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Demand for finance specialists doubles year on year

The number of vacancies for professionals in the Midlands rose by 19% compared to the same time last year, a new report reveals.

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Demand for finance professionals in particular saw the largest increase, with the number of vacancies doubling compared to August 2016.

The latest Birmingham Jobs Index from professional recruitment firm Robert Walters, which tracks the number of jobs available and candidates seeking jobs in the Midlands month-by-month, has revealed that demand for professionals rose by 19% in August 2017, compared to the same time last year.

Chris Poole, managing director of Robert Walters Manchester, said: “Birmingham has enjoyed high levels of hiring activity throughout 2017, with local firms looking to grow despite a degree of economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit.”

“Local startups have been a significant source of demand for professionals, with the tech sector in particular seeing strong growth. Outside of this, manufacturing and construction businesses have been active, with investment into local infrastructure projects helping to spur these industries.”

Finance professionals saw the greatest increase in demand for their skills, with the number of vacancies doubling compared to August last year.

Chris Poole added: “Finance specialists are highly sought after in the Midlands, with demand coming from two major sources. The tech startup businesses community in Birmingham includes a significant number of ecommerce and fintech firms, where finance specialists are highly sought after.”

“In addition, shared service centres in the Midlands are an ongoing source of demand for finance professionals to fill mid and back office function. Those specialising in risk, compliance and other regulatory related disciplines have enjoyed particularly high demand for their skills as banks and financial services firms adapt to high pressure from regulators.”