MORE than four in 10 accountants believe they will work beyond the age of 65, though only one per cent of the current accountancy workforce is over 60 - so says specialist financial recruiter Marks Sattin in its 2014 salary survey across the industry.

Almost 40 per cent of accountants in their thirties say their career progress has been obstructed by older colleagues delaying retirement or planning to work beyond the age of 65.

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of accountants believe it is now harder to progress to director and partner level than it was for those occupying these positions today.

Salaries across the industry average £66,795.