The Return of Optimism for Finance Professionals
Released
on: November 20, 2009, 12:12 pm
Author: Reed
Global
Industry: Human
Resources
GREEN shoots, double-dips, doom and gloom, staggering
unemployment figures - we’ve seen it all in the media this year, but
finally there is some hope on the horizon, with 67% of accountants
expecting a return to growth by June 2010.
It would be easy to assume that there is no recruitment activity out there at all.
On the contrary, there have been some very credible reports on how finance
departments have fared better than most other business functions.
There have been some significant changes to the role of an accountant but there’s
never been a more exciting time to be part of the profession. There have certainly
been some clear winners and losers as a result of the turbulent changes within 2009.
Within some sectors, finance professionals have experienced pay cuts of up to 20% of
salary. Many Financial Directors have overseen reductions or removal of bonus
schemes - including their own.
On a more positive note, there has been an increasing optimism amongst fast-growing,
innovative and ambitious businesses - which are still prepared to pay competitive
packages to secure the right talent. Interim and project professionals have had a
busy year, with reports showing how the demand for interims has been consistent
during this recession.
In fact, Reed Finance has never had more interims out working on assignments than
they have currently. Just like in previous recessions, many organizations have made
use of a more flexible workforce within their finance departments and turned to hr consulting and
contracting services. Day rates for the most expert and specialist interim
contractors have been resilient throughout the year.
Some industry sectors that have been regarded as being hit hardest by the market
conditions have also been some of the most active recruiters. A number of
organisations in financial services, manufacturing and the leisure sector have been
using recruiting significantly - as a result of significant structural changes.
An entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of now-or-never amongst companies with
aggressive expansion strategies, has definitely been noticed. This has all created
an increased need for experienced finance professionals; with these employers
looking for hands-on accountants who are interested in exciting, opportunistic
projects.
Finance experts within the retail sector have survived the recession well, with
recruitment levels maintained. Recruitment of senior finance posts within the Public
and Third Sectors also remained constant in the first half of 2009.
Across the board, there is a renewed sense of optimism amongst our companies - and
some exciting hiring plans in the pipeline for 2010. Despite setbacks in some
sectors, there are plenty of opportunities out there.
Contact Details: Adrian Linden
PR Manager
Reed Press Office
P: +44 (0)845 241 9249
M:+44 (0)7919 967 865
E: press.office@reedglobal.com
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