Monday 16th June, 2014

Robert Walters, a specialist professional recruitment consultancy surveyed leading accounting & finance hiring managers on their hiring intentions for the second half of 2014.

The results compiled in the Hiring Intentions Survey 2014 report, outlines key findings such as readiness to hire, and the most sought-after professionals.

It also shows that accounting & finance hiring managers are generally positive about recruiting new staff. 41% are likely to take on staff in the second half of 2014. Only 4% expect to downsize accounting & finance teams.

Looking forward, 63% of accounting & finance hiring managers say the growth of the business or new business streams will have the biggest effect on hiring. At the same time, concerns over headcount restrictions have declined in significance since the start of the year.

The biggest focus for accounting & finance hiring managers will be newly qualified and junior professionals (63%). Just over half (54%) will be looking to bring in mid-level staff and 22% are seeking senior managers.

Andrew Broster, Director at Robert Walters, said;

“Investment in new hires is a sign of increasing confidence and an indication that recruitment volumes are returning to levels seen before the recession. As conditions improve we are seeing more job seekers seize the opportunity to move into a new role, with demand for newly qualified accountants particularly high.”