In an ever-changing business landscape, managers are struggling to find technological proficiency in their job candidates, according to a new survey from staffing firm Robert Half Finance and Accounting. Notably, polled CFOs said that tech skills and aptitude are the most difficult to find in accounting and finance job candidates.

The online survey — developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms — included responses from more than 1,100 CFOs at companies with 20 or more employees across the U.S.

A particular tech area in high demand is business analytics, with 37 percent of CFOs saying these skills are mandatory for all accounting and finance positions. Another 49 percent of polled CFOs said these skills are mandatory for some roles. Despite this need, 91 percent of respondents claimed their businesses are equipped to provide professional development opportunities for these skills.

In separate research from Robert Half’s Jobs and AI Anxiety report — which includes responses from 250 accounting and finance managers across the United States — managers cited big data and advanced analytics among their top three currently used technologies. Forty-two percent of those polled in finance and accounting functions said they currently use analytical tools, including predictive analytics, with another 27 percent expecting to use these tools within the next three years.

“The volume of information and available analytics tools are resulting in new insights and better processes for organizations,” stated Steve Saah, executive director of Robert Half Finance and Accounting. “With access to new data and technologies, teams are able to spend less time on manual tasks and focus on higher-value work.”

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