News flash: Fewer finance pros on the job market are saying, “Show me the money.” This is a major shift over the past five years, according to a salary survey done by Robert Half International.

In 2003, 46% of job-hunting finance pros said scoring a higher salary than competitors was their No. 1 concern. In 2008? Only 37% of the same crowd gave the same answer.

This should make hiring a little easier for your Procurement staff.

So what are people on the job search trail looking for? An incredible 33% of people polled this year said it was benefits and insurance. Compare that with 2003: Only 2% of people but benefits and insurance high on the demand list.

There was one other significant change: One-third of finance pros surveyed in 2003 were pushing for telecommuting and/or flex schedules. Five years later: Only 13% of today’s job-seeking pros feel it’s important.

Bottom line: Want to make sure your procurement operation is attractive to would-be new hires and has the edge over competitors? Focus on benefits first, followed by salary.

Tags: career, hiring, salary