Finance and accounting staffing firm
As the economy continues to improve, college graduates with specialized skills in accounting and finance will find they have an advantage in their job search, the firm noted. Each of the positions that made the list is an essential function for all corporations or a growth area due to regulatory reform.
1. Financial Analyst
Median annual salary: $49,700-$51,000; with MBA: $55,000
Why it’s in demand: Financial analysts are always in demand by investment banks, insurance companies and companies that prepare pension and mutual funds. Jobs for financial analysts will continue to grow as individual and business investment continuously expand. Public companies across growth industries including professional and business services need financial analysts for forecasting, preparing quarterly reviews and SEC documents. Additionally, the growing international economy will drive demand for advisors and analysts who understand the complex environment.
Ideal background: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in finance.
2. Accountant
Median annual salary: $45,000 - $55,000
Why it’s in demand: Because accounting regulations are getting more complex and the economy continues to fluctuate, accountants and CPAs are in high demand. Accounting is a back-office function companies cannot live without and therefore is an in-demand field in both a strong and weak economy. As the economy improves, many mid-level accountants are making the move to industry (ie. in-house positions), leaving large accounting firms starved for talent and looking to hire at the entry level.
Ideal background: Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting
3. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
Median annual salary: $34,600 - $35,200
Why it’s in demand: Accounts payable clerks are essential to all companies because they provide the support that ensures administrative and financial operations function effectively, accurately and efficiently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is expected to grow 14 percent from 2010 to 2020. As financial regulations become stricter, there will be greater demand for these workers to maintain books and provide accounting services.
Ideal background: High school diploma. Bachelor’s degree not required.
4. Auditor
Median annual salary: $50,000- $55,000
Why it’s in demand: With the onslaught of congressional regulatory compliance standards including Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act, the need and importance for auditors has skyrocketed, resulting in a steady demand for this position. Regardless of the economic conditions, auditors are needed to provide guidance, direction and counseling in the operation and development of products, companies and market sectors.
Ideal background: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Continued education to obtain a CIA (certified internal auditor) certification will allow candidates to command better pay.
5. Credit Analyst
Median annual salary: $44,700 - $46,000
Why it’s in demand: Economic uncertainty is causing companies to continue to be wary of lending. Companies are looking for individuals who are able to assess the credit worthiness of a company or individual and advise a team of bankers or relationship managers.
Ideal background: Bachelor’s degree in finance.
6. Mortgage Underwriter
Median annual salary: $50,000- $53,000
Why it’s in demand: After the mortgage crisis, the S.A.F.E Act was signed into law in 2008 to protect consumers and help to establish a minimum set of standards for the licensing and registration of state-licensed mortgage loan originators. This new law has created a huge demand for these professionals.
Ideal background: Bachelor’s degree in finance.
Finance and accounting staffing firm Accounting Principals has developed a list of the entry-level finance and accounting positions that are most in demand.
As the economy continues to improve, college graduates with specialized skills in accounting and finance will find they have an advantage in their job search, the firm noted. Each of the positions that made the list is an essential function for all corporations or a growth area due to regulatory reform.
1. Financial Analyst
Median annual salary: $49,700-$51,000; with MBA: $55,000
Why it’s in demand: Financial analysts are always in demand by investment banks, insurance companies and companies that prepare pension and mutual funds. Jobs for financial analysts will continue to grow as individual and business investment continuously expand. Public companies across growth industries including professional and business services need financial analysts for forecasting, preparing quarterly reviews and SEC documents. Additionally, the growing international economy will drive demand for advisors and analysts who understand the complex environment.
Ideal background: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in finance.
2. Accountant
Median annual salary: $45,000 - $55,000
Why it’s in demand: Because accounting regulations are getting more complex and the economy continues to fluctuate, accountants and CPAs are in high demand. Accounting is a back-office function companies cannot live without and therefore is an in-demand field in both a strong and weak economy. As the economy improves, many mid-level accountants are making the move to industry (ie. in-house positions), leaving large accounting firms starved for talent and looking to hire at the entry level.
Ideal background: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in accounting
3. Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
Median annual salary: $34,600 - $35,200
Why it’s in demand: Accounts payable clerks are essential to all companies because they provide the support that ensures administrative and financial operations function effectively, accurately and efficiently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is expected to grow 14 percent from 2010 to 2020. As financial regulations become stricter, there will be greater demand for these workers to maintain books and provide accounting services.
Ideal background: High school diploma. Bachelor’s degree not required.
4. Auditor
Median annual salary: $50,000- $55,000
Why it’s in demand: With the onslaught of congressional regulatory compliance standards including Sarbanes-Oxley and the Dodd-Frank Act, the need and importance for auditors has skyrocketed, resulting in a steady demand for this position. Regardless of the economic conditions, auditors are needed to provide guidance, direction and counseling in the operation and development of products, companies and market sectors.
Ideal background: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Continued education to obtain a CIA (certified internal auditor) certification will allow candidates to command better pay.
5. Credit Analyst
Median annual salary: $44,700 - $46,000
Why it’s in demand: Economic uncertainty is causing companies to continue to be wary of lending. Companies are looking for individuals who are able to assess the credit worthiness of a company or individual and advise a team of bankers or relationship managers.
Ideal background: Bachelor’s degree in finance.
6. Mortgage Underwriter
Median annual salary: $50,000- $53,000
Why it’s in demand: After the mortgage crisis, the S.A.F.E Act was signed into law in 2008 to protect consumers and help to establish a minimum set of standards for the licensing and registration of state-licensed mortgage loan originators. This new law has created a huge demand for these professionals.
Ideal background: Bachelor’s degree in finance.
