Vacancies are starting to increase as market confidence appears to rise. But as banking and financial services organisations’ approaches to the recession have varied, the recruitment market remains very mixed. One constant remains – employers’ appetite for same-sector experience.
Now is an exciting time for qualified and part qualified accountants within banking and financial services. Recognising that the sector needs a new approach to accounting, investment banks are recruiting new faces – particularly those from Big 4 practices – for their fresh ideas, to train and develop.
With the increased demand from the business for key information, the market for MIS accountants is strong, particularly for those who offer project experience. Alongside the appetite for accounting professionals, we continue to see KYC/AML compliance-based positions released.
Vacancies are starting to increase as market confidence appears to rise.
Product control remains as buoyant as ever, with banks ensuring that traders are not exposing them to too much risk. While demand remains strong for experienced structured/exotic product controllers, banking professionals with expertise of vanilla or flow product knowledge are experiencing a resurgence.
The need for traditional vanilla product experience is echoed within asset management. Here, demand for individuals with emerging market exposure is gathering pace too as fund managers look to areas of potential growth.
Line managers’ expectations of candidates have become significantly higher. The majority are very particular about the specific experience they are looking for, and are conducting far more technical interviews than before. A thorough interview process ensures that the right person is hired, but as the job market changes, employers may need to act more flexibly. In the meantime job seekers should expect to be tested thoroughly, on their product knowledge for instance, at interview.
