Finance graduates can now get a competitive London salary working in the public sector.

A wages survey by Nigel Lynn reveals the salary for a financial or management accountant in a public sector organisation is on par with a person in the same role in the private sector in London.

Managing director Steve Carter told Onrec: "This demand for staff looks to follow the recent trend of the public sector competing with the private sector for commercial staff. The public sector has succeeded in securing this talent by offering transferable skills and an attractive work life balance."

Financial talent is needed due to the process of the public and not for profit sector converting to IFRS this year presenting complex challenges, covering a wide range of aspects, from project planning to systems integration. This will subsequently increase the demand for not only temps and interims who are specialists in IFRS but also for candidates with experience of change management and project planning and implementation.

Mr Carter added: "With all the changes ahead with regard to the IFRS, demand for this expertise will soar. Recruiting talent in this field will be essential in order for organisations to carry on running efficiently."