Optimism is growing among finance professionals in Canada, indicating the jobs market is improving.

This is according to a new study by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and Royal Bank of Canada, which found the nation's executives expect to employment to increase this year.

A poll by the organizations found that 64 per cent of chartered accountants are confident in the economy, rising sharply by 23 per cent compared with the final quarter of 2010.

The first quarter study also revealed 47 per cent of those questioned see unemployment rising over the coming 12 months, with growth of five per cent and above forecast by 22 per cent.

CICA president and chief executive Kevin Dancey remarked: "The employment prospects must be welcome news for the latest crop of university and college graduates looking to enter the workforce."

Statistics Canada recently reported the country saw a rise in the number of jobs available of 58,000 in April 2011, with a sharp increase in the number of part-time roles being created.

Posted by Fiona Summers