Miami/Fort Lauderdale CFOs Expect Hiring To Increase In Fourth Quarter

MIAMI, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional-level hiring is expected to increase in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area in the fourth quarter, according to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Twelve percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the area anticipate adding new positions, up from 10 percent in the third quarter. Another 67 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the quarter.

Executives also are optimistic about their business prospects. Nearly nine in 10 (87 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their company's growth potential for the quarter, with close to half (45 percent) of all 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, 63 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"Hiring managers know two job markets exist in South Florida: one reflective of the general unemployment rate that remains relatively high, and another, which includes specialties such as accounting, finance, and information technology, whose unemployment rate is significantly lower," said Ryan Skubis, district president for Robert Half in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. "In order to attract the best talent in these areas, companies are offering higher salaries and a variety of benefits, as well as expediting the hiring process."

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 Miami/Fort Lauderdale 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 Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, please contact Lisa Montagna at (727) 576-7717.

SOURCE Robert Half International Inc.