The Coronavirus employment market: Finance positions in demand

By Robert Half on 21 July 2020

The employment market has been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, with many professionals being furloughed or made redundant over recent months.

The current climate isn’t all doom and gloom, however. Even as many companies re-evaluate and adjust their budgets, pivot their business/staffing strategies and revise revenue forecasts, it probably comes as no surprise that recruiting for finance roles remains relatively buoyant, given many finance professionals are regarded as key to helping businesses recover both during- and post-pandemic.

Here’s an overview of some of the most in-demand finance positions in the current employment market.

Finance Manager

Financial leadership is key in today’s volatile market as the financial wellbeing of companies is not something that can be taken for granted in the coming months. Markets have changed and are likely to continue to change as companies navigate an unpredictable period of economic uncertainty. For this reason, financial managers are required to closely monitor the financial status of companies, strengthen communication with key stakeholders through regular and detailed reports, and develop realistic short and long-term financial goals.

Operations Analyst

In the current environment, companies must ensure optimal performance against an ever-changing market and economic backdrop. Operations analysts with an astute awareness of dynamic market trends and the soft skills to participate in decision-making are essential for identifying existing and emerging procedural and technical problems within organisations and implementing improved business practices.

Accountant/Accounting Manager

Managing financial records accurately has always been crucial for companies, but transparency over company finances has entered the spotlight recently as leaders must be able to quickly understand the financial health of their businesses. Talented accountants who can ensure excellent financial record keeping and reporting within companies will be highly sought-after in the coming months as companies reshape and refine their strategies against financial goals.

Internal Auditor

Many companies are facing increased risks and challenges to their efficiency and productivity in the context of a changing regulatory environment. Internal auditors are being engaged to continually review business processes relating to risk, compliance, operations, and governance, not only to ensure due processes are being followed to support business goals but also to offer recommendations for improvement and greater alignment with objectives. Changes to financial reporting because of COVID-19 are being cited by the International Public Sector Accounting

Standards Board and could see increased demand for accountants and auditors across the public sector, as well as tax managers in the private sector.

Compliance Manager

While the impacts of Coronavirus are unprecedented, company leaders, moving forward, will be much more aware of the potential for unforeseeable events to significantly impact their business. So, it’s probably fair to say that many companies will now have a heightened understanding of the importance of managing risk and compliance.

Representing a key function in the current environment, compliance managers with the skills to ensure organisations are consistently compliant with changing regulations and who can help business leaders plan, implement, and oversee risk-related programs are and will be in high demand.

Companies are also increasingly attracted to a flexible staffing approach, consisting of a mix of talented permanent finance professionals and project-based finance specialists. This staffing strategy allows organisations to build an agile team that is responsive to changing conditions without compromising on the required institutional knowledge and business-critical skills that will support the company through COVID-19 and beyond.

Whether you’re looking to hire on-site or remote staff, we got you covered. Our highly skilled, pre-vetted professionals are capable of working remotely from anywhere. 

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