21 February 2006 
 
Accounting is expected to be one of the biggest sources of jobs in the next four years. Research has shown that Accountants are the most sought-after graduates in 2006 making up almost 25 per cent of all graduate positions.  
 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants calls on business and commerce students to consider accounting as a major and to help secure themselves a high paying and rewarding career at the end of their degree.  
 
“96 per cent of accounting students gain employment in three months of graduating making it a sure way for graduates to start climbing the career ladder as soon as they leave university. The skills shortage in Australia has ensured that accountants are in demand and with it above average graduate salaries,” said Sheena Frenkel, General Manager for Chartered Accountants Program and Admissions, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.  
 
Enrolment for the Chartered Accountants Program, the Graduate Diploma the Institute offers, was up 24 per cent in 2005. The designation is recognised in the world’s major financial centres allowing Chartered Accountants to get paid and see the world at the same time.  
 
As a platform for business management roles many Chartered Accountants go on to become CEOs of some of Australia’s top businesses such as Brett Godfrey from VirginBlue; Mark Bouris from Wizard; and Tim Pethick, founder of Nudie. Sixty per cent of CFOs in Australia’s top 500 companies are Chartered Accountants.  
 
In recognition of the boom in demand for accounting students KPMG, one of the world's leading professional services firms, announced last week that it will take on 500 graduates and cadets later this month, boosting staff numbers by 12 per cent.  
 
“Accountancy is no longer considered a profession for brown cardigan wearers. Becoming a Chartered Accountant offers the fundamental skills to springboard to seniority in a wide range for business careers,” said Frenkel.