Key jobs in demand for 2024 in the UK
As part of our 2024 Salary Guide, we have compiled a list of some of the key jobs in demand in the UK this year.
From conversations with hiring managers and employers, our expert recruitment teams have identified the following as popular jobs in the UK 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. Credit Risk Manager
Credit Risk Managers play a critical role in risk management by assessing and identifying credit risk. They are responsible for evaluating the financial health and creditworthiness of potential borrowers, setting credit limits, and monitoring the creditworthiness of existing borrowers. Credit Risk Managers also develop and implement strategies to mitigate credit risk, such as collateralization requirements and credit insurance.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in Business Administration, specialising in Finance
- Certifications such as CRC, FRM, PRM, CCRA, and CPA
- Professional experience in Finance and Accounting
- Recommended skills for success
- Analytical skills and an eye for detail
- Strong financial modelling skills
- Risk management expertise
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Industry knowledge
- Continuous learning and development
- Average salary range (per month)
- £80,000 - £110,000
2. Financial Accountant
Financial Accountants play a crucial role in any organisation by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of its financial information. They handle organisational finances, meticulously recording transactions, crafting accurate reports, and analysing data to inform strategic decisions. They ensure compliance, prevent errors, and provide crucial insights for the organization's financial health and success. From reconciling accounts to preparing tax returns, their meticulous work underpins financial stability and fuels informed decision-making.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field:
- Certifications such as CPA, CGMA, CMA, CFA
- Recommended skills for success
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Proficient in accounting software and financial analysis tools
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of accounting principles and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
- Average salary range
- £55,000 - £60,000
3. Data Analyst
Data Analysts extract meaningful insights from vast data sets, identifying hidden trends and uncovering valuable correlations that guide strategic business decisions. They utilise various statistical techniques and data visualisation tools to analyse data sets. Data analysts help organisations make informed decisions based on evidence acquired through meticulous analysis of data.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in computer science, statistics, engineering or mathematics
- Data Analyst certifications; CAP, CCADA, GCP Data Engineer Certification
- Recommended skills for success
- SQL
- Programming Languages- Python, R
- Communication
- Data Visualisation
- Cloud computing
- Data Analysis
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Average salary range
- £40,000 - £75,000+
4. Business Analyst
Business Analysts, sometimes known as Business Architects or Enterprise Analysts, contribute towards managing change within an organisation and create solutions that help them plan for the future to ensure business goals are met. Whether it’s for one specific project (a contract role) or as a permanent function in the business, a business analyst’s responsibilities are primarily achieved through the analysis of data, and the assessment of both processes and systems.
- Academic Degrees and Certifications
- Degree in business information systems, business computing systems or an IT-related subject
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Strategic Business Management
- Recommended skills for success
- Deep understanding of the business and the sector in which it operates
- Internal and external communication
- Data modelling
- Stakeholder management
- Excellent analytical skills
- Project management experience
- Average salary range
- £65,000 - £85,000
5. 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
- £65,000 -£75,000
Visit our 2024 Salary Guide to view salary information about a wider range of roles in the UK.
