Alright, let's talk about what Excolo is seeing within Sydney's finance and accounting market right now. It's a dynamic sector, and we're observing some very clear shifts.
Tech Skills are Non-Negotiable:
We're consistently seeing that clients are prioritising candidates with strong tech proficiency. It's not just about knowing the basics of accounting software anymore. We're talking about expertise in automation tools, data analytics platforms, and cloud-based systems.
The demand for professionals who can leverage these technologies to streamline processes and generate actionable insights is incredibly high.
The Data-Driven Finance Professional:
The role of the finance professional is changing. It's less about purely transactional work and more about providing strategic insights. We're seeing a surge in demand for people who can analyse financial data, identify trends, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
Clients want people who can translate numbers into business value.
Compliance and Risk are Paramount:
With increasing regulatory complexity, businesses are placing a huge emphasis on compliance and risk management. We're seeing a strong demand for professionals with expertise in these areas.
Cybersecurity is also a massive concern. We're seeing more and more finance roles requiring an understanding of cyber risks and mitigation strategies.
ESG is Gaining Traction:
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are becoming increasingly important. We're seeing more clients looking for finance professionals who understand ESG reporting and sustainable finance practices.
This is a growing area, and the demand for professionals with these skillsets is only going to increase.
Market Confidence and Increased Role Volume:
Rather than a "massive talent shortage," we're observing a market that's gaining momentum. With increased confidence in inflation control, businesses are releasing more roles.
We are seeing a pickup in hiring, and more and more quality candidates becoming available.
This is creating a more active and dynamic market, with a wider range of opportunities for finance and accounting professionals.
For Professionals:
Invest in upskilling, particularly in technology and data analytics.
Highlight your expertise in compliance, risk management, and ESG reporting.
Now is a great time to be active in the market, with more opportunities becoming available.
For Businesses:
Be prepared to act quickly to secure top talent in this active market.
Invest in training and development to upskill your existing workforce.
Consider flexible working arrangements to attract and retain talent.
Partnering with specialist agencies like Excolo, will assist in finding the required skillsets.
At Excolo, we're committed to helping both professionals and businesses navigate this evolving landscape. We understand the specific skills and expertise that are in demand, and we're here to connect you with the right opportunities.
We are seeing the market change, and are keeping our clients and candidates up to date with the newest information.
CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) are excellent resources for industry insights.
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) provides comprehensive coverage of the finance and accounting sector.
Looking for a new role or keen to advance your career and stay ahead of the game? Get in touch with Matt & Ashley today!
