Kiwi accountants return home

Kiwi accountants return home

The standard of the domestic accountancy and finance candidate pool has taken a big step forward as people return to New Zealand from the UK and Australia, says recruiting experts Hays.

“The calibre of job seekers on the market has increased as people return home from the UK and Australia,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“Often these candidates are no longer able to command the salaries abroad that they seek and so they are choosing to return home where they can secure good roles and maintain their career paths in a strong economy.

“And they are being welcomed home with good job offers. There seems to be a good level of confidence in the market, and so employers are creating opportunities to secure these skilled professionals and the big company experience they bring home with them,” said Jason.

In other trends, Hays notes that contractors are being used for work overloads, and when companies are deciding what skill set is needed in a new permanent hire.

Companies are also spending more time assessing what skills the business actually requires, rather than recruiting direct replacements.

In terms of the skills in demand in New Zealand’s accountancy & finance market, Hays offers the following top-ten list:

1. Financial Controllers – “Employers are looking for CA qualified candidates from the Big 4 with two to four years of experience in the commercial sector,” says Jason. “They want high calibre candidates who can be developed within the organization.”

2. Business Analysts – “Candidates with strong IT skills are sought to add commercial value and insight into future business planning and reporting. We are seeing new jobs created in the analytical space to add value to sales, operations, marketing and investment departments, particularly in the telecoms, utilities, FMCG and property sectors.”

3. Commercial Managers – “Industry experts with exceptional finance backgrounds are needed to add value to non-finance teams.”

4. Management Accountants – “CIMA qualified candidates who have worked in larger more complex environments and who are able to work with high volumes of complex analytics are in demand.”

5. Credit Controllers – “Credit control is being recognized as a specialist skill that requires the correct fit. As a result, there is high demand for suitable candidates who are the correct cultural fit for the business and the role.”

6. Accounts Receivable – “There is a shortage of candidates with strong Excel skills and a keen eye for detail. Accounts receivable has previously been included in more varied roles but as a result of increasing demand it has become a more specialist role.”

7. Payroll Officers – “These professionals are in consistently high demand; it is a specialist role and there is a lack of new entrants to the payroll labour market. Employers are looking for candidates with experience using Chris21 and PayGlobal systems, as well as candidates with experience in Australian payroll.”

8. Audit Intermediates and Seniors – “Within the accounting profession there is a shortage of experienced Auditors with sound knowledge of audit principles. Many good candidates leave after several years to try commerce, improve their work/life balance and expand their skill set, which is fuelling an ongoing demand for intermediates and seniors.”

9. BAS (all levels) – “Firms seek candidates who can add value to clients and help develop their businesses. There is also a need for high level candidates who are happy to continue in compliance rather than focusing solely on advisory.”

10. Corporate Finance – “With a strong economy, good candidates are needed to assist with due diligence and all aspects of transactional services and business growth,” said Jason.

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

ENDS

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