Best career options for 2013? Tax & accounting still make the list

Finance and Accounting

#6: Mortgage underwriters
Why it's hot: As the housing market remains steady, lending rates are going down, which means more companies are in need of qualified mortgage underwriters.Must-have skills: Prior underwriting experience, Direct Endorsement (DE) certification, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and excel skills.

#7: Loan documentation specialists
Why it's hot: As a result of the rebounding housing market, the demand for loan documentation specialists is on the rise. Must-have skills: A least six months of customer service experience, previous mortgage experience is a plus.

#8: Accountants (tax, financial reporting)
Why it's hot: These financial professionals are needed year round by companies in need of their expertise in preparing and reviewing financial documents. Must-have skills: Technically savvy, good communication skills and industry experience. Employers are also looking for candidates with experience working for a publicly traded company.

Administrative and clerical

#9: Executive assistants
Why it's hot : Executive assistants often serve as the backbone of companies, providing a wide range of duties, including supervising and training lower level staff, conducting research, preparing important reports and arranging travel. Must-have skills:Industry experience, tenure with a previous organization and excellent customer service skills.

#10: Customer service representatives
Why it's hot: When customers have a problem or merely a question, their first contact with companies is usually customer service representatives. These employees do everything from solve customer problems, initiate sales and assist clients with finding information. Must-have skills: Call center experience, bilingual is a plus

Engineering

#11: Industrial engineers (process, quality, manufacturing and traditional industrial engineers)
Why it's hot: Employers want candidates with four to 12 years of experience who have specific/niche skills, as well as engineering graduates just entering the workforce.
Must-have skills: Hands-on experience directly related to the job; even entry-level candidates need experience either through internships or co-ops. Specific software skills are needed in programs such as Inventor or Solid Works, as well as leadership and project management skills.

#12: Electrical/hardware engineers
Why it's hot : Electrical engineers have shown the most growth this past year within the industry. The trade group Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers indicates that one of the fastest growing areas will be in the service industry, such as consulting firms that provide engineering expertise.
Must-have skills:Leadership/project management skills, experience with computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) tools such as Maximo, etc. The majority of employers also require engineering degrees from ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) universities.

Manufacturing

#13: Production specialists
Why it's hot: Many manufacturing and logistics companies are investing again and the industry is regaining new jobs lost to the recession.  As a result, production specialists, along with other technical and skilled employees, are in high demand. Sectors hiring heavily include: automotive, supply chain and advance manufacturing
Must-have skills: On-the-job experience, leadership skills and a strong understanding of production safety and processes. Technical and skilled employees within manufacturing sector are in high demand.