Recruitment specialists Hays has published the October Quarterly Report, finding a number of hotspots in public sector labour demand.

 

Human resources

Hays’ report found increasing demand for occupational health and safety (OHS) advisors, consultants and managers as well as case managers after the Federal Government has moved to introduce the national OHS harmonisation legislation.

 

Change Managers are also in demand as new financial year budgets equate to new projects and initiatives being deployed that had previously been postponed.

 

The report finds that employers are aware that candidates in the field are in short supply, and have thus become more flexible in their expectations. They are willing to accept candidates with a HR Generalist background who can pick up the role quickly with training and guidance.

 

The report concludes that public sector employers are seeking candidates on a short-term basis and then providing them with the opportunity to apply permanently. This allows employers to assess a candidate in the role before offering them a permanent role.

 

More information can be found here

 

Accountancy and finance

The report found that several hotspots exist of demand for accountancy and finance in the public sector. The report finds that management accountants, cost accountants and financial analysts are needed to manage and deliver budgeting processes.

 

“Business Analysts are in demand since there has been a major change to funding streams for some not-for-profit businesses (mainly disability). This means organisations are required to analyse all costs of producing outputs and services in order to gain more funding. Therefore activity-based costing experts are needed,” the report finds.

 

The report concludes that strong technical financial accountants continue to enjoy increased demand. Senior finance manages with a strong focus on change management are also enjoying increased demand.

 

The report found that entry level payroll and reconciliations clerks are in high demand.

 

The report concludes that strong demand from the public sector, particularly from Western Australia, was at risk of generating a skills shortage in the public sector financial services area.

 

More information can be found here

 

Office support

The report found that professionals with experience in TRIM, SAP and advanced Microsoft suite skills are enjoying increased demand. Candidates with experience in executive assistance in government are also in demand, while professionals with records management professionals also recording increased demand

 

The report found that permanent redundancies, annual leave cover, restructuring and executive assistants moving with directors have created a demand for temporary support and secondments.

“Employers are utilising employee referrals and recruitment agencies to attract talent. They are also considering candidates with up to 95 per cent of the skill base sought in order to overcome shortages and secure a professional who can hit the ground running. Some employers are also becoming more flexible in relation to systems experience and will look at a candidate's cultural fit and personality to determine potential suitability,” the report found.

 

More information can be found here

 

Information technology

The report found that demand for helpdesk and desktop support candidates will remain strong since various projects are being undertaken and the departure of existing staff creates continuous replacement needs. In addition, many organisations have identified the need to increase headcount to improve their level of customer service.

 

The report found that professionals experienced in Windows 7 assistence are in strong demand as government departments begin to transition from Windows XP to Windows 7.

 

iPads are being implemented as a new tool to aid public sector staff, which is fuelling demands for the appropriate staff.

 

“Project Managers and Business Analysts are sought to lead new projects and focus on process improvement and cost efficiency across government. Senior Infrastructure Project Managers are also sought as Cenitex continues to expand, while Client Engagement and Account Managers are needed to build strong partnerships between government departments and Cenitex,” the report found.

 

More information can be found here

 

 

The full report can be found here