As published in the latest edition of our annual Salary Survey, the demand for qualified accountants and high performing junior finance specialists will be high in 2019.

Kevin Blockx, Manager at Walters People Finance, briefly outlines what to expect in the temporary financial recruitment market and what salary expectations are for 2019.

How did you experience the demand for finance professionals in the past year?

Kevin: “Companies felt confident to hire in 2018 as a result of a good economic situation in Belgium. As such, a candidate shortage was inevitable and in a number of cases candidates were receiving offers from multiple companies. Qualified accountants with a bachelors degree were in high demand and even high performing junior candidates with less experience were sought after.

Where previously clients were focused on securing candidates with relevant qualifications such as a bachelor/master degree in finance, insurance or risk, we’ve seen that they are now open to other types of candidates as they invest more in internal training procedures.”

Which finance roles were the highest in demand in 2018?

“While we witnessed a high demand for all types of finances roles throughout 2018, profiles that stood out were general ledger accountants, financial controllers and cash collectors.”

While the perfect profile might exist, it is always a good idea to think out-side the box, starting from personal skills and competencies and offer candidates the possibility to grow in their job and learn.

How do you think the financial recruitment market will evolve in the coming months?

“With increased investments in automation and specialisation - especially in multinational companies - we expect that the trend of a decrease in operational financial and accounting positions will continue, but demand for general ledger, controlling and collection specialists will keep rising.

In addition, we anticipate hiring managers will struggle to hire mid-level interim professionals as budgets continue to be tightened. As a result, temps who have been on long-term contracts will start to receive temp-to-perm contracts.”

What advice would you give hiring managers looking to recruit in 2019?

“For 2019, we advise hiring managers to keep their recruitment procedures short and to be clear in what they have to offer. While the perfect profile might exist, it is always a good idea to think out-side the box, starting from personal skills and competencies and offer candidates the possibility to grow in their job and learn.”

Find out more?

Request a free copy of the Walters People Salary Survey or contact our team of consultants today.