Hays Accountancy & Finance - July 2009

Public Sector

Hotspots

Business analysts and management accountants are required for organisations looking to improve efficiencies and make significant cost savings. Financial accountants are also in high demand due to year-end, while audit and tax accountants at a qualified level are also sought at this time of year.

Meanwhile, external budgeting APS6/EL1 candidates with government experience to the Department of Finance are rare. There are a high number of candidates with internal budgeting experience, but a shortage of those with external experience.

At the accounting support level, credit controllers are needed as organisations try to bring in their revenue. Payroll and accounts processors with government experience are an ongoing need due to turnover issues, while candidates able to commence immediately in temporary assignments are in most demand since employers often have approval for short-term roles only.

The coming quarter

Employers continue to replace departing staff members while the requirement for temporary staff remains strong and steady to assist with a backlog of work, new projects and financial year-end requirements. New funding released for the new financial year will also help create vacancy activity and allow employers to fill positions currently vacant.

Executive recruitment

Again this market remains steady, with more incline towards temporary recruitment. Candidates at this level often expect a side move rather than promotion.

Salaries

Salaries will remain unchanged (with the exception of scheduled pay increases) and candidates looking for work are certainly more realistic in terms of their expectations.

Candidate trends

Candidate levels have increased across the board, although the quality of candidates applying for positions is often inadequate and below employers' expectations.

ACT has experienced increased interest from interstate candidates seeking a permanent Government position for job security reasons. This is increasing the competition for locally-based candidates.