UPFRONT Sums for the return home

Kiwi accounting professionals doing their OE could benefit from coming home given the increased demand here for their talent, according to Greg Scileppi – international director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting.
California-based Scileppi who was in Auckland last month said rapid changes in the local financial sector caused by tightening requirements for corporate governance and International Accounting Standards (IAS) has meant improved opportunities – and higher salaries – for mid-senior level accounting professionals.
While traditionally, Kiwis have sought career-enhancing experience and bigger salaries overseas, these changes have vastly improved their options at home, said Scileppi.
“In recent months the shortage of specialist IAS and corporate governance staff has grown rapidly. Companies are under pressure to meet new regulations and are finding it difficult to find people that can implement those types of projects. This has resulted in higher salary potential and the move towards job-seekers market.”