the findings are encouraging for those of us working to promote careers in this field, some aspects do highlight those questioned in Birmingham are still comparatively new to the world of work.

"It would be interesting to ask the same people these questions in ten years. I would imagine their answers would indicate an even greater appreciation of the benefits careers in accountancy and financial management offer."

john_duckers@mrn.co.uk

Copyright 2006 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd.

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