This Year's Best Accounting Jobs

There are five especially hot jobs in the accounting field this year. For an accountant looking at a career move, one of those five might just be the job they're looking for.

By Robert Elsenpeter, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: April 29, 2007 - 10:40 PM

It's no secret that accountants love numbers. But for those accountants considering a career move, there's one number they might be especially interested in: The number five. There are five especially hot jobs in the accounting field this year. For an accountant looking at a career move, one of those five might just be the job they're looking for. And, best of all, the jobs tend not to be overly specialized.

This year the best accounting jobs are the meat and potatoes of the industry.

"Right now there are a lot of good, old-fashioned accounting jobs," says Jeff Meacham, senior account executive at Robert Half Management Resources in Bloomington. "Accounting and financial reporting are red hot right now."

Top Growth

Robert Half International identified five jobs positioned for growth, based on research from the company's 2007 Salary Guide.

"There are myriad opportunities available for experienced accounting and finance professionals in today's marketplace," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International and author of "Job Hunting For Dummies." "Those who combine functional expertise with strong strategic decision-making, communication and technology skills are in the greatest demand and often can command higher compensation."

Those jobs are:

Internal auditor: Auditors improve internal controls and meet regulatory compliance mandates. Salaries are expected to climb almost 6 percent this year.

Compliance executive: These workers help companies meet ongoing corporate governance requirements. Salaries at large companies are expected to rise 14 percent. At midsized companies salaries are expected to increase 9 percent.

Financial analyst: Analysts assist with budgeting and forecasting to identify how an organization can be more profitable. Salaries are expected to increase by between 5 and 6 percent.

Staff accountant: These accountants have at least three years of experience, including in public accounting. Salaries are expected to rise by 5 percent.

External auditors: These professionals are needed to meet rising client demand for audit services. Starting salaries are expected to rise by about 5 percent. There's also a need for accountants who understand the technical side of the business. As more data is generated, professionals are needed to manage and analyze that data, says Meacham.

"There's a huge demand for people with technical skills," says Amy Langer, a partner at SALO in Minneapolis. "The more technical a job is, the harder it is to fill." Accountants with at least three years of experience are especially in demand, notes Langer. This is due, largely, because the state changed the requirements to earn the CPA designation.

"You have to do a lot more work before sitting for your CPA," says Langer.

To Move Or Not To Move

While accounting is a hot market right now, it's important to consider whether a move is truly a good idea.

"We're seeing people with multiple offers, and when they give notice, their company is making strong counter offers," says Meacham. "Don't move for the money. Look at what you want. Money is in there, but it's never the number one motivation for people leaving. People want to be challenged and appreciated."

Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine, MN.

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