Accountancy’s partnership pool at risk of running dry
The pool of senior staff in leading firms, particularly in the UK, is being drained by failures to attract – and retain – top graduate talent.
The major accounting firms are fighting against wide perceptions of the job as dull, difficult to qualify for and poorly paid. Bethany Rae
Ellesheva Kissin
Amos gave up his career aspirations at the big four audit firm he works for the moment he realised he could make more money more easily if he switched industries rather than hang on for partnership.
Frustrated at slow promotions, he says the timeframe to become partner was “being pushed out further and further”. Even before he was promoted, he would have to “act as a partner with no further remuneration and higher hurdles to jump through”. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he is now applying for jobs in the financial sector.
