A few highlights from the U.S.:

* For the most part, base salaries didn't budge from their 2010 levels. The salary range for managers of international tax, for instance, held steady at $175,000 to $250,000. Senior internal auditors remained in the range of $80,000 to $120,000.

* One exception to the above: the legal and compliance areas. As the survey notes, "Firms are strengthening their compliance programs to prepare for the flood of legislation expected to come their way." As a result, many compliance-related positions are boosting their pay, at least a bit. Managing directors or global heads of compliance are earning between $260,000 to $525,000, up from $250,000 to $500,000 in 2010. Directors of anti-money-laundering functions are getting $180,000 to $260,000, compared with $175,000 to $250,000 last year.

* What's more, Robert Walters expects hiring to pick up this year. "We expect to see a rise in hiring activity during the second half of 2011 as the economic recovery gains traction," it says.

In many parts of the world, cautious optimism seemed to prevail. In London, for instance, the firm anticipates "continued recruitment growth during 2011." Core finance roles will remain in highest demand, although businesses are expected to look for "commercially-focused candidates who can add value to the business and drive growth as market confidence rises."