Demand for highly-skilled professionals means those in the accounting and finance and administration sector are set to experience significant starting salary increases in Scotland. According to the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guide, the competitive market for high-performing talent within accounting and finance is set to drive salaries for financial controllers (3.7%) and risk associates (3.3%) in Scotland higher in 2018.
Similarly, skilled administrative professionals in Scotland are also expected to see an increase in salaries over the next year. HR business partners and executive assistants are set to see salaries rise by 3.7% and senior administrative assistants by 3.1%.
“In the year ahead, businesses will be navigating a number of local, regional and international factors, such as Brexit, automation, digital transformation and meeting data regulations” explained Ed O’Connell, Director, Robert Half UK.
“However, the latest figures show Scotland has a reason to be cautiously optimistic with an established professional and business services sector supporting growth. However, like all regions, Scotland is grappling with a skills shortage and employers are willing to pay a price for those with the right skills to support their business goals in an effort to win the war for top talent.”
Table one: average salary increases in Scotland, by professional occupation in 2018
| Industry | Average starting salary increases |
| Administrative and office support | 1.9% |
| Accounting and finance | 1.0% |
| National average | 1.4% |
Administration and office support
In line with growth plans, businesses are recruiting mid-level administrative and office professionals with the industry experience and systems knowledge in areas such as Microsoft, SAP and CRM to provide specialist support. Permanent, professional-level employees can expect to see a salary increase and often a bonus structure linked to the success drivers of the position.
Table two: administration and office support highest salary rises by role in Scotland
| Top three | 2016 UK average | 2017 UK average | % change |
| Executive assistant | £28,420 – £38,220 | £30,380 – £38,710 | 3.7% |
| HR business partner | £30,870 – £49,245 | £32,585 – £50,470 | 3.7% |
| Senior administrative assistant | £17,640 – £29,400 | £18,130 – £30,380 | 3.1% |
Accounting and finance
Financial controllers and risk associates who can combine technical skills with commercial awareness and business acumen are sought after as firms focus on improving the overall productivity of the finance function. There is also growing demand for CFOs who can transform finance and introduce greater automation. On the whole, starting salaries within finance and accounting will increase over the next 12 months and those professionals with specialist skills or industry-specific experience are likely to benefit from the greatest increase.
Table three: accounting and finance highest salary rises by role in Scotland
| Role | 2017 Scotland average | 2018 Scotland average | % change |
| Financial controller (SME) | £40,670 – £52,185 | £43,610 – £52,920 | 4.0% |
| Risk associate (large company) | £46,060 – £56,840 | £47,040 – £59,290 | 3.3% |
| Senior financial controller (large company) | £58,310 – £73,500 | £60,270 – £75,460 | 3.0% |
| CFO / Group finance director (SME) | £84,280 – £100,000+ | £84,770 – £100,000+ | 3.0% |
– ENDS –
About the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guide
Since 1950, Robert Half has produced Salary Guides to offer business owners, hiring managers and professionals information on prevailing starting salaries in their geographic areas and insight into the latest employment trends. Companies consult the annual Salary Guide to determine appropriate remuneration for accounting and finance, financial services, technology and administrative professionals at all levels.
Information in the Salary Guide is based on the thousands of job searches, negotiations and placements managed each year by Robert Half’s recruitment consultants, along with the company’s ongoing surveys of executives. Continuing or ongoing salaries are not reported because many external factors – such as seniority, work ethic, non-monetary benefits, job performance and training – impact the salaries of permanent professionals as work histories develop.
Download the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guide
About Robert Half
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialised recruitment consultancy and member of the S&P 500. Founded in 1948, the company has over 325 offices worldwide providing temporary, interim and permanent recruitment solutions for accounting and finance, financial services, technology, creative and administrative professionals. For more than 15 years, Robert Half has been named to FORTUNE® magazine’s list of “Most Admired Companies” and offers workplace and job seeker resources at roberthalf.co.uk and twitter.com/roberthalfuk.
24
0
20
