Banks and other major financial services companies are driving continued strong demand for financial planners, according to a report by recruitment specialist eJobs.

Its latest quarterly market commentary found overall demand for staff is up 22.4% on the December quarter.

Bank/institutional employers were the most active recruiters, “by far outstripping boutique demand for staff,” the report says.

NSW and the ACT account for around 45% of all positions sought nationally, Victoria and Tasmania about 26%, Queensland 20%, and SA and WA 10%.

The survey identifies considerable demand for administrative staff, paraplanners and financial advisers, with ads offering a broad range of salaries.

Paraplanners with one year’s experience were being offered $45-50,000, while those with four to five years’ experience were fetching $70-80,000.

“Demand for financial advisers appears to be running quite hot, although it would appear the majority of roles are with the banks and larger institutions,” the report says. “Industry funds have also been busy expanding into other states.”

Entry-level roles were advertised at $35-40,000. “These lower salaries are somewhat surprising given the training required to get someone RG146-compliant and up-and-running as an adviser.”

eJobs says the next five months will see continued industry jobs growth across all states,  despite uncertainty over future remuneration models in light of the Federal Government’s fee-for-service reforms.