The national average salary for all finance and accounting positions is expected to decline by only 0.85% next year, according to the 2010 salary guide from Ajilon Professional Staffing. However, the national average salary for chief financial officers and treasurers is expected to decrease 7.7% next year.

The guide also reported that, because of the recession, demand for financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting skills will be the No. 1 driver of job opportunities for accounting professionals. Also contributing to demand will be the transition to International Finance Reporting Standards and the economic stimulus package.

Ajilon is a division of Adecco Group North America.