‘Finance salaries static’

THE salaries of finance and accountancy specialists in Manchester have remained static for the first time in 10 years, according to new research.

An annual salary survey by the financial recruitment specialist Sellick Partnership has found that employers are using other incentives to motivate staff.

The firm cites measures such as enhanced benefits, increased investment in training and target driven incentives.

There has also been more demand for temporary employees as employers seek to reduce risk and keep overheads down. This has led to a sharp drop in the number of permanent positions in the market.

Ray Wareing, group director at Sellick Partnership in Manchester, said:“Retaining talent is key for businesses looking to ride out the economic downturn so it is essential that the region’s employers look for new ways to keep employees challenged and motivated, without having to enhance salaries as steeply as in previous years.”

He added: “Despite the current economic climate, the North West still offers a range of opportunities for those in commercial and industrial financial positions. The growth of emerging sectors, including environmental, technology, alternative energy and discount retailers, will continue to provide new roles in finance.”