Latest figures from financial recruitment specialist ECHM have revealed that newly qualified ACA, ACCA and CIMA accountants can expect to earn 14% bigger salaries than 2005 graduates.

The recruiter said the current gap between demand and supply across all sectors of the economy, meant that new recruits were entering an extremely favourable job market

According to ECHM, newly qualified ACCAs can now earn a basic salary up to £43,000, while newly qualified ACAs within commerce and public practice can now earn up to £48,000 compared to £45,000 last year.

Salaries for newly qualified CIMA accountants increased 7% to £45,000 in 2006 with companies offering basic salaries of up to £45,000 from £42,000 in 2005.