"Corporate governance mandates, new business practices and recently created regulatory agencies have made this a dynamic time for accounting and finance professionals at all levels, and have led to new opportunities and challenges. To succeed in this environment, accountants must go beyond their traditional roles of simply delivering financial data. Rather, they will need to discuss the implications of this data in the broad context of compliance and how it impacts other areas of the business."

"Companies in the Pacific region, especially those in the real estate and construction industries, are adding staff to support growth initiatives. As the competition for candidates intensifies, many firms are experiencing a shortage of skilled accounting professionals and, as a result, find they must offer higher salaries and better benefits to secure the best people."

"Skilled accountants are always in demand, and companies that proactively seek top candidates will be best prepared to take advantage of new business opportunities. A shrinking labor pool, created by low enrollment in accounting programs during the late 1990s and the expected exodus of millions of baby boomers from the workforce in the coming years, has intensified the competition for these professionals, mandating that recruiting be an ongoing process for companies of all sizes."

"Colleges and universities are responding to a changing accounting landscape. More courses are being offered in areas such as internal audit, enterprise risk management, forensic accounting, information technology and business ethics."