The 2012 Brightwater Salary Survey has revealed some great news for businesses in Ireland, with signs of rising salaries, more employment and a return to growth for companies. The financial services sector is performing especially well, along with pharmaceuticals and information technology. The recruitment specialists recorded growth in employment from April to June 2011, the first such growth since the first quarter of 2008.

Since the second quarter of 2011, the survey found an increase of hiring in accountancy and financial services. New roles are being created as a result of mergers, restructuring, increasing regulatory requirements and companies addressing new system migration projects.

Practice firms seen significant recovery in recruitment in 2011, especially in specialist areas like risk, audit and compliance. There has also been a notable increase in demand for tax professionals, particularly those with expertise in corporate and international tax, VAT/indirect tax, financial services and transfer pricing.

Due to a shortage in candidates, the survey reports that salary increases and bonuses have returned, with firms hoping to attract accountancy professionals with sought after skill sets through remuneration.

The report still warns there sentiment for 2012 remains cautious, however these signs of growth show there is still reason to be optimistic. Read the full findings of the Brightwater Survey here.