Hot jobs: Tax managers in high demand

This may not come as a surprise to CPAs who are coping with the traditional heavy workload during the final weeks of busy season: The position of “tax manager” is one of the hottest jobs in the United States, according to global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

“There is a high demand for individuals who can deliver a full range of tax services in compliance with laws and regulations in a timely manner,” Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports in a news release accompanying a “hot jobs” list distributed in late March.

Data scientists—who are increasingly being sought to work with CPAs at accounting firms and companies that are using data analytics to drive insights—also are among the most sought-after professionals on the firm’s “hot jobs” list.

Other high-demand positions include data engineers, DevOps engineers (IT specialists who construct programs that streamline company operations), and human resources managers.

Jobs in tech, STEM, and related fields such as data management and analysis are in high demand in an economy that has many new opportunities for job seekers, according to John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Meanwhile, employers in tech, manufacturing, and engineering are experiencing a skills gap and are searching for more qualified workers, Challenger said in the news release.

“For employers to entice talent, they’ll likely need to offer attractive compensation and benefits packages,” Challenger said. “However, it’s not all about the money. Workers want to feel connected and engaged with their positions, have work/life balance, and feel secure in their jobs.”

—Ken Tysiac (Kenneth.Tysiac@aicpa-cima.com) is a JofA editorial director.