You CAN still score in Q4: here are some more sought-after job sectors

Last week we wrote about three positions that are hot in the current quarter. Today we tell you about three more...

Commodities analysts

Oil, coal, energy and soft commodity analysts are in high demand due to the resources that are flowing from Australia into China and Asia, comments Caan Krsztew-Ivanow, search consultant, H Capital. "They work closely with other divisions to make sure that their organisation is getting the best benefit from the commodity boom by looking at different hedging and other financial strategies," he explains.

A financial services background isn't always essential to secure commodities positions. For example, an oil or energy analyst could come from a company like BHP Billiton or Shell. "However, all candidates should be quite specialised and have a very solid understanding of their particular market. Banks are after analysts who offer an opinion looking at short-term results, but also have their thumb on the pulse for long-term offerings," adds Krsztew-Ivanow.

These roles often involve a lot of travel and you may even eventually be relocated to the commodities hub Singapore, or to China itself.

Investment banking equity operations

There is demand for domestic equity operations candidates with at least two years' settlements experience and CHESS system knowledge, says Michael Cunningham, senior associate, Anton Murray Consulting. Due to increased ASX trading volumes, settlements teams are being worked hard and are still quite understaffed since the redundancies of 2008 and 2009. "If any team members are sick or on annual leave, the rest of them are finding it very busy and are in need of some extra support," adds Cunningham.

But hiring is hard. Good candidates within equity operations are already employed and not looking to change banks, or if they are interested in moving, they want to break into the middle office. "Especially after the poor quarter-three results from some of the global investment banks, salaries within operations are not on the increase, which also makes it hard to lure strong talent," explains Cunningham

Business analysts, global markets

With many global markets divisions planning to build more robust systems, there is strong demand for business analysts with a system-implementation background and strong product knowledge, says Stuart Jackson, manager, financial service recruitment, Hudson.

Recruitment can be challenging because of the need for professionals to have international, not just domestic knowledge. "This market has also evolved and banks are seeking business analysts who combine technology and business understanding, rather than the traditional separation," adds Jackson.