Half of NZ companies plan payrise for finance workers

Almost half of New Zealand companies employing finance and accounting professionals plan to increase salaries in the next year, according to results of a survey.

International recruitment specialists Robert Half International asked 506 finance and accounting professionals in four Asia-Pacific countries if they planned to increase salaries in the next 12 months.

In New Zealand 46 per cent of those surveyed said they planned to lift salaries, behind Australia on 60 per cent, Hong Kong at 67 per cent and Singapore at 51 per cent.

Robert Half International NZ general manager Megan Alexander said proactive companies should now be looking at ways to retain staff as the domestic economy returned to growth.

"Companies need to wake up and look ahead; they'll need to start upping salaries or face the expense of retraining and recruiting for staff to replace those that'll inevitably leave for better conditions elsewhere."

Australia continued to be a major drawcard for those working in the finance and accounting sector, she said.