More Accounting Positions Open Up, Trend to Continue

If you or someone you know is thinking of pursuing a career in the finance or accounting fields, the latter may be a better choice given the direction the wind is blowing.

Robert Half International (RHI), a staffing service firm, is seeing a silver lining in the already resilient accounting and auditing field, where unemployment rates have stayed well below the overall national levels. 

“In the last three months, there’s been an increase in the demand for accountants with a public and industry accounting background. We expect this trend to continue,” said Duane E. Sauer, Division Director (Finance and Accounting), RHI, whose clients include jobseekers and firms in north central Connecticut.

“We haven’t seen these kind of job openings for the past couple of years. A lot of these employers are located in Windsor and Enfield, and they are offering six-figure salaries,” he said. “I think an accounting major offers more security and job opportunities than a financial major.”

Though a lot of positions were eliminated during the recessionary years, creating pent up demand, firms are expected to add new jobs in the coming months. 

“The industry will create net additional jobs going forward,” Sauer said.

Mark Zampino of the Connecticut Society of CPAs, whose members are located throughout north central Connecticut, said in addition to better job opportunities, the public accounting field is starting to draw accountants from the industry side in light of changes in attest function requirements by the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy.

From a cost perspective, firms targeting a tighter cost structure are in need of accountants to help them get there.

“There is definitely a stronger demand for accountants with higher credentials,” Thomas Scanlon, CPA, Borgida & Co., Manchester, said. “The lower end jobs are done by computers, but people with high skill-sets are needed to help reduce costs.”

The profession even offers opportunities for aspiring accountants.

Linda Kennedy of Enfield, who left her previous job for personal reasons, signed up with CareerBuilder, an online job search service. The very next day, Accountemps, a temporary staffing agency that subsequently placed her with a Windsor-based firm, contacted her after seeing her resume.

Kennedy, who works in payroll accounting, became a permanent employee in less than five months. She is planning on obtaining a degree in accounting.

“I’d be a fool not to, since my company offers tuition reimbursements. I couldn’t be happier, it’s a great place to work,” she said.

Kennedy said contrary to popular belief, it’s actually a good idea for professionals beginning their career to go through a temp agency.

“Sometimes going through the temp route can help you find the right fit. Often, temp agencies have positions that are not advertised,” she said. “People would be surprised to see how much opportunity there is in this field.”