Technology experience and aptitude top the list of most difficult attributes to find in accounting and finance job candidates, according to a survey of US CFOs released today by Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

CFOs cited the following attributes as the hardest to find in accounting and finance job candidates:

* Technology experience or aptitude: 32%

* Functional job skills: 21%

* Leadership abilities: 18%

* Soft skills, e.g, interpersonal or communication skills: 16%

* Organizational culture fit: 12%

One area of expertise in high demand is business analytics; 37% of CFOs said these skills are mandatory for all accounting and finance positions, and another 49% reported they are mandatory for some roles. The survey findings also suggest employers are taking steps to address the need: 91% of respondents' firms provide related professional development opportunities.

In a separate Jobs and AI Anxiety report, Robert Half found finance managers cited big data and advanced analytics among the top three currently used technologies, following cloud-based systems and mobile applications. In addition to the 42% of finance and accounting functions currently using analytical tools, such as predictive analytics, another 27% expect to use them within the next three years.

“Neither the demand for technology skills nor the lack of them available is going away soon,” said Steve Saah, executive director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting. “By providing professional development on new and emerging tools, companies can upskill their existing teams and make themselves more attractive employers.”