Cleveland/Akron/Canton CFOs Report Fourth-Quarter Hiring Plans

CLEVELAND, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area expect to add new professional-level positions in the fourth quarter, according to the Cleveland Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Eleven percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 3 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 76 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. Nine in 10 (92 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their companies' growth potential for the quarter, with 40 percent of respondents saying they are very confident.

The survey suggests, however, that organizations looking to expand and add staff may face difficulties. More than six in 10 (62 percent) CFOs surveyed said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"Companies continue to seek entry-level accountants, with the greatest demand in the manufacturing and professional services industries," said Chuck Cave, senior regional vice president for Robert Half in Cleveland. "This increase in hiring is creating a challenging recruiting environment for businesses looking to fill their accounting roles quickly."

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 Cleveland/Akron/Canton 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 Cleveland/Akron/Canton area, please contact Lisa Montagna at (727) 576-7717.

SOURCE Robert Half International Inc.