New York Area CFOs Report Expected Increase In Hiring For Next Six Months

Survey Finds Roughly One-Third of New York Companies Modifying Compensation Packages to Entice Candidates

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Sep 08, 2015, 08:15 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The just-released New York City Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half shows 14 percent of New York City area chief financial officers (CFOs) expect their company to create new jobs in the next six months. Another 75 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:

New York Area CFOs Report Expected Increase In Hiring For Next Six Months

	Sept. 2015 – Feb. 2016	March – Aug. 2015
Expanding – adding new positions	14%	18%
Maintaining – only filling vacated positions	75%	68%
Freezing – not filling vacated positions or creating new ones	9%	10%
Reducing – eliminating positions	1%	3%
Don't know/no answer	1%	1%

View an infographic featuring the survey results.

"Many companies are working on system upgrades and regulatory compliance initiatives, which is creating heightened demand for internal auditors, as well as senior and staff accountants," said Dawn Fay, district president for Robert Half in New York City. "The imbalance between the demand and supply of skilled job candidates has shifted even further, and many applicants are receiving multiple offers. Employers recognize this trend and are offering higher salaries and moving faster in the hiring process to secure the best professionals."

Recruiting Challenges
Organizations looking to add staff may face difficulties, Robert Half's research shows. Fifty-five percent of New York City area 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, New York City area CFOs are optimistic about their company's growth. Eighty-nine 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. Thirty-four percent of New York City area CFOs 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 New York City 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 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/new-york.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150904/263985-INFO

SOURCE Robert Half