PwC is still recruiting in the Middle East

PricewaterhouseCoopers is expanding, and the Middle East operation looks set to benefit.

Eagle-eyed readers might remember how PwC's attempt become the dominant Big Four accountancy firm in the Middle East created something of a poaching frenzy earlier this year. As well as hiring 25 new partners, it also added around 400 staff in the region.

This ambitious expansion seems to have already reaped some benefits. The firm has reported a 4% rise in full-year revenues to 2.3bn ($3.5bn) on the back of strong performance in its Middle Eastern division as well as growth in its consulting division.

Overall, headcount rose by 10% in the Middle East over the last year and its plans to continue recruiting. It aims to hire another 800 staff (excluding partners and graduates) in its global offices - at least 400 of these will be based in the UK, but the Middle East is a key area of growth.

Ernst & Young, which remains the largest accountancy firm in the Middle East with 4,200 staff, is also looking to bolster its operations in the region. Currently, it has around 75 vacancies across the GCC.

It's also made some key changes in the senior ranks. Last month the firm unveiled Aldulaziz Al Sowailim as its new CEO and chairman for MENA and it appointed Michael Green to lead its advisory team in the region in February.

Recruitment within KPMG and Deloitte, however, remains fairly subdued, with few live vacancies currently.