Quietly booming in the Granite City of Aberdeen is the oil and gas industry. And guess what? It’s desperate for qualified accountants, who have seen double digit pay rises over the last 12 months.

A study by Hays Senior Finance reveals that the opportunities for financial professionals in Scotland’s burgeoning oil and gas sector far outstrips the number of people willing to make the move to Aberdeen, which is driving salaries up.

Keith Mason, regional director at Hays Senior Finance, Scotland, tells us: “Oil and gas is the fastest growing market in Scotland, yet we are experiencing a skills-shortage. Aberdeen is the centre of Europe’s oil and gas industry, but most senior finance professionals won’t consider a move there.”

Part of the problem is that with a dearth of qualified accountants north of the border, many can pick and choose their roles, and most wouldn’t consider Aberdeen as a location of choice. What’s more, the Granite City – aside from boasting Aberdeen Asset Management – doesn’t exactly have an international reputation as the place to be for finance professionals.

But, salaries have increase by 12-18% over the last year, according to Hays.

Mason adds: “Newly qualifieds are getting £30k-£35k straight out of the profession.”

Peter Keller of Hays International, says he expects a raft of applications from international candidates: “At a time when we are experiencing some financial uncertainty, it fares well to consider a sector that is growing and growing.”