Zurich

Demand for specialists in tax, risk, compliance and supply chain anticipated in 2012

Although the outlook for the Swiss recruitment market is cautious, steady demand for professionals in key specialist areas should make the 2012 market relatively dynamic, according to the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey, released today.

The Survey reveals that despite the uncertainty surrounding the Eurozone financial crisis, recruitment in 2011 was steady across several sectors with some professionals in strong demand. This was particularly evident for internal auditors, controllers, tax specialists, risk, compliance and supply chain and procurement professionals. However in spite of this demand, overall salaries are not predicted to increase in 2012 outside of supply chain and procurement, where professionals can expect to see moderate salary increases of between 5 – 10%.  

Guy de Brabois, Country Manager of Robert Walters - , comments:

“Although many organisations remain cautious, we expect increases in hiring activity to continue in early 2012; however, recruitment processes are likely to remain drawn out. Although our Survey shows salaries will remained stagnant for most, some professionals with specialist skill sets may see salary increases of between 5 – 10% in 2012.”

“Competition for more generalist positions will be greater in 2012 and candidates will need to show exceptional drive, ambition and flexibility at interviews in order to secure a new position.”

For more information or to view the full report please contact:

Guy de Brabois, Country Manager
Tel: +41 (0) 44 809 35 00
Email: guy.debrabois@robertwalters.com

Jennifer Mertens, Marketing Manager
Tel: +33 (0) 1 40 67 88 00
Email: jennifer.mertens@robertwalters.com

Robert Walters is one of the leading international recruitment consultancies, with a network of 47 offices spanning 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Continental Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, South Africa and South America.

About the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey

Now in its 13^th year, the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey provides an in-depth analysis of salaries earned around the world by both permanent and contract workers across a wide range of sectors: banking, accounting & finance, legal, compliance, IT and commerce & industry. It also provides an insight into recruitment trends in these areas.

A full copy of the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey can be downloaded from: www.robertwalters.ch/salarysurvey

Robert Walters Global Salary Survey – Key Findings

Banking & Financial Services

Key themes in the 2011 recruitment market

• There was strong demand for investment professionals due to intense competition in private banking with product structurers, traders, buy side analysts and asset managers recruited
• In investment banking, hiring levels were low on the capital market side but remained relatively high for corporate banking roles
• Recruitment activity fell in quarter four however demand for compliance, audit and credit professionals continued

Accounting & Finance

Key themes in the 2011 recruitment market

• Finance recruitment activity was strong in 2011 for both SMEs and multinationals
• Internal auditors and internal controllers were in demand by multinationals and multilingual professionals with experience implementing compliance and risk processes were sought for these roles
• Salaries rose for controllers and chief accountants with knowledge of local regulations

Supply Chain & Procurement

Key themes in the 2011 recruitment market

• Many large organisations relocated their procurement functions to resulting in significant recruitment activity
• Strategic and technical buyers, planning specialists and senior procurement professionals were in particular demand