The recently released guides point to modest overall salary increases for accounting, information technology and administrative roles, but highlight specialized expertise that can enhance a professional’s marketability. This includes account reconciliation and credit/collections experience for accountants and web development skills for IT professionals.

"Companies highly value employees who can identify cost efficiencies, develop long-range business strategies and maximize the use of technology," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "Adding to the competition for those with specialized skills is a growing reluctance on the part of many professionals to leave secure employment situations in an unpredictable economy. This has made it a challenge for hiring managers to attract these workers."

2009 Hiring Outlook: Accounting and Finance

Overall, the 2009 research forecasts a salary increase of 3.4 percent for finance and accounting staff. Companies are showing the most interest in professionals who can help their firms reduce inefficiencies and enhance profitability. Those who are familiar with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) also are marketable.

Following are three in-demand finance and accounting positions:

• Staff and senior accountants – Companies are hiring accountants to oversee core duties such as maintaining the general ledger, performing account analysis and reconciliation, correcting journal entries, and performing the monthly close. Demand is strong for CPAs with at least three years of experience. Starting salaries for staff accountants at large companies (more than $250 million in sales) who have one to three years of experience, for example, are projected to range from $44,500 to $57,250.
• Public accountants – Public accounting firms continue to look for highly skilled professionals to help clients address fundamental accounting, tax and audit issues. Firms seek experienced accountants who can help offset an anticipated acceleration in baby boomer retirements in coming years. Starting salaries for senior accountants in tax services at small public accounting firms (less than $25 million in sales) are forecast to   range from $54,000 to $69,250.
• Credit and collections specialists – The current credit crunch has made companies even more cognizant of the critical role of the credit and collections functions in managing credit risk and collecting from delinquent accounts. Organizations are hiring professionals who can help reduce inefficiencies and enhance profitability. Credit and collections clerks at midsize companies ($25 million to $250 million in sales) are expected to see starting salaries of $29,250 to $37,500. 

2009 Hiring Outlook: Information Technology

IT unemployment remains low relative to many other occupations, driven by the proliferation of new technology and the need for professionals to support Web 2.0 initiatives to foster information sharing and enable access to applications stored on web servers. Overall, IT salaries are expected to increase by 3.7 percent next year. A smaller pool of highly skilled candidates for technology positions, coupled with fewer college graduates with IT-related degrees, is making it difficult for employers to hire and retain individuals within many specialties.

Following are three in-demand IT positions:

• Web developers – The rise of social media and the expansion of companies’ online presence, Web 2.0 initiatives and interactive web functionality have fueled further growth in Internet technologies, creating a strong demand for web developers. These professionals can expect to see starting salaries in the range of $60,000 to $89,750 in the coming year.
• Programmer analysts – IT professionals with skills such as .NET, SharePoint, Java and PHP are at a premium across companies in all industries, including healthcare, finance and manufacturing. These workers are needed to write code, test and debug software applications, and analyze business application requirements for functional areas across the organization. The salary range for a programmer analyst is expected to be $60,000 to $100,750.
• Help desk professionals – Companies are implementing a wider range of technologies, migrating from older operating systems and upgrading desktop systems. This is contributing to the demand for professionals who can troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Base compensation for Tier 2 help desk professionals, for example, is projected to range from $36,750 to $48,250.

2009 Hiring Outlook: Administrative and Office Support

Demand for highly skilled administra­tive professionals remains steady, and starting salaries are expected to rise 2.6 percent in 2009. As the role of office support professionals continues to expand, businesses can be expected to offer moderately higher compensation for the most skilled individuals in certain positions. Applicants with industry experience, technical aptitude, multilingual abilities and professional certifications are highly sought.