Cincinnati CFOs Report Fourth-Quarter Hiring Plans

CINCINNATI, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Cincinnati area expect to add new professional-level positions in the fourth quarter, according to the Cincinnati Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Thirteen percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 4 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 70 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the next three months.

Most executives are optimistic about their business prospects for the fourth quarter. More than eight in 10 (87 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their companies' growth potential for the quarter, with 39 percent of respondents saying they are very confident.

The survey suggests, however, that organizations looking to expand and add staff may face difficulties. The majority of the CFOs surveyed, 67 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"Business optimism and companies in transition, including those impacted by mergers or new leadership, are fueling demand for permanent and temporary employees," said Maria Ebel, regional vice president for Robert Half in Cincinnati. "The unemployment rate for accounting and finance professionals remains low, creating challenges for hiring managers who need to fill critical roles."

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-quarter rolling average based on interviews with 200 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Cincinnati area with 20 or more employees.

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

Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. Find more information at www.roberthalf.com.

Note to editors: To speak with a local expert on employment trends in the Cincinnati area, please contact Lisa Montagna at (727) 576-7717.

SOURCE Robert Half International Inc.