Accounting Manager Jobs
Despite layoffs and a tightening job market in various industries, corporate accounting remains a strong line of work nationwide. Not only is there continued need for corporate accountants in a variety of positions, salaries are holding steady - and even increasing in certain high-demand areas.
"The need for preparation of financial statements, financial analysis, tax and compliance are always necessary," says Kathy Downs, recruiting manager for Robert Half Finance & Accounting. "At both privately held and publicly traded companies, all parties - owners, lenders and shareholders - need to understand where they are operationally."
There are several reasons for the difficulty in finding qualified candidates. One of the main explanations is the general shortage of individuals who have earned the CPA designation. In addition, she says, "Some firms want a candidate with particular software skills, specific industry training, or who is familiar with International Financial Reporting Standards." Finding a person with the right combination of background, credentials, and technology expertise can narrow the field of qualified candidates.
Additionally, Downs notes, "In the current environment, training budgets may have been cut, so some employers are looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running. In this market environment, Downs notes, "cash is king, but for different reasons." She adds that more than ever, business owners and managers need good advice about how to manage cash, receivables and debt, as well as guidance on how to look at purchase or lease decisions. These particular needs require specialized corporate accounting professionals.
The demand for corporate accounting exists but the supply of qualified candidates with distinct skill sets is limited. "In selected areas the accounting industry is willing to pay - and even pay a premium - to find people with the right skills," says Scott Ruoti, an executive recruiter with Harmer Associates in Minneapolis, Minn. According to the 2009 Salary Guide from Robert Half International, 72 percent of CFOs surveyed reported ongoing challenges in finding skilled accounting job candidates. This supply/demand imbalance has insulated current salaries and boosted compensation in specific sub-specialties of corporate accounting.
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