Robert Half and Accountemps are the full-time and temporary placement divisions, respectively, of Robert Half International Inc., a staffing firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology. The annual salary survey is based on an analysis of the thousands of job orders managed by the company's U.S. offices.

"Accounting and finance professionals are moving beyond the traditional audit and reporting functions to play a greater role in such areas as evaluating overall company strategy and overseeing business process re-engineering efforts. Consequently, demand for their expertise remains solid," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. He added that an increasingly competitive market for skilled talent is also fueling the rise in starting salaries at all levels.

Salary Guide research indicates that unprecedented demand for technology skills is ongoing. "Accountants are working with information systems staff on projects ranging from financial systems conversions to e-commerce initiatives, which makes information technology skills imperative," Messmer said. He noted that hiring managers also seek accountants who possess a combination of analytical skills, business acumen, and strengths in leadership and communication.

Public vs. Corporate Accounting
Starting salaries at large public accounting firms (defined in the Salary Guide as those with more than $250 million in sales) are expected to increase by an average of 4.8 percent in 2000. Managers and directors are in particularly strong demand and should see an 8.4 percent rise in base compensation. Notable salary growth is also expected at small public accounting firms (those with up to $25 million in sales), where first-year accountants will see a 5.8 percent increase in average base compensation in 2000.

In corporate accounting, managers at medium-sized companies (those with sales of $25 million to $250 million) will experience a 6.9 percent rise in average starting salaries, according to the guide. Senior financial, budget and cost analysts at large firms will see an increase in base compensation of 7.6 percent.

Fastest-Growing Starting Salaries
Accounts payable managers at medium-sized firms are expected to see the largest percentage increase in starting salaries of any single job classification, with base compensation forecast to rise by 14.1 percent to a range of $32,000 to $45,000 per year. Accounts payable managers at large firms should see a 9.4 percent gain, to between $37,250 and $47,000 annually.

"In today's robust economy, many companies are experiencing an influx of new customers, creating a significant demand for accounts payable and accounts receivable professionals. This is greatly impacting average starting salaries within these specialties," Messmer said.

Starting compensation for payroll managers at large companies is expected to increase 10.7 percent in 2000, while payroll clerks at large firms will see a 10.2 percent increase in average starting salaries, according to the guide.

Other key findings in the 2000 Robert Half and Accountemps Salary Guide:

• Payroll clerks at small firms will see starting salaries increase by 8.9 percent. Base compensation will range from $24,250 to $27,500 annually.
• Chief financial officers and treasurers at firms with $50 million to $100 million in revenues will see a 7.6 percent increase in average salaries. Base compensation will range from $88,000 to $113,000 annually.
• Also seeing a 7.6 percent increase in salaries over 1999 are public accountants with one to three years of experience at large firms, bringing them into the range of $37,500 to $44,250.
• Controllers for companies generating up to $10 million in sales will see a 7.3 percent increase in base compensation in 2000, bringing starting salaries to the range of $52,000 to $69,000 annually.
• Senior analysts at companies with $25 million to $250 million in sales will make starting salaries in the range of $42,000 to $50,500 -- up 6.6 percent from 1999.

Demand for accounting and finance professionals is expected to be particularly strong in such industries as high technology, business and financial services, manufacturing, insurance and construction. However, hiring activity varies significantly based on geographic region.

Information in the Salary Guide is derived from the thousands of job searches, negotiations and placements conducted each year by Robert Half recruiting managers. Continuing or ongoing salaries are not reported because too many external factors -- such as seniority, work ethic, job performance and training -- impact the salaries of full-time employees as work histories develop.

Robert Half International has more than 250 offices in the United States, Canada and Europe, and offers online job search services at www.rhii.com.