Des Moines CFOs Expect Hiring To Increase In Fourth Quarter

DES MOINES, Iowa, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional-level hiring in the Des Moines area is expected to increase in the fourth quarter, according to the Des Moines Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half.  Eight percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the area anticipate adding new positions, up from 7 percent in the third quarter. Another 75 percent said they will hire for roles that open during the next three months.

Executives are also optimistic about their business prospects. Nearly nine in 10 (89 percent) CFOs expressed confidence in their companies' growth potential for the quarter, with more than one-third (34 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 CFOs surveyed, 64 percent, said it is at least somewhat challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

"Companies are increasingly more confident about the opportunities ahead, and are investing in full-time staff to help assist with business growth initiatives as they round out the year," said Michael Gremmer, regional vice president for Robert Half in Des Moines. "Finding skilled professionals in the areas of accounting, finance and information technology continues to be a challenge for local organizations. Companies are realizing that they need to expedite their hiring process or they risk losing top talent to other opportunities."

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 Des Moines area 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 the Des Moines area, please contact Katie Evans at (925) 913-1928.

SOURCE Robert Half