The accountancy sector is heading for a jobs boom, with particular demand for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) corporate finance professionals, according to research by recruiter Marks Sattin.

A third of accountants (33%) questioned in a recent survey said they expected their firm to increase headcount this year, which Marks Sattin calculates equates to 11,474 new roles becoming available over the course of 2013.

Accountancy and related professions have been 'fairly recession proof', according to the recruiter, pointing to net growth of 19,000 roles between 2008 and 2012. This indicates growth of 8.64% in the sector, compared with a difference of -0.15% in employment numbers as a whole.

Dave Way, Marks Sattin managing director, said: 'There is a growing feeling the economy has turned the corner. There are big headcount increases on the way and opportunities for promotions and pay rises.'

A resurgence in M&A activity, which rose to its highest level since 2011 in the first half of this year, has seen bonuses for corporate finance professionals increase by 43%. The average bonus paid out in 2013 is £29,973 compared to £20,918 in 2012.

Two thirds of corporate finance professionals are also expecting a pay rise this year. Total remuneration rose £14,777 between 2012 and 2013 (16.3%), from £90,391 in 2012 to £105,168 in 2013.

Marks Sattin director Laura Wilson said: 'Strong M&A and corporate finance activity are really healthy signs for the economy and for those professionals working in this area, the benefits are huge. Pay is increasing as their skills are more in demand. At the moment, this is manifesting itself in bonuses, but I'd expect to see this translate into strong hiring in the year ahead as the salary pot increases and new hires can be made.'