Major companies trying to keep up with the exploding demand for financial workers are lavishing plump paychecks and tempting perks on college students seen as the next generation of auditors, bookkeepers and tax experts, the Washington Post said in a report Friday ["Graduating With a CP-Yay"].

The supply of accountants dropped off in the late 1990s as high-tech professions grew more popular.

Driven by increased scrutiny of public companies coupled with the impending retirement of thousands of baby boomers, the push is to begin recruiting college sophomore hopefuls -- top seniors are already long ago lined up, the report said. Some firms are reaching into high schools for interns.

In the Washington region, entry-level salaries have risen 10 to 20 percent a year for the past four years, now standing typically at $58,000 to $70,000 a year.

See also:

• Salary Survey Results: The CPA Difference
• Salary Survey: Get Certified to Earn More
• Rising Workloads Drive Accountant Hiring