Singapore is witnessing an abundance of candidates interested in accountancy and finance jobs as global talent continues to consider the regional hub amidst increased investment in certain industries.
According to recruiting experts Hays, this is leading to heightened competition for positions in sectors such as aviation and media.
“Some industries are seeing increasing investment as they step up efforts to consolidate their foothold in the regional hub,” says Lynne Roeder, Managing Director of Hays in Singapore. “The positive outlook of the aviation, media, advertising and medical devices sectors is set to result in a spike in hiring activity and increased interest from candidates.”
According to the latest
Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand, candidates from overseas are gravitating to Singapore since it is an established regional business centre where supply of available finance and accountancy positions are abundant.
Possibly due to economic conditions in Europe, a flow of talent has showed keen interest in relocating to Singapore and the trend is set to continue in tandem with an investment spree in fast-growing industries.
Newly created positions have whetted the appetite of global talent as they view Singapore as an ideal location for working and living. Lynne adds that fast-moving consumer goods sectors are also seeing an influx of capital with more positions created for accountancy and finance candidates.
“Singapore’s status as a place where the east meets the west is globally acknowledged,” says Lynne. “Whether they are from Australia or UK, candidates feel comfortable with the regional financial centre.”
There has already been a huge inflow of foreign talent flocking to Singapore, hoping to fill the vacancies of financiers, auditors and accountants arising from fresh investments in the South East Asian nation.
But Lynne cautions overseas candidates to moderate their optimism as the Fair Consideration Framework means opportunities for foreign talent only exist where their skills can plug real gaps in the market.
“It is cut-throat market due to the fact that there is a plethora of candidates looking to move to Singapore from overseas,” she says. “Unless they have specific skill-sets that are in high demand, most overseas candidates may find it difficult to secure jobs here.”
Given Singapore’s role as a gateway to the vast markets in South East Asia and China, employers are hunting for candidates with a grasp of multiple languages including English and Chinese Mandarin.
Traditionally, Mandarin was given priority as multinational corporations expanded their businesses in China, but as these companies expand further west, we have seen European languages being requested more and more.
“Accountancy and finance talent is commonly required to be at least bilingual as employers seek to globalise their businesses via Singapore-based operations,” says Lynne. “Those professionals fluent in various cultures in different countries will be the most sought-after by employers. Opportunities continue to abound for those who have a good command of both English and Mandarin.”
In other trends, Lynne says it’s advisable for candidates to be flexible in the market where employers are increasing temporary recruitment to help fill voids.
“Employers are taking advantage of the abundant talent pool to find those candidates with skills immediately available to help fill temporary vacancies,” Lynne says. “Candidates are also getting used to short- and medium-term assignments with reputable organisations to accumulate experience and expand their skills.”
To see the full list of skills in demand and trends for your industry, please visit
www.hays.com.sg/report
Hays is located in Singapore at Level 27, UOB Plaza 2, 80 Raffles Place, Singapore. Phone +65 6223 4535 or email
[email protected]
Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.
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For further information please contact Kerryn Celine, Senior Marketing Executive - South East Asia at Hays, on +61 2 8226 9844 or
[email protected]