HispanicBusiness

Jobs were secure for employees in accounting and finance departments during the third quarter, according to a survey released today by the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index. CFOs responding to the study reported that staff levels in accounting and finance departments would not suffer the decreases seen in construction and other professions due to the rocky economy.

"While the job market has become more competitive in a number of fields, demand for skilled accounting and finance professionals is holding steady," Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, said to the media. "In fact, for many key positions, it remains a challenge to find experienced candidates."

The Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index found that 84 percent of CFOs aren't going to change their staff levels. Those who expect to see changes are evenly split--six percent said they would increase their staff and six percent said they would decrease their staff.

The Half Index, which tracks financial hiring activity in the U.S., found that the Mid-Atlantic and West South Central states should see more financial hiring this summer. For the Mid-Atlantic, controllers, accounting managers and tax specialists are in high demand.

"Companies are looking to hire mid-to senior-level financial professionals to assist with growth initiatives, but in many cases are finding a shortage of highly skilled job candidates," Mr. Messmer said.

Business services firms should also see an increase in personnel, with a net six percent increase in hiring. The finance, insurance, real estate, and wholesale industries also will see an increase in hiring activity that will outpace the national average.

"The accounting and finance functions are integral in any economy," added Mr. Messmer. He indicated that those firms focused on effectively managing resources place a premium on applicants who have had success in identifying cost efficiencies and keeping a tight rein on expenses.

The Half Index was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on interviews with more than 1,400 CFOs across the nation.