Hays Specialist Recruitment Reveals Big Opportunities Within Treasury
Roles
Released
on: May 8, 2009, 8:06 am
Author: Hays Plc.
Industry: Human
Resources
Hays,
the specialist recruitment company, highlights the demand for
specialist treasury accounting and systems-based experience has
increased over the past six months. The increasing focus on compliance
has led to a stronger focus on individuals with regulatory
experience.
"Employers
are looking for accounting and systems based personnel, in contrast
to the same period a year ago when we were experiencing a very
high demand for treasury operations managers, working in broad
roles and overseeing small teams on the general day-to-day operations,"
commented James Crichton, Senior Business Manager at Hays Treasury.
James
continued, "Employers are particularly keen to hire individuals
who can demonstrate a solid understanding of IAS32 and 39, for
both permanent and interim assignments."
The
role of the corporate treasurer has also assumed greater importance
during the current downturn, as treasury departments are coming
under increasing workload pressures. At the more senior end, applicants
need to demonstrate accounting qualifications, strong relationship
and change management experience, while strong analytical and
systems skills are prized at the more junior end of the market,
ideally gained in a complex, multinational environment.
"Employers
are looking for accomplished technical and behavioural competencies
when recruiting for their corporate treasury
jobs," noted James Crichton.
There
has also been steady growth in interim and temporary roles, particularly
for strategic (as opposed to operational) appointments, which
has fuelled demand for experienced corporate treasurers that are
available for contract work. Required competencies include bank
relationship and cash flow management expertise, two skill sets
that have surged in demand during the current downturn.
"Companies
that had previously not employed a dedicated treasurer are reaping
the benefits of having an in-house expert, particularly in the
management of cash flow", James remarked.
Another
key trend has been an increase in recruitment activity for permanent
senior level positions. A number of new posts have been created
to accommodate experienced professionals who are able to take
on the Head of Treasury role and make fundamental changes to the
organisational structure of the accounting function.
"Companies
are increasingly looking to bring in specialists who can not only
head up their departments but who have the leadership and management
skills to drive through change and establish a separate identity
for the treasury function," continued James.
There
has been a clear shift of emphasis in the demand for jobs
in treasury during the last six months, and the overriding
message is that applicants with the right accounting and systems
experience and qualifications are well placed to succeed in the
current market. However Hays warns that the onus rest on the individuals
to show that they have the right skills and background. Individuals
who do not have the required experience will find it more difficult
to move into treasury roles, as employers are increasingly looking
for very specific skill sets.
-ends-
Notes to Editor:
About
Hays Treasury:
Hays
Treasury is part of Hays plc, and offers a wide range of Tax and
Treasury roles including corporate
tax jobs, personal
tax jobs and tax
investigations jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia,
and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group
employs 8,294 staff operating from 380 offices in 27 countries
across 17 specialisms.
For further press information please contact:
Alexandra Tucker
Hays Plc
Charter House
13 - 15 Carteret Street
London
SW1H 9DJ
020 7222 8575
www.hays.com