Are you hunting for a new job, but not sure of the salary range you should expect? The 2010 Salary Guide from Robert Half features starting salary information for nearly 300 accounting and finance positions that can be customized to your geographic area using our new Salary Calculator (www.accountemps.com/SalaryCenter).

The guide also highlights hiring trends and today’s most in-demand qualifications. Following are some of the leading skills, traits and abilities that prospective employers will be looking for in job candidates:

Interpersonal abilities. Deep technical expertise is obviously highly valued in accounting and finance, but as roles have evolved far beyond the reconciliation of numbers, the emphasis on so-called “people skills” has risen. The ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to a variety of stakeholders is key. Employers also seek practitioners who can successfully collaborate and build relationships with colleagues and clients. In a recent Robert Half survey, 31 percent of chief financial officers said that when choosing between two similarly qualified candidates, people skills tip the balance over all other attributes including software knowledge and industry-specific experience.

Accreditations. Professional accreditations are essential for many positions. The certified public accountant (CPA) designation remains a top hiring criterion. The chartered accountant (CA), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified information systems auditor (CISA) are several other notable accreditations. A master’s degree in business administration (MBA) is often preferred for senior-level roles.

A global perspective. International experience continues growing in importance due to globalization. Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and foreign tax, compliance, legal and regulatory issues are highly valued, too. Multilingual candidates are attractive, particularly to firms with multinational operations.

Adaptability. The financial crisis underscored just how critical it is for organizations and their employees to respond quickly and effectively to new business situations. Now more than ever, companies want to hire versatile accounting and finance professionals who can shift gears at a moment’s notice, developing sound strategies that are in sync with changing market conditions.

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