{"id":2650,"date":"2009-11-12T14:24:00","date_gmt":"2009-11-12T14:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/hr-advice\/2009-robert-half-salary-guides-identify-job-market-bright-spots\/"},"modified":"2024-05-09T20:23:53","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T03:23:53","slug":"2009-robert-half-salary-guides-identify-job-market-bright-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/2009-robert-half-salary-guides-identify-job-market-bright-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"2009 Robert Half Salary Guides identify job market bright spots"},"content":{"rendered":"

Transmitted by CNW Group on : November 19, 2008 08:00
\n2009 Robert Half Salary Guides identify job market bright spots<\/strong>
\nResearch Reveals In-Demand Accounting, Technology and Office-Support Positions<\/p>\n

EDITOR’S NOTE:<\/strong> Your readers can order free copies of the 2009 Salary Guides by visiting www.rhi.com\/SalaryGuides<\/a> or calling (800) 803-8367<\/p>\n

\"RHFA_logo_120x40\" 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.
\nCompanies 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”<\/p>\n

2009 Hiring Outlook: Accounting and Finance<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Following are three in-demand finance and accounting positions:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Analysts<\/strong> – Companies are seeking analysts with experience in
\nfinancial analysis, data flow analysis and project management skills
\nwho can bring strong leadership and analytical skills to the table.
\nStarting salaries for management-level analysts at small\/midsize
\ncompanies (up to $250 million in sales) are projected to range from
\n$68,250 to $91,500.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Public accountants<\/strong> – Public accounting firms continue to look for
\nhighly skilled professionals to help clients address fundamental
\naccounting, tax and audit issues. Firms seek experienced accountants
\nwho can help offset an anticipated acceleration in baby boomer
\nretirements in coming years. Starting salaries for senior accountants
\nat large public accounting firms (more than $250 million in sales)
\nare forecast to range from $63,500 to $78,000.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Accounting clerks<\/strong> – Organizations are relying on individuals who can
\nhelp reduce inefficiencies and enhance profitability by promptly
\nhandling purchase orders and assisting with accounts payables and
\nreceivables. Accounting Clerks are expected to see starting salaries
\nof $31,000 to $40,750.<\/p>\n

2009 Hiring Outlook: Information Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n

IT unemployment remains low relative to many other occupations, driven by
\nthe increasing complexity and proliferation of new technology and the need for
\nprofessionals to support Web 2.0 initiatives to enhance creativity,
\ncollaboration and functionality on the Web. Overall, IT salaries are expected
\nto increase by 4.3 per cent next year. A smaller pool of highly skilled
\ncandidates for technology positions, coupled with fewer college graduates with
\nIT-related degrees, is making it difficult for employers to hire and retain
\nindividuals within many specialties.<\/p>\n

Following are three in-demand IT positions:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Application architect\/developer<\/strong> – Companies will continue to invest
\nin a wide range of key applications that will provide them with a
\ncompetitive edge. Application architects can expect to see starting
\nsalaries in the range of $83,250 to $107,750 in the coming year.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Database manager <\/strong>– Interoperable database systems form the backbone
\nof many businesses, placing a premium on IT professionals who can
\nkeep manage systems with maximum efficiency. The salary range for a
\ndatabase manager is expected to be $81,500 to $116,000.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Technical support<\/strong> – As companies implement a wider range of
\ntechnologies, the role of the technical support professional has
\nbecome more critical. Base compensation for Tier 2 help desk
\nprofessionals, for example, is projected to range from $41,250 to
\n$53,750.<\/p>\n

2009 Hiring Outlook: Administrative and Office Support<\/strong><\/p>\n

Demand for highly skilled administrative professionals remains steady,
\nand starting salaries are expected to rise 3.2 per cent in 2009. As the role
\nof office support professionals continues to expand, businesses can be
\nexpected to offer moderately higher compensation for the most skilled
\nindividuals in certain positions. Applicants with industry experience,
\ntechnical aptitude, multilingual abilities and professional certifications are
\nhighly sought.<\/p>\n

Following are in-demand administrative positions:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Customer service representative<\/strong> – Businesses rely on these
\nprofessionals to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and
\nloyalty, especially key in an uncertain economy. Senior customer
\nservice\/call centre representatives are expected to see starting
\nsalaries ranging from $35,750 to $45,250 in the coming year.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Order entry specialist <\/strong>– In today’s economy, it’s imperative that
\ncustomer orders are processed quickly and accurately. Starting
\nsalaries for senior order entry specialists are projected to range
\nfrom $31,750 to $40,000 in 2009.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0 Office manager<\/strong> – A well managed office is critical in the current
\nbusiness environment. Individuals with proven communication skills
\nand purchasing and facilities management experience can expect
\nstarting salaries to range from $40,750 to $53,000.<\/p>\n

About the 2009 Salary Guides<\/p>\n

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
\nRobert Half Technology 2009 Salary Guide for technology professionals; and the
\nOfficeTeam 2009 Salary Guide for administrative positions.
\nSince 1950, Robert Half International has produced salary guides to offer
\nbusiness owners and hiring managers information on prevailing salaries in
\ntheir geographic areas and insight into the latest employment trends.
\nCompanies consult the annual guides to determine appropriate compensation for
\nall levels of accounting and finance, technology, and administrative
\nprofessionals.
\nInformation in the guides is based on the thousands of job searches,
\nnegotiations and placements managed each year by Robert Half’s staffing and
\nrecruiting managers, along with the company’s ongoing surveys of chief
\nfinancial officers, chief information officers and other senior executives.
\nContinuing or ongoing salaries are not reported because many external factors
\n— such as seniority, work ethic, job performance and training — impact the
\nsalaries of full-time professionals as work histories develop.
\nRobert Half International has more than 360 staffing locations worldwide
\nand offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which
\ncan be accessed at www.rhi.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\/For further information: Kristie Perrotte, (416) 350-2330,
\nkristie.perrotte@rhi.com\/<\/p>\n

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