"Due to promotions of staff accountants who move into managerial positions after receiving a number of years of experience," Adams explained, "there are more openings for non-managerial positions."

Adams predicts that accounting salaries will continue to increase while Information Technology salaries begin to level.

"Salaries for IT workers have been inflated coming out of school," he explained. "As more people with technology skills enter the market the demand will decrease," which will give "accounting salaries a little bit of time to catch up to IT salaries."

Also, the gap between accounting and IT will shrink due to increased communication between the two fields, as employees with computer-related experience -- virtually a requirement now in the accounting industry -- continue to enter the work force, said Adams.

According to AOC's 2001 Salary Guide, salaries for staff accountants in public accounting, which vary according to both region and size of company, average between $27,000 and $50,000.

Other hiring trends in 2001, predicts Adams, include a steady amount of contract and temporary business as employers hesitate to commit to hiring full-time employees due to a slowing economy.

"We'll see regular hiring continue to be pretty strong," Adams noted, "but not as robust as the last couple of years."

Adams added that the best strategy for both employers and jobseekers is to "use your referral network, such as friends and relatives." For recruiting, the best publicity is "happy employees."

-- By Niquette M. Kelcher

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