Skilled accountants are leaving the workforce as baby boomers reach retirement age. However, it was discovered during a recent study conducted by CPA Australia that some accountants are planning for an active retirement and expect to remain active for 20 years after leaving full time work.
Many mature age accountants looking for a change of workplace often feel frustrated from having to compete with younger applicants. Other obstacles faced are the lack of skills in technical areas, the high cost of training, the little knowledge of the job market and the negative perceptions among employers about mature age accountants.
It seems also that these mature accountants frequently look for jobs in the wrong places. Shortages currently exist in regional practices; sessional teaching in TAFE colleges and Universities as well as short term contracts in government departments.