Hays Accountancy & Finance - July 2010
Professional Practice
Hotspots
There remains a simmering demand for seniors in taxation, business services and audit in direct response to the increase in confidence returning to the market.
Meanwhile insolvency is becoming increasingly busy, with job numbers up across all levels as people and companies still feel the effects of the GFC.
Supervisors through to Senior Managers are in demand across all areas.
The coming quarter
We expect continued growth in demand for experienced Accountants with between two and five years experience this quarter. In addition, firms are beginning to create vacancies in order to secure talent, which is further driving the jobs market forward.
We are seeing an increase in temporary assignments as firms struggle to attract permanent staff.
Employer trends
In order to aid recruiting efforts, firms are improving their profile and reputation in the general market. Some will go out of their way to build a positive relationship with recruiters to ensure they are top of mind when quality candidates are identified. They are also beginning to sponsor skilled accountants looking to relocate to Australia, particularly within audit.
Employers are now moving candidates through the recruiting process with greater speed. Salaries remain stagnant, but as multiple offers and counter offers increase salary pressure will be evident.
Candidate trends
Quality and skilled candidates are few and far between. Many candidates have been relatively inactive due to concerns about the market conditions, preferring to remain in their current role. But given economic improvements, candidates are expected to become more demanding regarding their current salary and benefits, and if a satisfactory rise is not offered, they are likely to re-enter the jobs market in search of a new role.
