Hays Accountancy & Finance - July 2010
Commerce & Industry
Hotspots
Demand is high within New Zealand for solid Payroll candidates. High-quality part-qualified Assistant Accountants are also sought as a key element in succession planning.
Newly qualified Financial and Management Accountants are in high demand. More candidates at this level are now making plans for their OE, and organisations require replacements.
Financial and Business Analysts with specific industry/sector expertise, such as FMCG, financial services or utilities, are in strong demand as companies seek accurate information to support effective decision making. FMCG companies in particular seem to be recovering quickly given their need for candidates with FMCG experience.
The coming quarter
As reported last quarter, there has been a significant increase in newly created roles in response to the financially strong position of many businesses, particularly in Auckland, which is rapidly becoming candidate-driven. This will be augmented this quarter by new financial year budgets, which will allow many more businesses to increase their headcount.
This is most obvious for experienced Senior Financial Accountants with industry experience in IT, Telco, Utilities or FMCG, and for Management Accountants and Financial or Performance Analysts with a NZCA qualification and FMCG experience.
Executive trends
Executive job movement has returned as confidence improves and previous movements at the CEO level have now filtered through to the CFO level, creating some requirements.
Employer trends
Employers maintain their focus on industry experience, and also expect candidates to have the ability to use the relevant software package. As the candidate pool tightens, some employers will need to adjust their salary expectations.
Candidate trends
The candidate market has received a boost from a number of currently employed people exploring their options once more. Such candidates are aware of the improving job market and in response are looking for a new role and career advancement.
The pool of available professional contractors diminished considerably over the preceding three months. Most found work on projects that were put on hold last year but have now been fast-tracked.
The flow of newly qualified candidates has slowed noticeably. Many candidates at this level are now planning an OE, whereas last year such plans were placed on hold.
