Financial planners and analysts, senior architects, structural engineers, and actuaries are just four types of professionals in demand as Hong Kong's economy gathers momentum. This year, the economy is set to expand at the fastest pace in three years - between 3 and 4 per cent - after a 2.9 per cent expansion in 2013.

According to the latest Hays Quarterly Hotspots list of skills in demand for April to June, there is more movement in both temporary and permanent positions and the market is expected to pick up further over the year, especially in the commercial sector.

We have seen recruitment activity increase after the awarding of bonuses, and organisations have to move quickly when making their hiring decisions in order to secure top candidates.

There is continued demand for experienced accounting professionals

to join organisations regionally headquartered in the city. The greatest demand is in the retail, property and technology industries.

There is also an increasing amount of activity from Chinese financial institutions as they look to expand. They are looking for highly skilled candidates from the local market who are fluent in Cantonese, English and Mandarin.

It's not only the finance sector that is seeing growth. Architecture and design candidates in both local and international firms are also sought after, while in Hong Kong and Macau - where many large-scale hospitality projects are being constructed - demand for engineers is high.

Meanwhile, changes in financial regulations has seen a need for more actuaries in the areas of business development and distribution.

Marc Burrage, regional director of Hays in Hong Kong