Fall in number of jobs on offer

The number of professional job vacancies tumbled 16% in July as human resources managers went on holidays and the jobs market slowed for summer.

The July 2013 Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor registered a 16% decrease in the number of new professional job opportunities from June (9,147) to July (7,681).

The number of jobs available compared to the same month last year (7,953) decreased by 3% in July 2013 (7,681).

The jobs market remains an employers’ market with professionals returning from abroad forced to fight hard to secure positions according to chief operations officer with Morgan McKinley, Karen O’Flaherty.

However, there are still some niche skills that demand premium salaries particularly in the finance and accounting sectors. Qualified accountants with very strong analytical skills in risk, stress testing, excel modelling and IT skills are in demand.

“Employers are also looking for financial analysts/accountants in the €45,000-€55,000 bracket. Restructuring at group finance level and the implementation of new systems is driving long-term contract opportunities,” said Ms Flaherty.

She added that in the funds and asset management sector, the increased compliance legislation means that project managers who can bring firms into line with new regulations can command salaries up to €100,000.

“Within funds and asset management, increased compliance and regulatory responsibilities resulting from the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive rule book is driving demand for project managers, business analysts and compliance and trustee professionals. Mid to senior level positions in this space are attracting salaries ranging from €50,000-€100,000 with a mix of permanent and contract opportunities.”