The pay increases stem from business expansion and growing workloads -- direct results of compliance requirements mandated by Sarbanes-Oxley -- combined with staffing shortages.

Not surprisingly, experienced candidates have greater leverage in negotiating compensation, and salaries for the most in-demand specialties are rising faster than the national average. Public accountants, financial analysts and internal auditors are projected to see the largest gains, according to the survey.

"Competition for skilled financial professionals has prompted many companies to offer higher compensation to attract and retain top performers," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International.

Messmer added that employers want staff who possess not just the expertise in their functional areas, but also broad skill sets, such as IT proficiency and strong communication abilities.

Nationwide, demand is particularly strong among commercial construction, financial services and healthcare firms, Robert Half research shows. Business expansion and ongoing corporate governance initiatives are fueling hiring among corporate accounting and finance departments, according to the survey.

Entry-level financial, budget, treasury and cost analysts at large companies (more than $250 million in sales) are expected to see the biggest increases in base pay in 2008, with the average starting salary expected to rise 6.9 percent, to between $38,250 and $47,500 annually.

Internal audit managers at large companies are forecast to receive starting compensation between $81,500 and $109,500 annually, an increase of 6.7 percent over last year's projections.

Steady hiring is expected to continue in public accounting as firms seek staff to help deliver an expanding set of service offerings. Average starting salaries for senior managers and directors at midsize firms ($25 million to $250 million in sales) are projected to increase 7.7 percent in the year ahead, to between $88,250 and $129,250.

Professionals with one to three years of experience also are highly sought as firms look to address rising workloads and hire their next generation of leaders. At small firms (up to $25 million in sales), professionals at this stage of their careers can expect a 7.7 percent increase in average starting salaries, to a range of $44,750 to $53,250.

Last year, Robert Half projected a 3.8 percent national average starting salary increase, which has proven on target for 2007 salaries.

The 2008 Salary Guide is based on an analysis of the job placements managed by the company's 250 U.S. offices. The guide provides hiring activity and compensation trends by industry and geographic market.