Cincinnati CFOs Expect Increased Hiring In Next Six Months

Survey Finds 44 Percent of Cincinnati Companies are Modifying Compensation Levels

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Sep 08, 2015, 08:11 ET

CINCINNATI, Ohio, Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cincinnati executives expect professional-level hiring to pick up in the next six months, according to the just-released Cincinnati Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Sixteen percent of local chief financial officers (CFOs) anticipate their company will create new jobs, up five points from the previous six- month period. Another 73 percent plan to hire for open roles.

CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time, professional-level employees in the next six months?" Their responses:

89% of Cincinnati executives plan to hire in the next six months.

	Sept. 2015 – Feb. 2016	March – Aug. 2015
Expanding – adding new positions	16%	11%
Maintaining – only filling vacated positions	73%	75%
Freezing – not filling vacated positions or creating new ones	10%	12%
Reducing – eliminating positions	1%	2%
Don't know/no answer	0%	0%

View an infographic featuring the survey results.

"Cincinnati continues to experience low unemployment, which has increased the competition for top talent," said Maria Ebel, senior regional vice president for Robert Half in Cincinnati. "Projects such as budgets, process improvements, mergers and acquisitions are all driving the need to hire. Many employers are making investments in their infrastructure and systems in an attempt to retain a competitive edge in their respective marketplaces."

Recruiting Challenges

Organizations looking to add staff may face difficulties, Robert Half's research shows. Fifty-six percent of Cincinnati CFOs surveyed said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

Business Confidence

According to the Professional Employment Forecast, Cincinnati CFOs are optimistic about their company's growth. Ninety-two percent of executives reported being somewhat or very confident in their company's prospects for growth in the next six months.

Compensation Upgrades

To address staffing challenges, some firms are strengthening the salary and benefits they offer. Forty-four percent of Cincinnati CFOs surveyed said they have modified their company's compensation plan in the past 12 months as a way to enhance recruiting and retention efforts.

About the Professional Employment Forecast

The Professional Employment Forecast was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. The local results reflect a two-period rolling average based on interviews with 200 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Cincinnati area with 20 or more employees. Executives were asked about their hiring and business outlook, including plans to add professional-level employees in areas such as accounting, human resources, administrative, legal, marketing and information technology.

About Robert Half

Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search and management tools at roberthalf.com. For career and management advice, follow our blog at roberthalf.com/cincinnati/blog.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150904/263950-INFO

SOURCE Robert Half