Australians working in the financial services sector believe they will have to move jobs to improve their chances of career progression, according to the Robert Walters Pay and Bonus Survey, reports moneymanagement.com.au.

The survey found that 45% of accountants and financial services professionals are looking to change roles within the next three months, while 76% said they expect to move jobs before the end of 2016, with improved career progression the most common reason for looking for a new position.

Brett Rose, Commerce Director of Robert Walters Sydney, said the survey results highlighted the need for employers in the accounting and financial services sector to provide their staff with opportunities for career progression.

"As the survey has shown, candidates need to feel that their current job is contributing to their overall career development, otherwise they are likely to seek out alternative opportunities," Mr Rose said.

While the search for improved career opportunities was the most frequently given reason for looking for a new role, one-in-five financial services workers said pay was a significant motivating factor for considering moving job.

Although pay was raised as a reason accountants and financial services professionals were looking for new roles, two-thirds of those surveyed anticipated a salary increase in 2015, which was higher than the average across all professions of 60%.

However, when it came to the prospect of receiving a bonus in the year ahead, financial services workers were the least optimistic of those surveyed, with only 34% of respondents expecting to receive a bonus payment.

To read the full survey, click here.