Finance professionals facing job uncertainty


Investment advisers are in slight over-supply, with job opportunities declining in this space, according to the Clarius Skills Index.
The Clarius Skills Index for the December quarter showed there were about 900 investment advisers, financial brokers and dealers without a job, up from 700 in the September quarter.
Meanwhile, accountants and auditors are in very high demand, though the sector is feeling ‘nervous' about future job opportunity.
Executive general manager of Lloyd Morgan — a division of the Clarius Group — Paul Barbaro, said job opportunities have diminished, promotions have slowed and people were being asked to do more for less.
There is hiring activity, but it has slowed, Barbaro said.
"Accountancy and auditing is highly exposed to the vagaries of government as it relies on regulation, government programs to be funded and changes to legislation," he said. "So if governments lose momentum, job opportunity is also impacted."
Barbaro added government indecision and the long lead to the federal election are causing a ripple through the auditing world, making the sector ‘nervous'.
Recommended for you
ASIC has released the results of its first adviser exam to be held in 2025, with 241 candidates attempting the test.
Quarterly Wealth Data analysis has uncovered positive improvements in financial adviser numbers compared with losses in the prior corresponding period.
Holding portfolios that are too complex or personalised can be a detractor for acquirers of financial advice firms as they require too much effort to maintain post-acquisition.
As the financial advice profession continues to wait on further DBFO legislation, industry commentators have encouraged advisers to act now in driving practice efficiency.