Our Top Three Accounting & Finance Jobs for the Next Year

In our 2022 Compensation & Workforce Trends Survey, employers told us that accounting and finance departments are committed to hiring new employees. In fact, 64% of those surveyed said they planned to backfill roles eliminated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, they’re willing to offer more in salary and bonuses to attract top talent—40% said they will increase sign-on bonuses.

So, what kind of accounting and finance talent is in highest demand? Based on our knowledge of the national accounting and finance job market, these are the top three positions departments and firms will be looking to fill in the coming year:

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts typically work at banks, consulting firms, mutual funds, and corporations to generate wise investment strategies and support overall financial growth and stability. They report to a supervisor or manager. Although not necessarily required, a master’s degree in business administration or finance can prove an applicant’s knowledge in the field, which might be able to substitute for any experience requirements.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Up to 2 years of experience in the finance or investment banking sectors or related field
• Familiarity with financial programs and software
• Basic understanding of principles of finance

Roles & Responsibilities

• Analyze financial data and estimate future revenues and expenditures
• Organize data into accessible reports and perform various types of analysis using key metrics such as yearly growth, return on assets, return on equity and earnings per share
• Review all non-legal pertinent information about prospective deals
• Oversee financial functions, such as assessing, auditing, planning, budgeting, taxes, consolidation, cost control and project control
• Evaluate and analyze capital expenditures, depreciation, proposals, investment opportunities, rate of return, profit plans, operating records, financial statements, etc.
• Study a company’s financial data to give advice for guiding business investments and overall financial strategy.

Base Salary by Experience: 0-2 years: $67,061, 3-10 years: $80,473, 10+ years: $92,853

Senior Accountant

Utilizing hands-on accounting experience and an in-depth understanding of accounting principles and company practices, Senior Accountants perform complex accounting activities

and financial analyses. In some instances, they are the point of contact between junior accountants and accounting managers and directors, serving to enforce and monitor compliance with company-wide accounting policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• More than three years of general accounting experience, either in a public accounting firm or in a private corporate environment
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, math, business administration, or a related field
• Master’s degree in accountancy is required in many cases
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, not always mandatory, but having one could give you an edge

Roles & Responsibilities

• Report costs, productivity, margins and expenditures for companies and organizations
• Make recommendations based on analysis and status of reserves, assets, and expenditures
• Assist with financial and tax audits
• Document and monitor internal controls in support of auditing team
• Coordinate more complex accounting projects and initiatives with other members of the accounting and finance team or with other departments

Base Salary by Experience: 0-2 years: $77,378 3-10 years: $90,790, 10+ years: $113,487

Financial Controller

The role of the Financial Controller varies with the size of the business. Controllers in small companies are mostly involved in detailed accounting tasks that are beyond the skills of the company’s bookkeepers. In midsize enterprises Financial Controller duties are likely to include project management, technology, insurance, and compliance functions. In large enterprises, Financial Controllers work with chief financial officers (CFOs), chief accounting officers (CAOs), finance managers and treasurers to control the finance and administration function.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, math, economy, or a related field
• At least 15 years of direct experience in an accounting, auditing, or finance role
• Master’s or other advanced degree is preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license can set you apart in this highly competitive field

Roles & Responsibilities

• Direct and plan the preparation of reports that summarize and forecast business activities and financial positions in areas of income, expenses and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations
• Ensure that an organization meets the necessary tax, permit and licensing requirements
• Collaborate with an executive team to establish more effective processes and controls to ensure the integrity of a company’s ledger
• Oversee all financial control activities, including the review and analysis of monthly and quarterly numbers and disclosures
• Provide executive management with accurate and comprehensive financial information to guide effective policy making and financial strategizing
• Summarize budget trends, analyzing deficiencies and reporting variances to executives
• Provide external auditors with the necessary documentation and support
• Take care of tax preparation duties or collaborate with external tax accountants for tax preparation

Base Salary by Experience: 0-2 years: $113,487, 3-10 years: $185,706, 10+ years: $257,925

Want additional insights to help you advance your accounting and finance career? Download our 2022 Accounting & Finance Career Guide now.

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