Employers are offering resigning accountants 20% pay rises to retain their services, according to data from WH Mark Sattin. 

The data shows the average counter-offer made to departing employees was roughly 10% above their existing salary in 2008, while top talent is now being offered a pay rise of up to 20% to stay in their current jobs.

The data also shows that half of British accountants now receive counteroffers, while 70% of London accountants in London are now being offered a pay rise.

Accountants are now most sought after in media, energy, fmcg and banking sectors.

Managing director of WH Marks Sattin, Dave Way, says: “Companies have not been managing staff expectations around salary rises properly and that’s led to a surge in counter offering. This has all been driven by the salary-freezes last year. 

“Now the market is more buoyant, accountants across the country are looking for salary increases. Nothing wrong with that, but many people have been trying to negotiate a salary increase this year, factoring in the increase they feel they missed out on last year, in addition to the rise they would normally expect. Naturally, that hasn’t happened and, as a result, more candidates have started to jump ship. 

“Now companies are reacting to the problem, rather than handling it proactively. They also need to build long-term talent pipelines and engage employees more, identifying these issues early on. They should expect staff turnover to increase as the market hots up and start building their recruitment strategies to suit the climate.”