Accounting salaries are on the rise.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Heightened competition for accounting and finance professionals will lead to increases in base compensation this year, maintains the 2006 Salary Guide from Robert Half International Inc., Menlo Park, Calif., a specialized consulting and staffing services firm. Starting salaries in accounting and finance are projected to rise an average of 3.1% in 2006. Research shows that starting salaries for personnel involved with corporate governance initiatives--such as internal and information technology (IT) auditors as well as public accountants--are expected to see the strongest growth.

"Organizations are actively recruiting accounting and finance staff to support business expansion initiatives and corporate governance efforts," emphasizes Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half. "To attract and retain skilled financial professionals, firms are reassessing their hiring practices and enhancing compensation packages for current staff."

IT auditors can look for the largest percentage increase in base compensation of any position in 2006, with average starting salaries forecast to rise 11.2%, to between $67,000-$94,250 annually Entry-level internal auditors at small companies (up to $25,000,000 in sales) will see average starting salaries increase nine percent, to between $35,500$43,250 per year.

Public accounting...