Flexible work lures accountants into public sector.

PositionNews Round-Up

The promise of a better work-life balance is attracting a growing number of accountants into the civil service and other public-sector jobs, according to a survey by Hays Accountancy Personnel.

The poll has found that, although the sector is still lagging behind on pay, it's becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for those looking for quality rather than quantity. Although the government recently indicated that it intends to set a 3.5 per cent ceiling on civil service pay rises this year, respondents listed a range of reasons for working in both the public and voluntary sectors. These included decent pension packages, interesting roles and good job security. But their main attraction was flexibility of employment.

Andy Robling, director of Hays Accountancy Public Sector, said the offer of benefits such as 30 days' leave, flexitime, on-site creches and gyms was being driven by the desire for better financial management in the public sector and the need to meet specific targets in delivering services.

"Senior financial posts are being created to meet this requirement, and public-sector employers are increasingly looking to the private sector to find the right candidates," he said.

Robling said that...

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