BD&M Accountancy, Consultancy & Property Market Insights Q2 2018

Published on 3^rd April 2018

Q1 got off to a slow start, although job flow quickly ramped up through February and into March with a number of clients growing their teams in the consultancy, property and accountancy space. For the first time in a while, we are also beginning to see a clear split between marketing and business development roles, with the latter tending to have more of a sales focus; as opposed to the traditional internal-facing business development, especially within the accountancy sector. 

A notable trend following from 2017 to 2018 is the continued lack of talent actively in the market for new opportunities. It is still a positive time to be in the market as a candidate, with a number of candidates having multiple interviews with multiple clients for similar roles. Due to active talent being scarce, opportunities have to appeal to a passive pool of individuals to pique their interest. Reputation, brand and how the particular role will enhance their career are therefore becoming incredibly important. There is also a noticeable trend with the clients that are most successful in securing the candidates, with all tending to have three things in common; 

1. They move quickly with the interview process, even if there are 3 – 4 interviews, they are keeping the stages very close together
2. The clients are offering flexible/agile working as part of their overall package, whether it be shortened/flexible hours or allowing working from home
3. The clients are selling to the candidates in the interviews. A lot of time the candidates are now choosing roles around the relationship they have with the interviewer as opposed to just salary or progression, although it goes without saying these still play a major part.

SKILLS IN DEMAND

The last three months have also seen the rise of PR. After a number of years of having the odd role here and there, we have seen an influx from Exec level through to Director within property, accountancy and agency side. 

Consultancy has seen the continuation in recruiting Marketing specialists at all levels, with a particular influx of sector-specific Marketing Manager positions. 

Property is following in a similar fashion, seemingly keen on taking from the legal market.

The accountancy sector seems to be focusing more evidently on sales, with a number of clients recruiting BD roles which have clear financial targets set against them and are backed up by a commission structure. This sector has also seen a rise in the recruitment for strong graduates looking to start/develop a career within marketing and business development, the lack of graduates looking to make this move will be a challenge moving forward.

PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING QUARTER

Moving forward, the market indicates that it is business as usual. Inevitably, with April coming and many firms Year Ends, there will come new budgets and thus the knock-on effect of new hires being signed off for growing teams. At present, Brexit still seems to be having little effect within professional services recruitment, so it appears an extension of high job flow and candidate demands is very much on the cards.  

BD, Marketing & Communications Salaries Q2 2018*