The January to March quarter is expected to be the most active of the year for accountancy & finance recruitment, reports Emma Charnock, Regional Director of Hays in Hong Kong.

Based on employer predictions, it seems the job market in 2007, and in particular the January to March quarter, will be buoyant. Overall, the demand for experienced staff will remain high, as will the shortage of these candidates. Yet while the skills shortage will remain, in a positive trend there is an air of flexibility dawning across the market in the form of increased candidate movement. In fact, candidate movement will be at its peak this quarter, following the payment of year-end bonuses at Christmas, the awarding of promotions and the subsequent movement of staff who seek increased opportunities.

Employers keen to secure new staff are very much aware of this traditional increase in candidate flow and are consequently keen to meet those candidates looking to advance their careers.

This peak season for recruitment is an ideal time to commence a job search, and while employers indicate their hiring intentions for accountancy & finance are across the board, there are particular hotspots of demand.

In particular demand in the professional practice market are tax specialists with over three years of experience in a Big 4 or an internationally recognised accounting firm. The approach of the end of financial year is also heating demand for individual and corporate tax specialists as many corporations require the services of the Big 4 for their tax returns and advice.

We also expect an unusual increase in the demand for contract candidates as firms manage workload peaks. Over 2007 we expect the Big 4 to continue to employ expatriates particularly from the UK, Canada and Australia, due to the lack of local candidates available in the market.

Those candidates with four or more years experience in a Big 4 firm internationally and who are looking to return to Hong Kong are in particular demand and can expect to receive offers of employment from most of the Big 4 firms.

Activity in the commerce and industry market is influenced by Hong Kong companies continuing to relocate offices and/or expand into China, which is creating a need for senior finance executives with experience in Greater China taxation and accounting principles. Audit and compliance roles will also remain buoyant.

Demand for executives in this market will remain high. In particular, employers are seeking candidates who demonstrate commitment, loyalty and strong achievements in previous roles, and so competition in the candidate market is high. Demand will also be high for candidates with strategic and business planning experience within growing organisations, especially within the financial services industry.

These hotspots of demand clearly show that 2007 will remain active, with skilled candidates very much in demand.

Source : Hays Hong Kong