Job market sees oversupply of financial advisers


There seems to be a slight oversupply of investment professionals including financial advisers and brokers, while the demand for accountants has more than doubled in the Australian jobs market.
This is according to the latest Clarius Skills Index, which measures the supply and demand of skilled labour representing 2.6 million Australian workers.
According to the index, the demand for investment advisers, financial brokers and dealers remained "balanced" in the June quarter, with a slight oversupply of 300 professionals.
On the other hand, the demand for accountants, auditors and company secretaires has hit a two-year high and has more than doubled since the March quarter.
The June quarter index showed demand for these professionals was "very high", with a shortage of 3,800 professionals - more than double the 1,500 shortage recorded in the March quarter.
Given the subdued economic climate, the demand for financial managers has been negative, and many investment and retail banks are reducing headcount to compensate for the lower demands, according to the executive general manager of accounting and finance specialists for Lloyd Morgan, Paul Barbaro.
"While the Australian banking sector has performed well, it's still heavily reliant on international trends and therefore subject to significant pressure," he said.
"For the Australian banking community to start hiring middle and back office professionals, or 'non-revenue' generating roles, there will need to be a significant upturn in economic conditions."
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.