The Isle of Man Government has just launched a campaign to attract qualified accountants to the Isle of Man.

The Locate Isle of Man agency, part of the Department for Enterprise, has launched a targeted campaign in conjunction with its sister agency Finance Isle of Man, in response to the number of job vacancies for qualified accountants.

Over the past six months, there have been an average of 27 vacant roles for qualified accountants each month, and an average 20 unfilled trainee accountancy roles.

Laurence Skelly, the Isle of Man’s Enterprise Minister, said it was a proactive response to an identified skills shortage.

He added: ‘Meeting the skills needs of our economy is vital in order for our businesses to grow and achieve their ambitions.

‘The skills offered by qualified accountants are utilised across a wide range of the Isle of Man’s business sectors and support a huge number of organisations.’

The campaign is targeted directly at qualified accountants in the UK and Ireland and highlights the quantity and quality of work available in the Isle of Man.

A dedicated web page has been created, www.accountancycareersisleofman.com, which has key information on relocation and a direct link to opportunities available in the island.

There is also a suite of video case studies from professionals working in the accountancy industry. In addition, the campaign also features in the latest issues of the Economia and AB magazines, two of the leading publications for the accountancy industry.

Simon Nicholas, partner, KPMG Isle of Man and Finance Isle of Man board member, said: ‘There are a wealth of opportunities in the Isle of Man for accountants in many areas of the economy.

‘There is a real shortage of accountants on the island of all levels and thus recruitment further afield is an absolute necessity.

‘This initiative will allow us to attract new talent to the island to contribute to the economy and, in turn, the success of many businesses.’

Mr Skelly added: ‘Locate Isle of Man is actively working with our executive agencies and private sector partners to understand the gaps in our current talent pool and will be delivering further activity to promote opportunities to specific workers through targeted campaigns.’

Visit the accountancy careers hub at: www.accountancycareersisleofman.com