Headhunters: High demand for finance experts
Are there open positions for accountants in today's job market, and if so, will they be advertised on finn.no? We've asked three headhunters.
Article taken from economi24.com by Einar Ravndal- read the full article here.
FINN came out last week with figures showing a fall in advertised positions in the finance and accounting industry, as well as positions in financial management regardless of industry. Not everyone recognized themselves in the figures, and what is facet probably depends a little on selection and methodology.
But there are many approaches to this issue, and Economics24 decided to ask three recruitment agencies how they are experiencing 2024 and what they think about the prospects ahead.
How do you experience the level of activity in 2024 compared to 2023 for vacancies?
Asbjørn Jørgensen (CEO of Ascender): We have experienced a high level of activity in both areas throughout 2024. There has been a great need to strengthen the financial function in many places, as well as for many to build an environment around sustainability reporting. Not all roles with us are advertised, so it's hard to have a clear idea of how ad volume has evolved over the year.
Ørjan Gamst (Head of Financial Recruitment at Dfind): The level of activity has been stable compared to 2023, so we cannot say that we recognize FINN's figures in terms of the roles we work with. What we are seeing, on the other hand, is that there have been changes in the types of roles that are in demand. We are seeing an increase in the need for specialized professional roles in compliance and sustainability (including ESG).
Vidar Bratli Wold (Division Manager, Jefferson Wells Economics): Although we see an improvement in activity levels through 2024, much of 2024 has been like 2023; lower activity than before and decision-making that takes a long time.
Have there been any changes throughout the year and how would you describe them?
Ørjan Gamst: Usually the most activity in this field is in spring and autumn, while it decreases towards the end of the year. This year, on the other hand, we have not seen the same decline, which may indicate an increased willingness to invest in finance and accounting functions.
Vidar Bratli Wold: The first half of 2024 was largely like 2023, marked by uncertainty and unpredictability. Especially through Q3-24, we are experiencing a greater degree of optimism in the market. Although we are still operating in a landscape with a lot of uncertainty, it may seem that many have adapted to a “new normal situation”, which in turn opens up both investment in the form of new hires and other investments.
Asbjørn Jørgensen: We do not see any obvious change throughout the year, but there is always a little extra punch in towards the summer holidays and the end of the year.
Have you seen any changes in the number of applications per vacancy over the past year?
Vidar Bratli Wold: The change we see is primarily that there are more applicants per position than there were in 2023, but that the number of qualified applicants is approximately at the same level as in 2023
Ørjan Gamst: There has been a general increase in the number of applicants, but many positions require specialized expertise, and we still experience challenges in finding candidates with the right background.
Asbjørn Jørgensen: Yes, we have had good applicants for the roles we have announced this year and are experiencing an increase from previous years. At the same time, there is still a race for the best candidates with expertise in finance and accounting, and these require us to follow up actively.
Do you see any changes in the requirements placed on the candidates?
Asbjørn Jørgensen: It is still the broad economics expertise that is in demand, but with a greater element of digital and analytical expertise. In several places, the sustainability reporting role is repurposed, but many of these candidates come from auditing.
Ørjan Gamst: Yes, the requirements for competence in digitalisation, compliance and sustainability are increasing. The roles are becoming increasingly specialised and more are expected of the graduates in technology, strategy and business development.
Vidar Bratli Wold: From our point of view in the consulting business, we do not experience major changes in the requirements. On a general basis, digitalisation, compliance and sustainability are key areas for the financial function. Being able to use analysis tools and other tools, such as AI, in a safe and appropriate way will be a key element in meeting new assignments, projects and as characteristics of new employees.
What do you expect in 2025 in terms of positions in the two categories?
Ørjan Gamst: We expect a gradual recovery in the market, but no big growth. The finance departments will probably need to strengthen capacity after several years of efficiency and sustainability projects.
Vidar Bratli Wold: From our point of view as a provider of specialist expertise, we estimate an increasing need throughout 2025, which in turn may be the result of increased mobility in the market, that companies have an increasing willingness to invest, and adapting to a new normal.
Asbjørn Jørgensen: We still expect high activity within both categories and that the best candidates still need to be contacted directly, but that advertising is good for increasing the visibility of companies in the market.
Article retrieved 16.12.2014 from Headhunters: High demand for finance experts
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