Transmitted by CNW Group on : November 19, 2008 08:00
2009 Robert Half Salary Guides identify job market bright spots
Research Reveals In-Demand Accounting, Technology and Office-Support Positions
EDITOR’S NOTE: Your readers can order free copies of the 2009 Salary Guides by visiting www.rhi.com/SalaryGuides or calling (800) 803-8367
TORONTO, Nov. 19 /CNW/ – Even in the current economy, certain skill sets remain difficult to find, according to the 2009 Salary Guides from Robert Half International. The recently released guides point to modest overall salary increases for accounting, information technology (IT) and administrative roles, but highlight specialized expertise that can enhance a professional’s marketability. This includes global experience for accounting professionals 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 2.8 per cent 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:
– Analysts – Companies are seeking analysts with experience in
financial analysis, data flow analysis and project management skills
who can bring strong leadership and analytical skills to the table.
Starting salaries for management-level analysts at small/midsize
companies (up to $250 million in sales) are projected to range from
$68,250 to $91,500.
– 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
at large public accounting firms (more than $250 million in sales)
are forecast to range from $63,500 to $78,000.
– Accounting clerks – Organizations are relying on individuals who can
help reduce inefficiencies and enhance profitability by promptly
handling purchase orders and assisting with accounts payables and
receivables. Accounting Clerks are expected to see starting salaries
of $31,000 to $40,750.
2009 Hiring Outlook: Information Technology
IT unemployment remains low relative to many other occupations, driven by
the increasing complexity and proliferation of new technology and the need for
professionals to support Web 2.0 initiatives to enhance creativity,
collaboration and functionality on the Web. Overall, IT salaries are expected
to increase by 4.3 per cent 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:
– Application architect/developer – Companies will continue to invest
in a wide range of key applications that will provide them with a
competitive edge. Application architects can expect to see starting
salaries in the range of $83,250 to $107,750 in the coming year.
– Database manager – Interoperable database systems form the backbone
of many businesses, placing a premium on IT professionals who can
keep manage systems with maximum efficiency. The salary range for a
database manager is expected to be $81,500 to $116,000.
– Technical support – As companies implement a wider range of
technologies, the role of the technical support professional has
become more critical. Base compensation for Tier 2 help desk
professionals, for example, is projected to range from $41,250 to
$53,750.
2009 Hiring Outlook: Administrative and Office Support
Demand for highly skilled administrative professionals remains steady,
and starting salaries are expected to rise 3.2 per cent 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.
Following are in-demand administrative positions:
– Customer service representative – Businesses rely on these
professionals to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and
loyalty, especially key in an uncertain economy. Senior customer
service/call centre representatives are expected to see starting
salaries ranging from $35,750 to $45,250 in the coming year.
– Order entry specialist – In today’s economy, it’s imperative that
customer orders are processed quickly and accurately. Starting
salaries for senior order entry specialists are projected to range
from $31,750 to $40,000 in 2009.
– Office manager – A well managed office is critical in the current
business environment. Individuals with proven communication skills
and purchasing and facilities management experience can expect
starting salaries to range from $40,750 to $53,000.
About the 2009 Salary Guides
The new salary guides include the 2009 Salary Guide from Robert Half International for accounting and finance positions, produced by Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources; the
Robert Half Technology 2009 Salary Guide for technology professionals; and the
OfficeTeam 2009 Salary Guide for administrative positions.
Since 1950, Robert Half International has produced salary guides to offer
business owners and hiring managers information on prevailing salaries in
their geographic areas and insight into the latest employment trends.
Companies consult the annual guides to determine appropriate compensation for
all levels of accounting and finance, technology, and administrative
professionals.
Information in the guides is based on the thousands of job searches,
negotiations and placements managed each year by Robert Half’s staffing and
recruiting managers, along with the company’s ongoing surveys of chief
financial officers, chief information officers and other senior executives.
Continuing or ongoing salaries are not reported because many external factors
— such as seniority, work ethic, job performance and training — impact the
salaries of full-time professionals as work histories develop.
Robert Half International has more than 360 staffing locations worldwide
and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which
can be accessed at www.rhi.com.
/For further information: Kristie Perrotte, (416) 350-2330,
kristie.perrotte@rhi.com/
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