Staffing levels in accounting and finance are projected to increase slightly in the fourth quarter, according to 270 Canadian CFOs interviewed for the Robert Half Financial Hiring Index.
Six per cent of executives plan to add full-time staff during the last three months of the year, while 2% anticipate personnel cutbacks.
Kathryn Bolt, Canadian president of Robert Half International, said, “Organizations are adding skilled accounting and finance professionals to meet increased business demand.
“Hiring is expected to be most active in areas, such as financial analysis, payroll and accounting.”
CFOs also expressed increased optimism regarding their businesses. Nearly 60% of executives said they are somewhat confident about their growth prospects for the fourth quarter, and 27% are very confident. The overall confidence number, 86%, is up five points from last quarter.
CFOs in the finance, insurance and real-estate sector expect the most active fourth-quarter hiring, with 16% of financial executives planning to add staff. None foresee personnel reductions.
Above-average hiring is also expected within the professional services and manufacturing industries. A net 7% of CFOs in each sector anticipate adding accounting and finance employees in the fourth quarter.
