Good jobs

Starting salaries in the accounting and finance, information technology (IT), and administrative fields are expected to remain relatively flat or see modest declines next year, but some positions will buck this trend, according to the 2010 Salary Guides from Robert Half International.

"A focus on cost control will continue to shape the hiring landscape next year, and starting salaries clearly are being influenced by that trend," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "In the current environment, some firms are taking advantage of the large pool of top talent now available by selectively adding full-time staff in key areas."

Jobs with the best prospects in 2010 are:
• Tax accountant
Tax accountants with one to three years of experience at large companies (more than $250 million in sales) are expected to see an average national starting salary in the range of $46,500 to $61,500.

• Compliance director
The starting salary range for a compliance director at a small company (up to $25 million in sales) is forecast to be $83,750 to $108,500.

• Credit manager/supervisor
Base compensation for credit managers/supervisors working in small companies is projected to range between $42,500 to $57,500.

• Senior financial analyst
A senior financial analyst at a midsize company ($25 million to $250 million in sales) is anticipated to earn $57,750 to $74,000 in starting salary in 2010.

• Network administrator
Network administrators can expect to see starting salaries in the range of $54,500 to $80,250 in the coming year.

• Information systems security manager
The salary range for an information systems security manager is expected to be $96,500 to $130,750.

• Systems engineer
Base compensation for these professionals is projected to range from $64,250 to $93,250.

• Medical records clerk
These individuals can expect to earn a starting salary of $23,750 to $31,500 in 2010.

• Customer service representative
The salary range for a customer service representative is projected to be $22,750 to $30,750.

• Executive assistant
These individuals are likely to see starting salaries in the range of $35,000 to $47,000.