International recruiter Randstad has seen “strong growth” in the financial sector over the past year.

The firm says the number of permanent accounting and finance roles on its books was 379% higher in April 2010 than in April 2009, and nearly at the level seen in April 2007, while permanent banking operations roles in April 2010 were 481% higher than in April 2009.

At an event celebrating the start of Randstad’s major multi-million pound UK brand-building campaign, which includes sponsorship of the AT&T Williams F1 motor racing team at Canary Wharf, Tara Ricks, managing director of Joslin Rowe Associates, said: “The market for banking operations has returned to growth mode and is becoming a candidate-driven marketplace once more on the permanent side. We are experiencing multiple offers and buy-back scenarios for the first time since 2007.

“Demand continues for part qualified accountants with financial services experience - as making the transition from another industry is very difficult in the current market. At the senior end of the market demand has shifted to a need for project managers within a change environment and candidates with internal audit experience within a bank.”