Detroit CFOs Report Fourth-Quarter Hiring Plans

DETROIT, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Twelve percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Detroit area expect to add new professional-level positions in the fourth quarter, according to the Detroit Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Eighteen percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 4 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 64 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 nine in 10 (91 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their companies' growth potential for the quarter, with 43 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, 64 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"Companies positioned for growth are looking to hire top candidates now as fewer professionals will consider career moves at the end of the year," said Robin Ankton, regional vice president for Robert Half in Detroit. "Hiring managers who want to start 2014 fully staffed should consider strategies such as working with a staffing firm that knows the market for accounting and finance professionals, adopting internal referral bonus programs, and developing strong training and mentoring programs for entry-level hires."

The Professional Employment Forecast was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and are 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 Detroit area with 20 or more employees.

CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time professional-level employees in the third 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 Detroit area, please contact Lisa Montagna at (727) 576-7717.

SOURCE Robert Half International Inc.