Make Yourself a More Marketable Accounting & Finance Candidate

It’s a great time to be an accounting and finance professional. Plenty of companies and firms are looking for top talent to fill their skill gaps, which means there are a lot of opportunities out there for you. In fact, in our 2022 Compensation & Workforce Trends Survey, 64% of hiring managers employers told us that they planned to backfill roles eliminated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the long-term, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth in employment and job openings between now and 2030.

• Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 7% from 2020-2030*
• ~135,000 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average*
• Employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 6% from 2020-2030**
• ~41,000 openings for financial analysts are projected each year, on average**

*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm

So, whether you’re looking to start a career in accounting or finance, or move up to a better position, here are some tips to make yourself as marketable as possible to a potential employer:

Highlight the right skills.

Since the pandemic, accounting & finance departments have found it increasingly difficult to find candidates with the following skills, so consider highlighting these on your job applications.

• 37% Financial management
• 33% technical skills
• 32% critical thinking/problem solving

Consider staying at your current job to learn new skills.

Yes, there are job openings out there, but your current employer may also give you an opportunity to learn new skills and, in turn, earn a promotion.

• 46% of hiring managers say they plan to identify and upskill high potential employees within their organizations

Be prepared to act fast.

If you do decide to pursue a new job, be ready for a fast-paced hiring process. In our 2022 Compensation & Workforce Trends Survey, employers told us that accounting and finance departments are hiring—and hiring quickly.

• 57% are increasing virtual screening/interviews to speed up hiring.

Take your career to the next level with these accounting & finance designations.

There are several different accounting certifications that can help you land a new job or increase the marketability of your skills. Earning these designations typically involves a combination of education and experience and requires passing a corresponding exam:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  The CPA designation is one of the most widely respected and versatile credentials in the accounting world.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  The CMA designation is the most prominent certification for managerial accountants.
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
  The CIA designation is offered to accountants who conduct internal audits for their employers.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  The CFE designation is for professionals who work in a field related to fraud, such as auditing, loss prevention, law, or accounting.

The following financial designations can give you increased credibility (and compensation) if you’re able to fulfill the certification requirements.

• Charted Financial Analyst (CFA)
  The CFA designation is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious credentials for investment managers.
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC)
  The CLU and CHFC designations both came from the life insurance industry. The CLU focuses on life insurance for business and estate planning. The CHFC looks more at general financial planning.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  The CPF designation is typically considered to be one of the most widely recognized credentials in the financial planning industry.

Want additional insights to help you make the most informed career decisions? Download our 2022 Accounting & Finance Career Guide now.

Ready for your next great opportunity? Search jobs today >

2022 Compensation & Workforce Trends Survey Methodology
LHH Recruitment Solutions in partnership with Allison+Partners surveyed 1,405 hiring decision makers in the U.S. The survey was hosted in Qualtrics and panel was sourced from Lucid and Currant Fielding Solutions. Fielding was conducted in late 2021.