Tumultuous economic events worldwide have shaken global finance in recent months - but while the downturn can squeeze job opportunities in some fields, it generates positive demand in others.

According to higher education charity Hecsu, the current climate is most likely to hit the job prospects of those interested in careers such as investment banking.

However, graduates with qualifications in fields such as accounting will still have "plenty of options available to them".

Charlie Ball, the organization's deputy director, said demand for accountants is being fuelled by the takeovers, mergers and administration deals being struck as the economy contracts. In recent weeks, two of Wall Street's Big Five banks - Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch - have either collapsed into administration or been bought out.

"It's accountants who are going to have to deal with the financial implications of all of that, it’s accountants who are going to have to scrutinize the bottom line, accountants who are going to have to pick up all the pieces," Mr Ball said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors held 1.3 million jobs in the United States in 2006. New regulations and the increasing use of accounting services in business are expected to fuel an 18% growth in the profession by 2016.