#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Professionals #Accountants #TAC Profession Bank

Job Transition Trends in 2024 for Accountants and Financial Professionals

In the winter of 2024, a survey conducted by TAC Profession Bank provided significant insights into the employment mindset among accountants, tax professionals, and finance personnel. This survey was undertaken during employment seminars held in various locations, providing a comprehensive overview of job transition habits and preferences within this industry.

Survey Overview

This research utilized participation tickets and written questionnaires to gather data from attendees at three major hiring events:

• - November 30, 2024: Employment seminar in Osaka
• - December 1, 2024: Employment seminar in Tokyo
• - December 4, 2024: Employment seminar in Nagoya

From these events, out of 158 attendees, 137 completed the questionnaire, allowing for a robust analysis of the current employment landscape in finance and accounting.

Survey Demographics

Geographic Distribution

• - Kanto Region: 92 participants
• - Tokai Region: 15 participants
• - Kansai Region: 30 participants

Age Breakdown

• - Recent Graduates: 44 individuals
• - Young Professionals (excluding recent graduates): 42 individuals (ages 10-20)
• - 30s: 32 individuals
• - 40 and above: 16 individuals
• - No response: 3 individuals

Employment Status

Examining the job status:

• - Recent Graduates: 44
• - No prior job experience: 13
• - Currently employed: 45
• - Recently unemployed: 10
• - No response: 25

Current Salary Situations

Analyzing current salaries among employed participants revealed:

• - Under 3 million yen: 14
• - 3-4 million yen: 9
• - 4-5 million yen: 8
• - 5-6 million yen: 8
• - Over 6 million yen: 6

Qualification Status

The survey highlighted the following qualifications:

• - Passed at least one exam: 88 individuals
• - Passed accountant exam (written): 1
• - Passed accountant exam (multiple choice): 2
• - Experience in accountant exams: 2
• - 2nd-grade bookkeeping: 30
• - 3rd-grade bookkeeping: 6
• - No relevant qualifications: 2
• - No response: 6

Salary Expectation Trends

As with the previous year, the most common salary expectation across all survey participants was in the range of 4-5 million yen, indicating a stable outlook among finance professionals.

Employment Structure Preferences

Participants largely favored flexible work arrangements, a trend consistent with the previous year’s findings. This adaptation shows a burgeoning desire for work-life balance among prospective job seekers.

Commute Preferences

Similar to last year, the majority of respondents preferred a commuting time of 30 minutes to 1 hour. This preference reflects common concerns about work-life balance and reasonable daily travel.

Motivations for Job Transition

When it comes to motivations for changing jobs or seeking new employment, many participants expressed a focus on career planning and aspirations for the future. This inclination demonstrates a proactive attitude toward career development.

Concerns During Job Search

Several candidates indicated uncertainties surrounding the job search, particularly regarding:

• - Choosing the right job or transition timing

These areas revealed consistent concerns across all age groups, indicating a shared apprehension among professionals.

Information Desired During the Job Search

The demand for transparency among companies is rising, with notable increases in interest regarding:

• - Salary and bonuses (from 37% to 43%)
• - Time-off requests (from 30% to 37%)
• - Overtime frequency (from 23% to 30%)

This reflects a heightened focus on labor conditions and work-life balance consideration. Age demographics showed distinct preferences, with 20s interested in workplace environments, 30s focusing on career paths post-hiring, and professionals over 40 prioritizing salary and bonuses.

Requests in the Selection Process

Compared to last year's data, the request for opportunities to meet supervisors directly increased significantly (from 38% to 47%). This shift highlights a crucial need for improved insight into company culture and dynamics beyond employment ads.

Popular Social Media Platforms

Similar to previous years, the most frequently used social media platforms by participants were X and Instagram, indicating the ongoing importance of social media in professional networking.

Conclusion

The results of this survey spotlight significant trends in the hiring landscape for accountants and finance specialists. It sheds light on their aspirations, concerns, and societal shifts towards more flexible work environments, reflecting the evolving nature of the modern workforce.

For more detailed insights and the latest updates on the hiring environment for accountants, check out the official website of the TAC Career Agent: TAC Career Agent.