Accounting and finance professionals are almost always in high demand. All sorts of companies and organizations need accountants, from corporations and small businesses to government agencies and non-profit organizations. And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 7% employment growth rate between 2020 and 2030 for the accounting profession, it’s safe to say that there won’t be a shortage of financial job openings in the coming decade.
The flipside of that, of course, is that you have a lot of competition if you’re an accounting and finance professional yourself. Employers have a wide pool of talent to choose from when it comes to filling accounting, finance, and banking jobs—so why should they choose you?
Let’s examine what employers are looking for in accounting and finance candidates in 2022 and find out how you can find the best accounting and finance jobs near you.
What are Accounting and Finance Employers Looking for in Candidates this Year?
In today’s accounting and finance market, employers are looking for a mix of hard skills and soft skills—both the technical skills needed to do the work, and the personality traits and characteristics needed to be a good cultural and organizational fit. Here are some of the biggest things employers are looking for in candidates in 2022:
Software Certifications
Because of the rise of automation, candidates who have honed their technical and digital skills are highly desirable. Hiring managers are looking for finance experts with IT skills and certifications, as well as skills in things like accounting automation, predictive analytics, and data visualization. It’s a good idea for job seekers to highlight software programs they’re familiar with, like QuickBooks or Python. Employers want to know that the finance professionals they’re hiring can manage financial data through software and analyze scenarios and predict future trends in order to draw conclusions.
Business Acumen
Another thing that employers are looking for goes beyond the technical skills of accounting and finance to the business acumen that a candidate displays. It’s important that candidates can point to examples of how their strategic and forward-looking thinking has helped organizations or teams in the past. Having an understanding of larger business practices and how accounting and finance relate to operational success is crucial.
Putting examples in hard numbers is always a good idea for candidates. Rather than telling a hiring manager that you helped save your previous company money, tell them that your analysis skills helped to cut operational costs by 5% over the quarter. This allows the hiring manager to see exactly how your expertise and skills will benefit the company, making the chances of getting hired that much more likely.
Financial Certifications
There are a variety of financial certifications that accountants can get in order to improve their skills and make themselves more desirable to employers.
- Certified Internal Auditor – The certified internal auditor designation, or CIA, indicates that an auditor possesses the competence and skills to perform proper auditing procedures. The CIA credential is offered through the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), which administers a three-part exam covering internal audit concepts and other topics.
- Certified Management Accountant – The certified management accountant (CMA) designation is a globally recognized credential focusing on corporate finance and management accounting. It’s offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Earning your CMA certification can help you advance to executive levels in many organizations and command a higher salary as well.
- Chartered Financial Analyst – A chartered financial analyst (CFA) specializes in investment management. This certification is highly sought after and there are various requirements to obtain it. Additionally, there are three levels of the CFA exam, each with different components. Individuals who become CFA certified are experts in investments, derivatives, and portfolio management, among other areas.
Soft Skills
In addition to software certifications, financial certifications, and business acumen, there are plenty of soft skills that employers are looking for out of their accounting and finance candidates.
Communication skills to interact with other team members, supervisors, and customers. Multitasking ability to tackle multiple projects or issues at once. Problem-solving skills to think critically in order to resolve issues. Emotional intelligence to put yourself in other people’s shoes and understand where they’re coming from. Soft skills like these are important to demonstrate during interviews—hiring managers want to know that you have the personality characteristics to get the job done and be a good team player while doing so.
What Are The Best Accounting and Finance Jobs in New Mexico?
There are a variety of accounting jobs in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and other parts of New Mexico. Some examples of the top jobs in the area include:
Accounting Analysts
Accounting or financial analysts prepare balance sheets, profit and loss models, management reports, and other financial materials. They use programs like Microsoft Excel to manage data and forecast financial outcomes, as well as perform variance and forecasting analysis for executives. Executives can then use this data for decision-making purposes.
Chief Financial Officers
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are members of the top-level management and are in charge of managing the company’s entire financial picture. Depending on the organizational structure, the CFO may lead a team of accounting supervisors who oversee the accounting department as a whole. It’s the CFO’s job to make sure the company stays on-budget, complete financial planning, and analyze a company’s financial strengths and weaknesses to determine if corrective action is necessary.
Banking Accountants
Banking accountants review financial information and prepare accounting reports for banks or financial institutions. Accountants also maintain records on financial assets and liabilities, find and resolve errors in financial recordkeeping, and prepare financial statements at the end of the month or quarter, among many other duties.
Payroll Specialists
Payroll specialists process payroll, reconcile the payroll sub-ledger to the general ledger, remit payroll taxes and governmental reporting, and prepare regular payroll statements. Payroll clerks and specialists can advance into other areas of payroll, like payroll supervisors or payroll analysts as well.
How Can I Find a Good Accounting or Finance Job?
There’s no shortage of accounting and finance jobs out there. And that’s a good thing for job seekers—although it means you’ll have stiff competition for top accounting jobs. So, aside from making yourself stand out with the tips described above, what can you do to find a rewarding and fitting accounting or finance job?
The best way to find a good accounting or finance job in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM areas is to partner with a finance, banking, and accounting recruitment agency like The Hire Firm. Our specialized recruiters take the time to understand what you’re looking for, as well as your background and future career goals, to match you with the best employer for your needs.
The benefits of working with a specialized accounting and finance employment agency like The Hire Firm include:
- Increased access to exclusive job opportunities. Not all accounting and finance jobs are posted on the major job boards. Recruiters have access to exclusive jobs directly from employers—and you’ll gain access to this pool of openings when you work with them.
- Insider industry knowledge. Our experienced finance recruiters know the industry, and they know what candidates want out of accounting and finance opportunities in New Mexico. That lets us match you with employers who will meet your needs and help you to grow in your finance career. You’ll also have a trusted career partner on your side that can negotiate salary and benefits to your advantage.
- Interview and resume preparation. Did you know that recruiters also help you polish your resume and prepare you for interviews with hiring managers? This ensures that you’re putting your best foot forward throughout the application process.
Land Your Next Accounting or Finance Job Today
Ready to take your accounting and finance career to the next level with a new position? The Hire Firm is the premier accounting and finance staffing agency in NM that can help get you there. We have nearly three decades of experience connecting qualified candidates to top employers in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM areas. Get in touch with one of our expert accounting recruiters today to learn more about our services and get started on your journey today.