The Big Four accounting firms are expected to go on an aggressive corporate finance recruitment drive over the coming months, and increase their headcount by as much as a fifth.
The startling figures, compiled by recruitment agency ECHM, show that the recruitment will be driven in the key areas of lead advisory, transaction services, private equity and tax. Most of the recruitment is focused on dealmakers with a proven track record who can fill senior roles
The accounting firms are undertaking the headhunting drive to cash in on the record levels of global mergers and acquistions, which is expected to reach $3 trillion (£1.57 trillion) by the end of the year.
ECHM’s Regional Recruitment Index showed a 12% rise in accountancy roles in London in Q3 2006 compared with Q3 2005, and a drop of 6% in candidates actively seeking new positions over the same period.
'The current M &A boom clearly has had a profound impact on practice firms and the demands that are being placed on their corporate finance departments,' said John Hunter, ECHM's chief executive.
Further reading:
Insider Business Club: skills gap
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