The accountant’s role is set to become more demanding during the next five years,  according to a new survey.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants survey of 750 business executives across eight countries says an increased focus on risk management will see accountants needing to demonstrate complex business and managerial skills.

The number of accountants required is expected to rise, with 63% of those surveyed regarding accountants as essential to deal with a more challenging trading climate.

Commenting on the survey, Simon Humphreys, manager of Joslin Rowe’s newly qualified accountancy division, told Recruiter: “In financial services recruitment our clients are asking for accounting specialists rather than generalists - whether it be in accounting policy or risk management etc.

“We’re already seeing large practice firms setting up specific functions within these disciplines but this is going to have to gather pace in order for future crops of newly qualified accountants to have the skills required to secure roles in the post-credit crunch world.

“Currently, as it stands there’s a lack of roles for newly qualified accountants because our clients don’t believe they offer enough in-depth knowledge in certain key areas.”