Almost half of Auckland’s finance and accounting professionals would consider accepting a lower salary in exchange for flexible working hours.

Forty-nine percent of the finance and accounting professionals surveyed for the 2008 Robert Half Auckland Salary Guide said they would consider a lower salary in exchange for flexible working hours.

Other factors influencing work/life balance were also top scorers, with 44% saying they would consider a lower pay for a better location and 39% saying they’d consider less pay for the ability to work from home or for extra holidays.

More than 1,100 finance and accounting professionals were surveyed, ranging from accounts payable/receivable to CFOs, and across all industries and sectors.

Organisational factors also rated highly. 37% said they would consider a lower salary for a better organisational culture, 33% for the chance to work with an inspirational leader and 32% for the opportunity for fast-tracked career progression.

Megan Alexander, senior manager with Robert Half, said the results showed just how important work/life balance was to employees.

“At a time when there is a pronounced skills shortage in finance and accounting, this survey gives employers options for attracting good staff, even if they can’t afford higher salaries.

“By offering benefits such as flexible working hours, the ability to work from home or extra holidays they may well be able to attract high-quality staff, and ensure they hold on to existing staff.”