Accountants, finance directors and CFOs are increasingly sacrificing pay for better job perks, such as a company car, additional holiday and a competitive pension, according to research by recruitment specialists Reed
A survey of over 800 finance professionals found 57% of candidates place a benefits package above pay, while 77% are more inclined to accept a job if the package met their requirements.
In addition, 80% of candidates actively look for information about the benefits package when applying for a job, with over half expecting to find details of employee benefits on job adverts, suggesting that employees want to know all of the information before applying for a role.
The most important benefits employees seek are a competitive pension, a healthcare scheme and flexible working, while options such as gym membership, life assurance or share schemes came much lower down the list. The top three benefits that employees currently have are rated as a healthcare scheme, a competitive pension and a performance related bonus.
The survey shows that employers generally agree on benefits, although the results reveal that there is only a 60% match between the top ten benefits employees have, compared to what they want.
Rob Russell, divisional director for Reed Finance, said: ‘It might come as a surprise to some that finance professionals might consider sacrificing pay for other benefits. The world of work is changing and companies should look beyond pounds and pence to recruit and retain the best talent.’
Report by Pat Sweet
