Robert Half has just published a list of the best job prospects for the first quarter of 2010. According to the temp and full-time recruitment specialist in Finance & Accounting and Banking & Insurance, jobs that have already seen an upturn are in:

• Corporate Finance: Consolidation Manager;
• Banking: Business Manager;
• Insurance: Inspector/Network Coordinator.

CORPORATE FINANCE – Consolidation Manager (M/F)

Bruno Fadda, Associate Director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, observed: “A key position in large groups, consolidation has benefited from new recruitment budgets following a few months of budget freeze in most of these institutions. They generally have to recruit externally as it is rare to find the right candidate through internal mobility. This trend should continue in the coming months as it is a truly strategic post for the firm.”

Role This highly specific post requires expertise in complex accounting techniques, current standards in force, dedicated IT tools and excellent visualisation and analysis skills to:

• Provide a business group with a coherent economic image.
• Collect all the financial and accounting elements provided by subsidiaries for reconciliation of all inter-group accounts. The job specifics will depends on the company (size, activity, stock market listing, group variations, international exposure…).

Profile Generalist background (business school) backed up by training in accounting (DSCG, chartered accountancy), experience in external auditing and/or in a chartered accountant practice and/or in consulting (assistance à la consolidation). Some rarer profiles have an accounting background and then move on to consolidation.

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BANKING – Business Manager for Robert Half Banking & Insurance notes: “A privileged observer and major player in local business development, the Business Manager is in charge of a substantial credit portfolio. This makes it a highly strategic position in the bank. In the present economic climate, banks are particularly vulnerable to the risk of corporate bankruptcy. Business Managers therefore walk a tightrope between promoting business development by granting credit to clients to finance their projects, while simultaneously limiting the risks that this supposes for the banking institution.”

Role SME-SMI Clients: Positioned in an SME/SMI business environment, business managers develop a corporate portfolio and advise clients on financing matters (short, medium and long term), flow and capital management, and financial engineering. Key business clients: Positioned in a corporate business environment, business managers develop a corporate portfolio and deal with national and/or international clients. They study the clients’ needs and propose adapted solutions, like specific operations or financial arrangements requiring back-up from financial experts (trade finance, structured financing, securities and guarantees, cash-management …).

Profile Higher education (business school, university) or professional training (ITB/CESB) Excellent technical and sales skills. Fluency in one or two languages is an asset in Corporate Banking.

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INSURANCE – Inspector/Network Coordinator

Mathieu Motillon, Manager of Robert Half Banking & Insurance explains: “Increased recruitment of Customer account managers and consultants has led to a need for more managers for these newly reinforced teams. The biggest insurance players are looking for Inspectors/Network Coordinators with solid managerial expertise who can make a significant contribution to their development in terms of profitability and can manage/motivate the sales teams.”

Role In an Insurance, Banking/Insurance or Complementary Insurance Company, they supervise sales staff and manage results, and train the sales teams for the different areas that the entity operates in.

Profile Business school, postgraduate degree and possibly specialisation in insurance Initial sales experience + good interpersonal skills + highly pedagogical + geographical mobility

Salary