Boston CFOs Report Third-Quarter Hiring Plans

BOSTON, June 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Twelve percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Boston area expect to add new professional-level positions in the third quarter, according to the Boston Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Fifteen percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 1 percent plan to reduce staff levels. Another 72 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the next three months.

Most executives are optimistic about their business prospects for the third quarter. Eighty-five percent of CFOs expressed confidence in their company's growth potential for the quarter, with 44 percent of respondents saying they are very confident.

The survey suggests, however, organizations looking to expand and add staff may face difficulties. More than half of CFOs surveyed, 56 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"As business confidence continues to increase, local hiring activity for both full-time and project roles remains steady," said Bill Driscoll, district president for Robert Half in Boston. "When companies begin the recruiting process, many hiring managers are surprised to find a competitive employment market, in which the best candidates are frequently receiving multiple offers."

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 Boston 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 Boston area, please contact Stephanie Powell at (617) 330-1651.

SOURCE Robert Half