Jobs in Financial Sector Still Look Strong

Cheer up, accounting and finance professionals. You aren't out of a job.

In fact, you probably have plenty to choose from. With the economy in shambles and the financial sector seeing drastic changes, your experience will be in high demand, according to Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting firm.

"People with in-demand skills will always be in demand," said John Owen, regional vice president for the Washington area. "In financial services, we're seeing a demand for people who generate revenue, for people who have back-office skills. With current credit concerns, we see demand in credit and collections backgrounds."

Salaries are also holding up. In the Washington area, an internal auditor for a large company stands to make between $109,525 and $149,175. A mortgage processor would make between $36,725 and $48,425. (Numbers are adjusted for the region.)

Owen said the report was put together just before September, so it does not reflect the turmoil of the past month or so. But he doesn't expect the numbers to fall. "The basic industries remain the same in any given area," he said.

--Kim Hart