Key jobs in demand for 2024 in Australia
As part of our 2024 Salary Guide, we have compiled a list of some of the key jobs in demand in Australia this year. From conversations with hiring managers and employers, our expert recruitment teams have identified the following as popular jobs in Australia for 2024.
As a result, companies will seek to hire talent with the appropriate skills and knowledge to help them successfully navigate the landscape and harness related opportunities that arise.
Note: These roles are only from within the industries and sectors in which we have recruitment expertise - there will undoubtedly be others that are hotly in demand this year.
1. Financial Controller
Financial Controllers are responsible for preparing their company’s financial reports and analysing the data within those reports to help achieve a better understanding of costs and risks. A key aspect of this role is ensuring that the organisation’s accounting and reports are compliant, so they will work with external auditors and tax authorities. Depending on the size of the business, they may also get involved in identifying ways that technology can reduce spending and improve efficiency.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in accounting, finance or a business-related field
- Master of business administration (MBA)
- Fully qualified - CPA, CMA, CFA or CTP
- Recommended skills for success
- Business acumen
- Keeping up to date with regulations
- Strategic planning
- Leadership and team management
- Communication
- Process optimisation
- Familiarity with ERP systems
- Average salary range
- $160,000 - $240,000 per year (permanent)
2. Senior Change Manager
The role of a Senior Change Manager is instrumental in guiding organisations through significant transitions and transformations. Senior Change Managers are responsible for making sure that an organisation experiences a smooth transition of operations when they change any format; a shift of culture, the adoption of new technologies, restructuring or relocation, and digitisation.
Their purpose is to minimise the impact of any disruption on operations so that the business can continue functioning as normally as possible. With a strategic mindset and strong leadership capabilities, Senior Change Managers are crucial architects of successful organisational evolution.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in business, psychology, HR, operations
- Master of business administration (MBA)
- Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)
- Prosci Change Management Certification (CCP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
- Recommended skills for success
- Strategic thinking
- Measurement and analysis
- Project management
- Change management softwares
- Communication and Stakeholder Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Average salary range
- $160,000 - $180,000
3. Senior Analyst - Operational Risk
Senior Operational Risk Analysts evaluate their company’s processes and policies in order to identify any points that pose potential risks. Their purpose is to minimise the chance of financial loss and prevent delays in operation, all the while ensuring quality of deliverables, and identify opportunities that bring more revenue to the business. They may also get involved with safety training to ensure guidelines are understood and regulations are met for compliance.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in accounting, economics, engineering, mathematics, risk management or similar
- Recommended skills for success
- Familiarity risk management software
- Manipulation and presentation of risk data
- Communication
- Monitoring developments in risk management and regulatory practice, assessing potential impacts, and advising on changes
- Numeracy, analytical and strategy skills
- Research skills
- Gap identification
- Average salary range
- $85,000 - $110,000 per year (permanent)
4. Cyber Security Engineer
Cyber Security Engineers are responsible for protecting their company from cyber attacks and potential hacking threats by designing, developing and implementing secure network solutions. They deploy security tools to identify and resolve issues across a variety of systems and applications.
Some common tasks for this role include updating software, creating firewalls, and running encryption programs. They are crucial defenders of digital assets and provide resilience against cyber events.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in a computer-related subject
- Certified Cyber Courses such as CISSP, GCIH, CISM etc.
- Recommended skills for success
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Knowledge of various security and testing tools
- Continuous Learning and Adaptability
- Data Management
- Programming Languages (Python, SQL, Java C# ETC.)
- Big Data
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Risk Management
- Average salary range
- $130,000 - $190,000
5. Strategy Analyst
Strategy Analysts identify an organisation’s strengths, weaknesses and operational effectiveness to navigate the business challenges. They carry out in-depth market research, evaluate the competitive environment, and monitor industry trends. Their vital insights help guide strategic decision-making and allow them to pinpoint where there are opportunities for improvement and optimisation.
Strategy Analysts help develop and carry out initiatives that promote the organisation's long-term performance and sustainability by combining their analytical skills with strategic thinking.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in business or related field
- Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Strategy or Economics
- Certified Strategy Professional (CSP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- Some years’ experience in business administration, management consulting or strategic planning
- Recommended skills for success
- Understanding of business operations and procedures
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills
- Strategic thinking
- Research and competitive analysis
- Project management
- Leadership
- Average salary range
- $110,000 - $140,000
Visit our 2024 Salary Guide to view salary information about a wide range of roles in Australia.
