YOUNG people in Bradford and those looking for a career change have been urged to consider training as management accountants whose salaries are double the national average.

According to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, qualified members in Yorkshire earned on average £57,894 in 2014, more than twice the UK national average salary.

The latest CIMA Salary Survey showed that 90 per cent of its members and students were anticipating a pay rise over the next 12 months, with rises of up to nine per cent. This contrasts with the Bank of England’s forecast of a 1.25 per cent increase in average earnings .

In Yorkshire, qualified CIMA members earned an average £53,762 in basic salary plus £4,132 in bonus last year.

CIMA students studying for their professional qualification, earn on average £32,294 in basic salary plus £1,433 in bonuses .

CIMA said gaining its qualification increased average pay packets by around 20 per cent.

Andrew Harding , CIMA managing director, said: “In contrast to the overall trend of weak wage growth in the UK, CIMA members and students are showing increasing optimism over pay.

“Meanwhile, the salary survey has also found that expectations for negative developments such as budget and job cuts have decreased. In particular, expectations for freezes in recruitment and salary are down significantly since 2013.”