OFFICE SUPPORT
AND ACCOUNTING PROFILES
REACH THE TOP
OF TEMPORARY SOLUTIONS
Recruitment of interim management positions was not especially affected by the macroeconomic crisis in 2010. It is an option which provides more flexibility, and we have seen very interesting figures regarding its demand. Although companies reduced headcount at the peak of the crisis, they ended up indirectly hiring people to cover momentary needs.
Even though interim management positions are present in all sectors and jobs, the office support and accounting sectors are those which traditionally use this solution. The reasons for this are varied, but the market is constantly changing, and sometimes it becomes necessary to replace someone who is on sick or maternity leave. In addition, seasonal or short projects must also be taken into consideration.
The growing market demand for controlling accounts and collections resulted in a demand for financial profiles, such as Technical Accounts and Credit Controllers. The strengthening of sales structures and the quality of customer service encouraged the recruitment of professionals to provide back office support, like Sales Assistants, Marketing and Customer Service positions, and Administrative in general.
Due to a reduced investment in the sector, the Human Resources positions have not been very common this year. Where the need arose, organisations often choose to fill in the position temporarily using internal resources which do not imply costs in temporary contracting.
Behavioural profiling has also been under analysis in the recruitment processes in order to ensure the candidate’s integrity and suitability.
Specialisation, flexibility, and versatility are currently valued by demanding employers. This trend is more visible in technical and financial profiles which, besides their qualifications, must be familiar with foreign languages, such as English and Spanish as well as with SAP, or other software specific to each area.
The high national unemployment rate has contributed to a general idea which conveys that there are excellent profiles available in the market, ready to take on new projects. The truth is that a great percentage of unemployed candidates do not have the characteristics or the experience necessary to meet the needs of the employer. Therefore, it is difficult to find professionals who meet all requirements, who have very specific skills, which are fundamental characteristics of financial positions. These professionals are usually employed in a stable position, which explains why they are not willing to take their chances on a temporary project.
Generally speaking, the salary packages for interim management roles did not increase in 2010. Given the economic situation, companies tend to reduce wages, especially for administrative roles or less specialised profiles, except in the cases of qualified professionals who, in exchange for commitment to the project they are incorporated into, earn a more attractive salary. The variable component is a characteristic of sales positions, where it is important to reward the achievements sales objectives in order to increase productivity.
As far as recruitment trends for 2011 are concerned, there is not likely to be much change for temporary projects. As seen in 2010, Financial, Accounting, and Collecting positions should be in high demand. Furthermore, a possible wage increase will be fully depending the economic recovery, which is unlikely to happen soon.