Can temping open doors to a permanent role in a bank? And is that what temps want?

"A lot of temporary accountants in the City are Australians, New Zealanders or Indians, here on a short-term basis with little thought of permanent work," says Steve Forro of Indigo City . "However, for locals who have taken the temporary career path but now want more security, it can be difficult to cross the line. A CV with some 20 different temping assignments may suggest a lack of stability or commitment to someone looking for a long-term hire."

City employers have been forced to relax their recruiting criteria, opening more doors for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, says Sarah Williams, associate director of FSS City: "Someone with a skill set or sector experience that might not ordinarily be first choice may be more palatable if hired on a temporary or temp-to-perm basis, rather than embarking on the riskier permanent route from day one."

However, temping is a lucrative business for the temps. Many contract accountants aren't bothered about going permanent when so much better-paid contract work is available: 'You can command high hourly rates in exchange for working in a role that might offer less security, fewer benefits and no training," says Williams.

To confirm her point, Williams says she has accounting contractors on her books such as an ACCA from a two-partner practice now earning £245 per day in an investment bank, and an ex-oil company part-qualified taking home £210 per day in banking.

However, she warns that if you're hoping to use temping as a route to a permanent job, it's best not to linger: 'Show your enthusiasm and ambition from day one to avoid being typecast as the eternal temp.'