Demand for database managers grows as corporate IT departments respond to demands to collect, store, analyze and leverage existing customer data housed within their internal systems. Job titles requested most frequently within this category include database manager, database administrator and data architect.

Typical responsibilities for database specialists include:

• Monitoring and tuning databases for optimal performance and archival of data
• Analyzing business data requirements, maintaining and managing data models and participating in the application development cycle

Application development remains a foundation of the IT function, particularly as firms enhance client-facing applications for competitive advantage. In addition to experienced developers for enterprise-wide Web-based portals integrated with legacy systems, business systems analysts and application architects are in particularly strong demand around the world.

Typical responsibilities for application developers include:

• Writing, designing, testing and supporting complex software programs (internal, proprietary or packaged)

As companies increasingly rely on Web-based tools to expedite operations and limit costs, competition is keen for skills in the latest interactive application languages, such as Active Server Pages (ASP), JavaScript, Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Flash. In particular, the adoption of Microsoft's .NET platform is fueling demand for programming experience in mobile computing environments

Typical responsibilities for Internet development professionals include:

• Creating Internet, intranet and extranet sites
• Designing user interface controls and features
• Maintaining and supporting e-commerce sites
• Managing Web-based applications

As IT executives focus on maximizing their technology resources, the role of project manager has become invaluable. in limiting time and cost overruns while leveraging existing investments. Project managers are involved in all phases of an initiative, from obtaining requirements and training end users to maintaining budget integrity and project scope.

Typical responsibilities for project managers include:

• Defining and prioritizing IT project, user, interface and usability requirements
• Developing time and cost estimates, project plans and budgets
• Developing, monitoring and coordinating project activities, status, milestones and teams (scheduling, tracking and reporting)

Networking expertise remains a high priority as corporate communications converge and expand globally and IT departments diversify. Firms depend on their internal systems to share data company-wide and power their business-critical applications. In particular, demand is strong for professionals experienced in identifying and preventing security breaches. Recent investment in wireless and mobile technologies is creating a need for experts skilled in supporting systems that share data beyond the internal corporate network.

Typical responsibilities for networking professionals include:

• Helping administer, define, maintain and expand local area networks (LANs), wide-area networks (WANs) and wireless local area networks (WLANs), including voice and data integration
• Incorporating distributed data and troubleshooting technical problems
• Developing, implementing and maintaining integrated programs to protect and preserve the confidentiality of information resources

Technology is moving closer to the end user as firms move more business processes online. Demand is growing for skills in supporting and training internal and external customers, including help desk analysts and managers, systems administrators and technical trainers.

Typical responsibilities for technical support professionals include:

• Managing end-user hardware and/or software support and troubleshooting, as needed
• Training end-user communities on new systems and tools
• Answering technical questions about equipment and software applications

The most important attributes for Financial Analysts are communication and problem-solving abilities, as well as Excel and Access experience. Our clients expect a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or economics; however, MBA and CPS credentials are highly desired.

Typical responsibilities for financial analysts include:

• Providing strategic analysis and advice to senior management
• Contributing to forecasting and budget-setting processes
• Supervising financial and administrative staff
• Tracking business results and cash flow

Auditing candidates from SSi have at least 1-3 years’ experience in general auditing and often have at least one financial degree and/or certification:

Typical expertise and responsibilities for auditors include:

• Reviewing GL accounts and correcting journal entries
• Account analysis and reconciliation
• Conducting initial internal control evaluation
• Posting monthly, quarterly and annual accruals

Two levels of accounting professionals are available to address each client’s specific needs in general or internal auditing and corporate finance – both requiring a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance:

• Staff Accountant – Providing entry-level general or internal audit specialties requires strong time-management, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Senior Accountant – These candidates possess solid communication, technology, organizational and analytical skills with at least 3-4 years experience supplementing an undergraduate degree. Additionally, CPA or CMA is highly desired.

Two levels of accounts reconciliation professionals are available to address each client’s specific needs in corporate general ledger (GL) and accounts payable (AP) and/or accounts receivable (AR):

• Managers – With solid communication, organizational and interpersonal skills required, SSi account reconciliation manager candidates have a solid background in supervising an AP/AR department, preparing accruals and reconciling to the GL. Additional expertise is required in maintaining cash requirement schedules and AP/AR aging analysis.
• Clerks – Considered entry-level positions in some organizations, AP/AR clerks are important contributors with responsibility for matching, batching, coding and entering invoices, researching and resolving AP/AR or account receivable issues with outside clients and updating and reconciling sub-ledger to the GL.