Jobs Market for Financial Professionals Buoyant in Asia
The total number of job advertisements for financial professional positions in Asia grew by 22% in the first quarter of 2015 from a year ago reports Robert Walters, as overall business confidence improved and the competition for professionals continued to intensify across the region.
The international recruitment consultancy’s quarterly Asia Job Index tracks job advertising volumes for professional positions across the leading job boards and national newspapers in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
While the jobs market in the region overall was strong, in Hong Kong cautious market sentiment led to modest growth in the opening months of 2015.
“We observed a strong level of hiring activity in the first half of 2014, and recruitment activity in Q115 had remained relatively steady compared to the same time last year,” said Matthew Bennett, managing director – Greater China, Robert Walters. “Looking ahead, we expect to see an uplift in hiring activity in Q2 as bonuses are being paid out and the holiday season comes to an end.
“However, the market will remain cautious as the transition of the Chinese economy and uncertainties in the European markets continue. This will affect the city’s manufacturing and trade industries, as seen from the decrease in job advertising in the merchandising and operations functions in Q1.
“As companies continue to focus on managing costs and increasing profits, we will see more opportunities for accounting and finance professionals who can identify areas for cost-saving, as well as strong sales professionals who can help to grow revenue.”
The full Robert Walters Asia Job Index for Q115 can be accessed
here
.