Hot Jobs and Market Predictions for 2012

Hot Jobs and Market Predictions for 2012

Robert Half is predicting roles that will be in highest demand in Finance & Accounting and IT sectors for 2012.

The top five Finance & Accounting transactional roles are tipped to be:

1. Payroll

2. Accounts Receivable/Credit Control

3. Accounts Payable

4. Accounts Clerk

5. Assistant Accountant

While the top five qualified roles are:

1. Financial Accountant

2. Management Accountant

3. Business Analyst

4. Financial Controller

5. Finance Manager

The top five Technology roles are:

1. Software Developer

2. Business Analyst

3. Project Manager

4. Business Intelligence Consultant

5. Systems/Network Engineer

Robert Half general manager, Megan Alexander, explains how these roles align with the pyramid structure of the workplace (fewer senior roles at the tip of the triangle and more plentiful junior roles at the base) and how the changing economic outlook has a knock on effect at all levels.

"Transactional roles, those that typically sit at the base and middle of the pyramid, shrank during the recession in line with the reduction in team numbers. As such, these clerical 'doing' roles will steadily increase again as team sizes grow to meet the demands of new projects and business expansion," explains Alexander.

At the top end of the pyramid, demand is also changing. Alexander says; "As we head out of a recession hiring managers will be looking for more analytical abilities. Those in senior roles who 'sat tight' during the recession have now been in the same role for 3-5 years and will be looking to up skill or are ready for a change. Candidates with the ability to analyse will be well placed in this market."

Likewise in the technology space, Robert Half predicts that decision makers will be looking for candidates who can drive business intelligence and will be prepared to invest in hiring the right people to deliver infrastructure change.

"Demand for these roles will continue to grow throughout the year as we continue the steady climb out of the recession," says Megan. "However technical compliance doesn't mean a candidate will automatically be hired.

"More than ever, we are noticing that managers also want candidates who have the right 'soft skills' to communicate and manage a team well, in addition to being a good cultural fit for the organisation."

Robert Half says skills shortages will remain a key issue in the coming year with demand for these key roles gradually on the incline, and employers will continue their reliance on contract and temporary staff to cover increases in workload and to plug skills gaps.

For recruiters, the advice is not to wait too long to fill a gap in the workplace as it may take longer than expected to find a suitable candidate. The opportunity for training and up skilling will also be tempting for new employees. In order to hold on to top talent, employers should be regularly reviewing staff salaries and incentives to ensure they remain aligned with what the market is offering.

"The general message is people in these high-demand roles who have the right skills, experience and attitude are going to be in an enviable position in the New Year. Managers will need to work harder than they have in recent years to look after the 'rock stars' they want to keep hold of," says Alexander.

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