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Recruiter predicts 2017 accounting hiring patterns

Regulation

Employment and recruitment company ManpowerGroup has revealed that, amongst other qualities, the ability to be a good "all rounder" will be an important trait for prospective candidates in 2017. 

By Lara Bullock 8 minute read

ManpowerGroup recently released its Employment Outlook Survey Q1 2017 examining employers' hiring intentions across Australia heading in to Q1 2017.

Neil McDonald, director at Marks Sattin, the specialist financial recruitment agency under ManpowerGroup, spoke to Accountants Daily about trends in the accounting industry in particular.

“[Firms] are becoming increasingly selective, with the majority only considering candidates with 2+ years of local practice experience, with the exception of graduate roles,” Mr McDonald said.

“Junior roles will be the biggest requirement to fill in mid tier-top tier firms, as they favour organic growth into management.”

During Q1 2017 Mr McDonald predicts that accounting firms will demand candidates who can do a 360 degree role, are customer-facing and can manage client interaction.

“There was a strong shift away from hiring back-office staff in 2016,” he said.

“With so many accountants looking for work who have migrated with limited local experience, [firms] will continue to be selective. Communication skills are proving just as important as technical skill set and experience.”

Mr McDonald also highlighted slight variances depending on location and qualification.

“Accountants are most likely to secure a role in NSW than say Victoria or Queensland given the number of accountancy practices,” he said.

“Expectations to hire CA qualified accountants are highest in urban areas, with rural areas more open to hiring CPAs.

“Candidates who are studying CA or CA qualified are able to demand the highest salaries in the market.”

Lara Bullock

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