Demand for UK-qualified accountants in offshore financial hubs such as the Caribbean, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is huge, according to recruiter Ardent, in a report by Accountancy Age.

Aileen Vowden, Ardent chief operating officer, says that the Caribbean region alone needed 500 to 600 accountants a year to fill its requirements. “Demand there is huge,” she was quoted as saying.

The comments come at a time when offshore financial centres have boomed despite attempts by many governments to make it harder for citizens to invest money in international financial centres as they fear tax mitigation to be their prime motivation.

Accountants were also eagerly sought in Dubai, but already so many wanted to go there, it made recruiters' services for this market less necessary, the report added.