Despite the tough economic condition, it appears that accountants in full-time employment are doing just fine as a survey by CIMA of its members reveal that the average qualified management accountants in 2012 is earning £58,434, which includes £5,125 in bonus payments.

Earlier this year, an equivalent salary survey carried out by ICAEW, highlighted that the average basic salary for a chartered accountant was £92,100, only emphasising the significance of possessing a recognised qualification for career progression in accounting.

Part-qualified CIMA accountants earn an average basic salary of £31,432, with bonuses of £1,512 and 74% of CIMA students agreed that attaining the full qualification is a useful bargaining tool in negotiating their salary with an employer.

Additionally, more than 80% of members considered their dreams of an international career were more likely to be realised being CIMA qualified than not.

The survey also reaffirmed the north/south divide in terms of salary disparity, as CIMA's fully qualified London members currently earn on average £71,957, compared to fellow management accountants in the North East/Yorkshire/Humberside area that command £36,719.

Polled on their expectations for the next 12 months, a third (34%) expected business profitability to increase, despite the economic concerns affecting the UK economy as a whole.

Charles Tilley FCMA, CGMA, chief executive of CIMA, said: 'Despite the ongoing economic turbulence in the British economy, CIMA's members and students are in demand. Our 2012 salary survey shows that chartered management accountants are commanding salaries that reflect their value in helping to drive businesses through continuing uncertainty and on to longer-term, sustainable success.'