Brokers, account managers and professional claims assessors will be in demand this year, according to the Hays “Hot Jobs” report.

“Professional accounting practices are expanding their services and growing books of business in the general insurance market and life risk,” the report says.

“This is becoming a growth area as individuals increase their life insurance cover, so the practices are looking for brokers and account managers.”

But employees should not change jobs too quickly, Hays Senior Regional Director Simon Westfield warns.

“While these skills are in hot demand, employers remain cautious about hiring candidates that appear to have moved around too often,” he said. “They are also being very specific with their requirements, being more demanding about core and soft skills.”

Companies want candidates with “a proven and stable background... employers are willing to wait to find the exact match”.

“In terms of long-term solutions, some employers are interested in candidates that can take a step up to fill a role rather than have someone more senior take a step back.”

Hays says salaries are under pressure in the finance industry but companies are offering better training and internal development to entice candidates.

“Employers will need to promote their organisations more to attract top-tier candidates,” Mr Westfield said. “They will need to lift their game with responding to all applicants, to have a good reputation as employers of choice.”