The accounting and finance industries have long been a hotbed for intense competition for qualified candidates. And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting an expected growth of 10% by 2026 for all financial occupations (that’s 773,800 new jobs), this theme will continue for the years to come.
While the current coronavirus outbreak has certainly sent ripples through every single industry worldwide, organizations will still be scrambling to acquire leading accounting and finance professionals when the dust settles (sooner rather than later, hopefully).
Below, we’ll cover five of the most in-demand finance and accounting jobs for which business can expect to have stiff competition.
Financial Managers
These highly sought after professionals are the backbone for the financial health of the organizations they serve. Among their many critical responsibilities, financial managers often produce financial reports, direct investment activities, perform data analysis and develop and implement strategies for the long-term financial goals of their company. And it sure is a good time to be one.
Average Salary: $69,806 as of March 27, 2020, though these numbers easily eclipse $125,000 based on experience level.
10-Year Projected Growth: 19% (well above the 7% national average)
Accountant
Accountants perform a nearly innumerable list of essential duties for their organizations. Some general examples are documenting financial transactions, recommending financial actions by analyzing accounting options, and reporting the organization’s finances to management and offering suggestions about resource utilization, tax strategies and assumptions underlying budget forecasts (to name a few). Great accountants score high in self-motivation, organizational skills, time management, integrity, and communication and interpersonal skills.
Average Salary: $56,975 as of March 28, 2020.
10-Year Projected Growth: 10%
Financial Analyst
These aptly-named professionals provide extraordinary value to their employers by expertly analyzing financial data and recommending actions to improve the overall financial status. Some of the common duties include performing cost analysis, establishing and enforcing policies and procedures, maintaining databases, and improving financial status by analyzing results, monitoring variances and identifying trends. Financial analysts should score high in decision making, communication, computer, and detail-oriented skills.
Average Salary: $73,073 as of March 28, 2020.
10-Year Projected Growth: 11%
Controller
Job responsibilities for controllers typically include guiding financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures. They are also often tasked with protecting company assets by, again, establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls. These professionals are typically extremely skilled and well-experienced; organizations will have to expertly court them to differentiate themselves from a wealth of competitors.
Average Salary: $94, 695 as of March 27, 2020.
10-Year Projected Growth: 15%
Senior Tax Accountant
These experienced tax accountants perform complex tax preparation, tax research, and tax planning for individuals, partnerships, trusts, businesses, and other organizations. These professionals are typically well-versed in corporate finance, legal compliance, strategic planning, and possess strong analytical and reporting skills.
Average Salary: $78, 434 as of March 28, 2020.
10-Year Projected Growth: 13%
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