As 2013 draws to a close, many analysts are making predictions about what 2014 will hold for accountants and other financial professionals. Fortunately, it looks like there will be more accounting jobs available next year. It is too soon to tell how the Affordable Care Act will affect employers, but more accountants will be needed to handle issues related to health insurance, health savings accounts, and other employee benefits. Companies will also need accountants to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. If you have the skills for these jobs in demand, 2014 should be a good year.
Some metropolitan areas have an unemployment rate exceeding the national rate, but accountants are still in demand. In Chicago, where the unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, accounting jobs are still available to experienced candidates. There are more opportunities for college grads who want full-time employment, but the number of part-time jobs in the region is also on the rise. Indiana will also have a number of accounting jobs available in 2014. The state's Department of Workforce Department expects the accounting industry to grow by more than 200 jobs per year, with more opportunities available as legislators make significant changes to tax regulations.
Parker Lynch recently released a list of the most in-demand accounting jobs for 2014. The list includes tax accountants, senior accountants, accounts payable managers, accounts receivable managers, accounting managers, controllers, payroll managers, and auditing managers. Most of these accounting jobs require extensive experience in the field, so you are in good shape if you have at least five years of work experience as a public accountant, auditor, staff accountant, or payroll professional. These positions typically come with competitive salaries, making them very lucrative for the right candidates.
Kforce also released data regarding the number of accounting jobs available in the United States. The greatest demand is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which isn't surprising given the area's significant growth over the past few years. New York, Milwaukee, San Diego, Boston, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Tampa, St. Louis, and Houston also made the list. Demand is strong for people with experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting. Colleges and universities are graduating more accounting students than ever, so you must have the right skills to compete in today's job market. IT skills are especially important for accountants who analyze and present financial data to their clients. Those with these skills will have an easier time finding an accounting job than someone who struggles with technology.
Accountants, payroll managers, and other accounting professionals are in high demand. Much of the demand can be attributed to tax law changes and the need for people to handle issues related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, but economic growth is also responsible for the increased number of accounting jobs available. If you have the experience necessary to excel in one of these jobs in demand, 2014 could be your best year yet.
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