New property, construction and IT projects spur demand for experienced Accountants

The commencement of new projects in the property, construction and IT industries has led to strong hiring intentions for accountants with relevant experience, says recruiting experts Hays Accountancy & Finance. 

Management Accountants, Internal Auditors and Payroll Officers are topping the list of skills in demand in the latest Hays Quarterly Report for January to March 2015

“While most industries are active, in the commercial sector we’re seeing particular demand for accountants with experience in the property and construction industries as well as IT,” says Susan Drew, Regional Director of Hays Accountancy & Finance.

“Businesses are growing, and they are prepared to add new headcount. We’re seeing both permanent and fixed-term contract jobs on offer and as a result there has been an increase in candidate movement at all levels. Senior professionals in particular are not afraid to move between industries, or take a short-term sideways step in order to move their career forward long-term. 

“Employers want to work smarter, not harder. As a result, demand is high for Management Accountants who can rationalise reports. Employers want to ensure they are only creating the necessary and fundamental reports required, as opposed to a suite of reports that are provided simply because they always have been.”

According to Hays Accountancy & Finance, the professional practice sector is also busy hiring.  “Business Services Seniors, Intermediate and Senior Tax Accountants, SMSF Senior Accountants, Internal Auditors and Intermediate Accountants are in demand,” says Susan.

“There is particularly strong demand from small to medium firms for Managers, Seniors and Supervisors with advisory and compliance experience. Competition with the commercial sector, as well as higher salaries in commerce, have both led to a shortfall of candidates for professional practice. Candidates need strong communication and client liaison skills and high-level technical skills.

“Employers are recruiting new staff in order to bolster their teams for the year ahead. Candidate levels remain low and the movement of qualified accountants to commerce and industry continues to impact staffing levels in professional practice.”

In financial services, employers continue to offer 12 to 18 month contracts in order to maintain headcount flexibility. Businesses experiencing growth are seeking to bring in external leadership qualities to help drive their business forward and we are seeing more vacancies at the Senior Manager level.

Meanwhile, Federal Government public sector recruitment is currently contractor driven and this will continue in the lead up to the next election. The Government will choose to utilise the flexibility of a temporary workforce rather than increase the number of fulltime employees. “Good Payroll and Accounts Receivable staff are always in demand due to high levels of staff turnover and cyclical demand,” says Susan.

For the full list of skills in demand, please view our Hays Quarterly Report.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.