Seven percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed for the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index indicated they plan to add full-time accounting and finance employees during the second quarter, the highest forecast since the first quarter of 2009, while 8 percent expect staff reductions. While a net decrease is projected, this is the second consecutive quarter in which the number of executives anticipating increases has risen and the percentage projecting staff cuts has fallen. The majority of respondents, 85 percent, said they do not anticipate any changes to their personnel levels.
In addition, the survey found most CFOs are optimistic about the outlook for their businesses in the next three months. Eighty-four percent said they are at least somewhat confident in their companies' second-quarter growth prospects; 34 percent are very confident.
The Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CFOs across the United States. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half International, the world's first and largest staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance. Robert Half has been tracking financial hiring activity in the United States since 1992.
"While most businesses remain cautious, some companies are beginning to hire selectively to ensure they have the employees in place to capitalize on opportunities that may arise as a result of an improving economy," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "In some cases, firms are using temporary professionals to help meet workload demands and as a way to evaluate individuals for potential full-time positions."
