18.04.24 - In the face of multifaceted crises marked by geopolitical tensions, energy shortages, skill gaps, and economic instabilities, the strategic management of liquidity emerges as paramount for both enterprises and professionals. In uncertain times, this gives companies the financial flexibility to react quickly to changes and overcome bottlenecks. The German Language Society has appropriately named "crisis mode" as the word of the year 2023, which also emphasises the topic's urgency. The need for specialised crisis management skills is particularly evident in sectors such as mechanical engineering, the automotive industry and the chemical industry, where jobs are being cut.
Thomas Hartenfels, Senior Director South at Robert Walters, who has many years of experience in recruiting, emphasises: "In times of crisis such as these, a sound understanding of liquidity management is essential. Professionals who are able to manage cash flow and create short-term financial plans efficiently are essential for companies to overcome financial challenges."
Experts who are able to precisely analyse and monitor the financial health of a company play a crucial role. They recognise financial risks at an early stage and make it possible to take countermeasures, which is particularly valuable in uncertain times. In Germany, the number of finance specialists and managers with cash management skills increased by 84 % compared to the previous year. An increase of 27 % was observed in working capital management skills. These developments emphasise the increasing importance of these skills. They are essential to secure liquidity, fulfil financial obligations and ensure operational stability.
With an increasing number of specialists and managers enhancing their skills through further training in the financial sector, the demand for specialized roles in liquidity management, such as cash managers and treasury managers, has surged. These professionals are pivotal in ensuring companies' financial stability. Moreover, the significance of working capital analysts and cash flow planners is on the rise, given their direct responsibility for effective cash flow management and working capital optimization. Financial analysts and treasury analysts further enrich this landscape with their focused expertise in liquidity management, serving as indispensable assets in crisis management scenarios. Additionally, the essential role of business analysts in analyzing and optimizing financial strategies' impact on business processes cannot be overstated, while financial accountants guarantee the precision and integrity of financial reporting.
Despite the general economic crisis, some sectors of the economy are showing increased resilience. Hartenfels reports: "Sectors such as energy, medical technology and food, but also sustainable finance and FinTech as well as the functional areas of transformation management and risk management are characterised by their resilience in the current economic situation. We are seeing an increase in recruitment efforts and an intensified search for specialists who can contribute to the crisis resilience of companies."
Robert Walters offers professional advice and support for specialists who want to develop their careers in these challenging times. Interested parties are invited to submit their CV or view our current vacancies to advance their career in the field of liquidity management. For personalised support, please contact our consultants.
Or are you looking for suitable experts? Our consultants will be happy to help you here too. Get in touch here or submit your job description here.
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