INTRODUCTION
As we end Q1 of 2022, it is fair to say that the market is continuing to be busy and is showing a need for experienced candidates at all levels and across all specialisms.
Flexible working continues to be at the forefront of candidates minds and expectations as we all start to come back to the office more frequently. Along with flexible working, salaries are as always, a high priority. We are seeing a marked increase in offers across the board and sometimes 5 or 6 offers for the same candidate.
Organisations across the North West are reviewing their pay scales and benefits packages to retain and win, their top talent.
Finance
Finance is one of the most in demand sectors, with every North West firm currently looking for the best talent out there on a Junior, Part and Fully Qualified basis, to fill commercial and reporting roles.
This year we have seen a much bigger increase in the expectations of Newly Qualified ACA Audit candidates. Basic salaries from Audit practices have risen sharply over the past two years (around 20%) with companies trying to hold onto their home grown talent.
Our most recent placements have included: Fund reporting managers, In House Tax Managers, Product Controllers, Management Accountants and Commercial Finance Analysts.
Risk & Compliance
Credit risk, Model Validation, Model Development and Liquidity Risk seem to be the biggest areas of interest for our clients currently, with very few candidates currently open to moving. Due to this we have been actively headhunting.
Clients are currently looking to retrain applicants with transferrable skills to open the candidate pool.
Recent placements have included Money Laundering Officers, KYC Specialists, Market Risk Analysts, Credit Risk Managers and Model Validation Managers.
Operations
Since Q4 of 2021, we have started to see a large increase in opportunities coming through the door within Corporate Actions, Settlements and Reconciliations candidates at all levels. Junior candidates especially, are in especially high demand.
Wholesale lending has also seen an increase in roles with many teams relocating their employees to Manchester.
Recent placements have included Settlements Managers, Reconciliations Specialists and corporate actions analysts.
Project and Change
We have seen a renewed interest in permanent opportunities, favoured over contract, in the North West. Regulatory change within MIFID and EMIR are still top of the list of requirements as we see the new regulations role out.
In addition, candidates with Finance Transformation and System Migration experience are also much sought after.
Team news
Other news on the team front, Heather Lipson and Samantha Newbound have joined the team with another incredible hire joining in June, watch this space!
The regional team are busier than ever and are currently hiring! Do you know anyone that might be looking for a move? Please get in touch!