Accountants Are Among the Most Sought After Workers in 2023

Accounting and finance, human resources, legal, and technology professionals are the most in-demand by companies looking to hire in the first half of this year, according to the State of U.S. Hiring Survey from staffing firm Robert Half.

Among managers at companies planning to hire for permanent roles in the first six months of 2023, 64% are looking to fill technology roles, 62% need accountants and finance professionals, and 59% are desperate for new employees in both HR and marketing.

Managers who are looking to fill open jobs with contract staff have the biggest needs in accounting and finance (78%) and legal (78%), followed by HR at 74%.

Overall, 58% of respondents anticipate adding new permanent roles during the first half of the year, up from 46% six months ago. Another 39% expect to hire for vacated positions.

In addition, 72% of managers plan to hire more contract professionals in the first half of 2023, compared to 45% six months ago.

“Contract professionals can quickly step in to help with critical projects and heavy workloads while companies continue their search for permanent employees,” Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, said in a statement.

While many companies are eager to hire, nine in 10 managers indicated it is still a challenge to find skilled professionals. They also reported it can take up to 11 weeks, on average, to hire for an open position, up from seven weeks in 2021.

“Hiring tends to pick up at the beginning of the year, as budgets have been approved and teams seek additional support for initiatives that will drive business growth and customer retention,” McDonald said. “As job openings and turnover remain high, employers need to play offense—and be prepared to negotiate—in order to recruit and retain skilled talent.”

Companies in Atlanta (65%), Houston (62%), Chicago (60%), Minneapolis (60%), Dallas (59%), and the District of Columbia (59%) are planning to make the most new hires during the first half of 2023.

The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, 2022. It includes responses from 2,175 managers with hiring responsibilities in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources at companies with 20 or more employees in the U.S.