New study from staffing firm Robert Half Finance & Accounting has shown that Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) cited technology experience and aptitude as the most difficult to find in accounting and finance job candidates.
Reported by PRNewswire, the release highlighted business analytics as one of the area of expertise in high demand- with 37% of CFOs saying these skills are mandatory for all accounting and finance positions. Meanwhile, another 49% reported they are mandatory for some roles.
The survey findings also suggest that employers are taking steps to address the need; as majority (91%) of respondents’ firms provide related professional development opportunities.
In a separate Robert Half’s Jobs and AI Anxiety report, big data and advanced analytics are among the top three currently used technologies, followed by cloud-based systems and mobile applications.
On top of the 42% of finance and accounting functions currently using analytical tools (such as predictive analytics), another 27% expect to use them within the next three years.
With access to new data and technologies, teams are able to spend less time on manual tasks and focus on higher-value work.
– Steeve Saah, Exec. Director, Robert Half Finance & Accounting
“The volume of information and available analytics tools are resulting in new insights and better processes for organizations,” said Steve Saah, Executive Director, Robert Half Finance & Accounting.
He continued: “With access to new data and technologies, teams are able to spend less time on manual tasks and focus on higher-value work.”
He also thinks that “neither the demand for technology skills nor the lack of them available is going away soon,” and “by providing professional development on new and emerging tools, companies can upskill their existing teams and make themselves more attractive employers.”
