Milkround News, 16 December 2008
Students are increasingly keen to start their graduate careers in accountancy.

A survey by The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) found good future prospects, high potential earnings and the opportunity to travel meant student interest in pursuing an accountancy career had grown in the last five years.

The research among accounting leaders also suggests the number of women and minorities would rise in the industry, chiefly for the prestige factor and the prospect of a successful career.

Together with a growing workforce, there is a positive mood within the industry as the current economic crisis has highlighted the need for good accountants and auditors.

However, it has also been suggested there will still not be enough qualified accountants to positions due to the growth of positions in public practice where the number of accountants and advisory jobs will rise.

The survey predicts strong ethics and good rick management skills are two of the most sought after traits in candidates and highlighting your common sense may be more important than your financial knowledge.