Australia has recorded the highest global growth in financial services job vacancies – driven by regulatory changes and renewed investment in AI and digital transformation – while new permanent procurement and supply chain roles have increased across the country, according to new data.
In its latest Global Jobs Index, leading recruitment agency Robert Walters reveals a significant jump in Australian financial services job growth in March, sitting at 34 percent compared to a global average of 23.5 percent.
This is echoed by specialist Australian procurement and supply chain recruiter Cozens Mabel, which notes a considerable increase in new permanent roles compared to the previous two quarters, with contractor roles also rising.
The growth in the financial services sector places Australia at the top of the leaderboard, ahead of the US (+28.85 percent) and India (+22.58 percent).
Robert Walters attributes this growth to a heightened local demand for compliance, risk management and digital transformation professionals, which has been driven by recent regulatory changes and a sustained investment in digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
Permanent procurement roles at a senior level are seeing the biggest growth, according to Cozens Mabel, with many of these roles arising from confidential searches compared to public advertisements.
Contractor roles have primarily risen within the private sector, with organisations targeting candidates for specific technology-driven projects.
Interestingly, Cozens Mabel has also recorded a shift in remote work expectations in the last quarter, with Director Ilsa Cozens revealing the recruitment agency has not posted a single role that offers a 100 percent remote-working option.
Previously, 15 percent of roles over the last nine months offered complete remote-working options. However, most organisations continue to offer hybrid working, usually requiring employees to be in the office for three days per week. Ilsa notes that companies who are mandating four or five days in the office are limiting their access to talent.
Across the country, Brisbane has recorded a notable increase in procurement and supply professionals relocating to the Sunshine State, while salaries generally remain comparable across most major Australian cities.
Touching on global uncertainty and its potential impact on global job vacancy growth, Robert Walters highlights the possible downstream impacts of recent US trade tariffs.
Specifically focusing on Australia, any slowdown in global trade is predicted to affect export-heavy industries, while domestic-facing sectors are said to be well-positioned to continue hiring at a steady rate.
Hamish Winterbourn, Director of Finance at Robert Walters Australia, said Australia’s standout performance in March reflects a renewed confidence in the market and a strong start to 2025.
“With finance vacancies surging by 34 percent, we’re seeing clear momentum in hiring across key sectors, placing Australia firmly on the global stage alongside economic powerhouses like the US and India,” he said.
“In Australia, we’re seeing a strong rebound in hiring across financial services and tech, particularly as companies respond to both regulatory shifts and renewed focus on innovation. Employers have started 2025 with clearer headcount strategies, which is translating into more decisive hiring.
“The financial services and tech sectors are particularly influenced by global trends and may see increased demand for talent if global hiring remains robust.”
Ilsa said the increase in senior roles across the procurement and supply chain recruitment market is a really positive sign.
“However, a limited amount of new roles over the last 12+ months, combined with a large pool of very strong candidates at that end of the market, has made it really competitive for senior candidates looking to progress their careers,” she added.
“Clearly articulating wins and achievements is critical in demonstrating the value of procurement and supply chain functions to internal stakeholders. When it comes to your own profile, it is also something which, if done well, will make you stand out from other candidates when it comes to your next move.”
