Accountants happy despite pay freeze

HALF of chartered accountants say their pay has been frozen over the past year, according to an annual survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (Icas).

But qualified accountants can still expect to earn between £51,000 and £60,000 on average, with some partners at the "big four" firms taking home more than £200,000 a year.

Financial directors of listed companies earn up to £200,000, while managers of small practices earn up to £40,000.

The Icas survey, published in CA Magazine, reveals that, despite pay freezes and curbs on bonuses, three-quarters of accountants are happy with what they are earning.