FINS (02/08/2012) Julie Steinberg

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the accounting profession will grow by 22% between 2008 and 2018, with as many as 500,000 jobs opening up. In a recent survey of finance professionals conducted by staffing firm Accounting Principals, half of all respondents indicated they expect their company to hire in 2012. Of the accountants surveyed, 74% said they are confident their firms will win new business this year, which would lead to more work and jobs.

Increased corporate revenue and profits are among the reasons for the positive trend. “More results means more transactions, more transactions means more accountants to oversee them,” says Brett Good, senior district president with Robert Half. Also, regulatory changes such as the Dodd-Frank financial reform regulation have resulted in a demand for accountants to verify transactions, notes Brendan Courtney, president of Mergis Group, a Florida-based recruiting firm.