New York City CFOs Report Fourth-Quarter Hiring Plans

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in New York City expect to add new professional-level positions in the fourth quarter, according to the New York City Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Seventeen percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 5 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 67 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the next three months.

Despite a somewhat cautious hiring outlook, most executives are optimistic about their business prospects for the fourth quarter. More than nine in 10 (93 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. More than half of the CFOs surveyed, 62 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"The vast majority of New York City executives are confident in their companies' growth prospects and that translates to hiring," said Dawn Fay, district president for Robert Half in New York City. "There is a steady demand for project and contract professionals across all industries, and business optimism is the first indicator that more permanent positions will follow suit."

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 New York City 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 New York City, please contact Stephanie Sweet at (617) 330-1651.

SOURCE Robert Half International Inc.