Demand for public sector finance expertise doubles

05-09-2013

This article first appeared in Public Finance on 21 August 2013.

By Mark Smulian

Accounting and finance vacancies in the NHS, local government, housing and charity sectors have doubled in the last year, a recruitment consultancy has said.

Badenoch & Clark’s July Professional talent spotlight survey found 99.5% increases in accounting and finance vacancies compared to the same period last year in these areas.

For the local government, housing and charities category there were also substantial increases in vacancies for marketing, by 45.8%, and public relations and communication, by 48.9%.

Claire Carter, associate director for housing, local government and charity said demand for finance managers was particularly strong from charities.

‘Senior hiring managers across the sector are calling for commercial finance managers with strategic management capability, skills to deliver change and growth in a commercial environment and an understanding of the unique challenges charities face,’ she said.

The NHS had a notable interest in people capable of financial modelling roles as next year’s deadline for achieving foundation trust status draws closer, Tracey Sherring, associate director for the NHS said. NHS demand was also strong for IT and project management.

In central government the greatest growth in vacancies occurred in IT and human resources and there was also interest in procurement interim managers. HR job growth was driven by demand for those who could help handle mergers and outsourcing.

Badenoch & Clark compiles the monthly survey from jobs advertised on the internet.

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