2006년 08월 04일
Four Jobs on the Cutting Edge
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Four Jobs on the Cutting Edge
By Robert Half International
A healthy economy and declining unemployment rate are resulting in more job opportunities. Professionals in nearly every field have greater leverage in the employment market than they did just a few years ago.
But while individuals are finding it easier to land new positions and command higher salaries, those in select specialties are enjoying the current climate more than most, thanks to an extreme demand for their services and a short supply of qualified practitioners.
Here's a peek at some of today's hottest positions and the qualities needed to succeed in each role.
Information Technology Auditor
Information technology (IT) auditors evaluate an organization's computer systems to ensure the proper safeguards are in place to protect and maintain the integrity of the firm's data. While this position has existed since the mid-1960s, companies that previously employed just a handful of IT auditors are now significantly adding to their ranks, sometimes doubling, tripling or quadrupling current staff levels. Much of this demand is due to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other legislation aimed at improving corporate governance in the wake of major accounting scandals earlier in the decade. Publicly traded firms require the expertise of IT auditors to meet ongoing compliance requirements. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), among other regulations, also are fueling the need for IT auditors.
According to the Robert Half Technology 2006 Salary Guide, IT auditors can expect starting salaries between $67,000 and $94,250, an increase of more than 11 percent over 2005 levels.
IT auditors must have a general understanding of accounting principles and the strategic vision to ensure a firm's IT systems allow the organization to achieve its short- and long-term objectives. Many companies promote from within for this role. Firms who look outside the organization for these professionals usually seek candidates with experience, a knowledge of emerging technologies and issues, and increasingly, certifications such as the certified information systems auditor (CISA) designation.
Search Engine Optimizer
Search engine optimizers (SEOs) increase a firm's Web site traffic by improving its search-engine page rankings. This is an especially important task in today's Internet-driven world, where many customers first learn of an organization and its products or services through the Web. Because of a shortage of experts in this relatively new area, many top SEOs receive multiple job offers.
SEOs typically supplement their knowledge of how various search engines operate and determine page rankings with strong marketing skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and program using HTML. Most are self-taught, learning the trade by researching trends, attending conferences and seminars, participating in discussion forums, and experimenting with their own sites. Courses and certifications in this specialty are being offered by an increasing number of organizations; however, consensus on the value of these programs does not yet exist.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accounting has always been around, but it has increased in prominence in recent years as the financial activities of corporations are more intensely scrutinized by shareholders and government agencies. Forensic accountants are trained to prevent and detect corporate financial fraud such as embezzlement, securities fraud, tax scams and money laundering. Big Four accounting firms, security companies, multinational corporations and even the FBI rely on these professionals, who may be called on to examine a firm's accounting statements or tapped as expert witnesses at divorce proceedings or intellectual property trials. In fact, forensic accountants are credited with finally putting Al Capone in jail -- for tax evasion.
Many forensic accountants begin their careers as certified public accountants (CPAs) and learn the trade through hands-on work. Others have a background in law enforcement or investigation. However, in response to the high demand, an increasing number of colleges and universities are offering courses in this field. The most marketable professionals have earned the certified fraud examiner (CFE) designation, offered by the Association of Fraud Examiners. Entry-level forensic accountants can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000, and experienced professionals can command six-figure salaries.
Intellectual Property Litigator
Intellectual property (IP) is bringing in big business for law firms as companies become more diligent about protecting their patents, copyrights and trademarks. This has led to a strong demand throughout the United States for IP litigators, who argue their clients' cases in IP-related lawsuits. Previously the exclusive realm of small boutique firms that specialized in this form of law, IP litigation is increasingly being handled by large global firms. As these firms look to expand into or strengthen their practices in this lucrative field, the need for skilled attorneys is rising.
In addition to a juris doctorate, successful IP litigators typically possess technical degrees, including a master's or Ph.D., in areas such as electrical engineering and computer science. They have solid communication skills, enabling them to transform technical jargon into easily understood terms for judges and juries. In addition, IP litigators must possess strong collaborative abilities, which allow them to work with engineers and other technical experts when preparing cases. It is extremely difficult to transition into IP litigation without experience in this area; most law firms seek professionals with trial experience and existing books of business. Among those lacking these prerequisites, the heaviest recruiting is from top law schools and major law firms.
Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
Four Jobs on the Cutting Edge
By Robert Half International
A healthy economy and declining unemployment rate are resulting in more job opportunities. Professionals in nearly every field have greater leverage in the employment market than they did just a few years ago.
But while individuals are finding it easier to land new positions and command higher salaries, those in select specialties are enjoying the current climate more than most, thanks to an extreme demand for their services and a short supply of qualified practitioners.
Here's a peek at some of today's hottest positions and the qualities needed to succeed in each role.
Information Technology Auditor
Information technology (IT) auditors evaluate an organization's computer systems to ensure the proper safeguards are in place to protect and maintain the integrity of the firm's data. While this position has existed since the mid-1960s, companies that previously employed just a handful of IT auditors are now significantly adding to their ranks, sometimes doubling, tripling or quadrupling current staff levels. Much of this demand is due to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other legislation aimed at improving corporate governance in the wake of major accounting scandals earlier in the decade. Publicly traded firms require the expertise of IT auditors to meet ongoing compliance requirements. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), among other regulations, also are fueling the need for IT auditors.
According to the Robert Half Technology 2006 Salary Guide, IT auditors can expect starting salaries between $67,000 and $94,250, an increase of more than 11 percent over 2005 levels.
IT auditors must have a general understanding of accounting principles and the strategic vision to ensure a firm's IT systems allow the organization to achieve its short- and long-term objectives. Many companies promote from within for this role. Firms who look outside the organization for these professionals usually seek candidates with experience, a knowledge of emerging technologies and issues, and increasingly, certifications such as the certified information systems auditor (CISA) designation.
Search Engine Optimizer
Search engine optimizers (SEOs) increase a firm's Web site traffic by improving its search-engine page rankings. This is an especially important task in today's Internet-driven world, where many customers first learn of an organization and its products or services through the Web. Because of a shortage of experts in this relatively new area, many top SEOs receive multiple job offers.
SEOs typically supplement their knowledge of how various search engines operate and determine page rankings with strong marketing skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and program using HTML. Most are self-taught, learning the trade by researching trends, attending conferences and seminars, participating in discussion forums, and experimenting with their own sites. Courses and certifications in this specialty are being offered by an increasing number of organizations; however, consensus on the value of these programs does not yet exist.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accounting has always been around, but it has increased in prominence in recent years as the financial activities of corporations are more intensely scrutinized by shareholders and government agencies. Forensic accountants are trained to prevent and detect corporate financial fraud such as embezzlement, securities fraud, tax scams and money laundering. Big Four accounting firms, security companies, multinational corporations and even the FBI rely on these professionals, who may be called on to examine a firm's accounting statements or tapped as expert witnesses at divorce proceedings or intellectual property trials. In fact, forensic accountants are credited with finally putting Al Capone in jail -- for tax evasion.
Many forensic accountants begin their careers as certified public accountants (CPAs) and learn the trade through hands-on work. Others have a background in law enforcement or investigation. However, in response to the high demand, an increasing number of colleges and universities are offering courses in this field. The most marketable professionals have earned the certified fraud examiner (CFE) designation, offered by the Association of Fraud Examiners. Entry-level forensic accountants can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000, and experienced professionals can command six-figure salaries.
Intellectual Property Litigator
Intellectual property (IP) is bringing in big business for law firms as companies become more diligent about protecting their patents, copyrights and trademarks. This has led to a strong demand throughout the United States for IP litigators, who argue their clients' cases in IP-related lawsuits. Previously the exclusive realm of small boutique firms that specialized in this form of law, IP litigation is increasingly being handled by large global firms. As these firms look to expand into or strengthen their practices in this lucrative field, the need for skilled attorneys is rising.
In addition to a juris doctorate, successful IP litigators typically possess technical degrees, including a master's or Ph.D., in areas such as electrical engineering and computer science. They have solid communication skills, enabling them to transform technical jargon into easily understood terms for judges and juries. In addition, IP litigators must possess strong collaborative abilities, which allow them to work with engineers and other technical experts when preparing cases. It is extremely difficult to transition into IP litigation without experience in this area; most law firms seek professionals with trial experience and existing books of business. Among those lacking these prerequisites, the heaviest recruiting is from top law schools and major law firms.
Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
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