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SMEs that outsourced finance functions will be looking to up value by bringing their accounting functions back in-house in the first half of 2019, according to global recruiter Hays.
According to the latest Hays Jobs Report, hands-on finance managers and financial controllers will be in high demand in the first six months of this year, as SMEs explore their hiring options.
Candidates will be required to increase visibility within a business, drive efficiencies and implement cost saving measures that increase profits and provide business owners with a greater return on investment, Hays predicts.
The recruiter noted that finance business partners are another area of demand since these professionals are now firmly embedded within sales, marketing, supply chain and operational departments to ensure that business decisions are made based on good analysis, quality data and the need to improve business performance.
Moreover, in the first six months, businesses will also be seeking technically strong and commercially minded finance professionals with strong soft skills and a proven history of influencing stakeholders to meet business objectives.
One of the key drivers of activity in 2018, which will continue into 2019, is cross-border deals, which are predominantly inbound. As a result, analysts with experience working within the M&A space are highly sought after.
Another trend predicted by Hays is an increasing demand for systems accountants.
"The regular release of new ERPs, budgeting, forecasting and add-ons is creating high demand for systems accountants with the knowledge and ability to manage a project until the point that a new system goes live," the recruiter explained.
Work is predicted to also increase for senior accountants and finance managers who will be sought for newly created roles in growing businesses that have outgrown a bookkeeper, while payrollers will remain in high demand.
On the other hand, Hays said there will be a demand decrease for assistant accountants, who typically possess a few years of experience, and instead increase for entry-level accounts assistants.