Accountemps - Press Room

DIPLOMA NOT ALWAYS ENOUGH

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:36:56 -0700

MENLO PARK, CA -- A new survey confirms the "Catch-22" that every entry-level job seeker seems to face: You can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without a job. Ninety-three percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said it is important for accounting and finance graduates to have gained work experience in the field while in college. The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CFOs across the United States.

A SILVER LINING?

Tue, 5 May 2009 14:15:37 -0700

MENLO PARK, CA -- Although the downturn has proven tough for workers, those who are still employed say they’re gaining more from the experience than just managing to keep their jobs. Seventy-seven percent of professionals interviewed cited at least one positive effect the recession has had on their jobs, including the ability to tackle new projects (53 percent), assume additional responsibility (52 percent) and take on more challenging work (52 percent). But according to most respondents, the extra work has yet to be formally rewarded: Only 12 percent said they have received promotions.

New Report: Employees' Stress Levels Rising Globally;

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:15:08 -0700

MENLO PARK, CA -- Difficult economic conditions have had a substantial impact on accounting and finance departments around the globe, according to a new survey of finance and human resources managers. Respondents reported that economic conditions have contributed to heavier workloads, higher stress levels and lower morale. The study also found that firms are adapting their management strategies to maintain productivity and alleviate the burden on their employees.

ROBERT HALF LAUNCHES CAREER PODCAST SERIES FOR ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE MANAGERS

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:08:39 -0700

MENLO PARK, CA -- Robert Half International, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm, recently launched a new podcast series, The Management Minute. The monthly podcasts feature timely management and career advice for mid- to senior-level accounting and finance professionals. "Managing in the current economic environment presents unique challenges," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "In The Management Minute, we offer advice for accounting and finance professionals that can help them better lead and inspire their teams and advance their careers."

MONEY TALKS

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:07:25 -0700

MENLO PARK, CA -- Job interviewees reluctant to discuss compensation with hiring managers during tough times are getting a green light from employers, a new survey shows. More than half of senior executives (56 percent) surveyed said they are comfortable with applicants broaching the subject in the first or second interview. In fact, approximately two-thirds (66 percent) of executives indicated they most commonly discuss the subject by the second interview, with 19 percent saying it usually comes up during the first interview.

CFOs REPORT ON SECOND-QUARTER HIRING PLANS

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 13:54:06 -0800

MENLO PARK, CA -- A net 2 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed for the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index predict decreases in accounting and finance personnel in the second quarter of 2009, with most (86 percent) executives reporting a desire to maintain current staff levels for the next three months. Five percent of respondents indicated they plan to add full-time employees while 7 percent expect staff reductions.

MISSION POSSIBLE: RAISING WORKERS’ SPIRITS

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:34:55 -0800

MENLO PARK, CA -- To offset the effects of a sagging economy, companies are taking steps to boost employee morale, a new survey finds. Nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said they are implementing strategies to buoy the mood of their teams. However, not all employers have jumped on the bandwagon -- more than one in four (26 percent) executives said their firms aren’t doing anything to improve morale.

PROJECT WORK ATTRACTIVE OPTION IN COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:34:15 -0800

MENLO PARK, CA -- Professionals who are trying to land a job may want to pursue project work. According to specialized staffing service Robert Half International, companies that are unable to add full-time employees during periods of economic uncertainty often bring in professionals on a temporary basis, which can translate into opportunities for those who are looking to earn income, make new contacts and enhance their marketability during an extended job search.

A CHANCE TO GROW -- FOR SOME

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:22:01 -0800

MENLO PARK, CA -- Training is taking a back seat to other priorities in some accounting departments, a new survey suggests. Nearly one in five (18 percent) chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said they don’t expect to offer employee training in the next two years. Among companies that do have training programs planned, 30 percent of finance executives plan to invest in information technology (IT) skills development and another 26 percent foresee offering courses in accounting and finance.

CFOs PLAN MODEST FINANCIAL HIRING IN FIRST QUARTER

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 11:43:32 -0800

MENLO PARK, CA -- The job market in accounting and finance is holding steady, suggests a new survey. Nine percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed plan to add full-time employees and 8 percent expect to decrease the size of their staff, according to the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index. Eighty-two percent of executives said they would make no changes to the size of their teams.

FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 08:27:24 -0800

Lack of Communication With Staff Most Damaging to Morale, Survey Finds MENLO PARK, CA -- Frequent dialogue with employees may be the best way to raise their spirits, a new survey suggests. Nearly half (48 percent) of executives interviewed recently cited better communication as the best remedy for low morale. Not surprisingly, one-third (33 percent) of respondents said lack of open and honest communication with staff members tops the list of management missteps that can erode morale.

BALANCING LIFE AND WORK, WOMEN ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS AND CORPORATIONS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 07:32:33 -0800

McLean, Va.--The American Society of Women Accountants Educational Foundation (The Foundation) honors companies on the national, regional and local levels and individuals across the country for their commitment to work/life balance. The prestigious Balance Awards presented today, at the American Society of Women Accountants(ASWA)/American Woman’s Society of CPAs (AWSCPA) Joint National Conference at The Dallas Fairmont in Dallas, Tex. highlight the accomplishments of companies and individuals who successfully balance work and life.

2009 ROBERT HALF SALARY GUIDES IDENTIFY JOB MARKET BRIGHT SPOTS

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:48:27 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Even in the current economy, certain skill sets remain difficult to find, according to the 2009 Salary Guides from Robert Half International. The recently released guides point to modest overall salary increases for accounting, information technology (IT) and administrative roles, but highlight specialized expertise that can enhance a professional’s marketability. This includes account reconciliation and credit/collections experience for accountants and web development skills for IT professionals.

OFFICE POLITICIANS

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 19:54:46 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Presidential candidates aren't the only ones campaigning this election season. In a recent survey, more than half (53 percent) of employees interviewed said the level of office politics in their workplaces has increased compared to five years ago; just 12 percent of respondents reported a decline. While most workers don't advocate jumping into the political fray, a majority agree that a little knowledge can be power: More than half (54 percent) say it’s wise to be aware of political undercurrents in the office without becoming directly involved.

THE PERSONAL CONNECTION

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:40:12 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- When it comes to making hiring decisions, most employers are from the Show-Me State at heart, a recent survey confirms. Thirty-eight percent of finance and human resources managers polled said that bringing in a candidate on a temporary basis provides the most insight into that person’s future job performance. The in-person interview was equally popular, with 38 percent of respondents describing it as their most valuable hiring tool.

FINANCIAL HIRING FORECAST MORE POSITIVE FOR FOURTH QUARTER

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Hiring in accounting and finance is expected to increase in the final months of 2008, according to executives interviewed for the most recent Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index. Ten percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) surveyed said they plan to expand the size of their teams in the fourth quarter, while 5 percent anticipate personnel reductions. The net 5 percent increase is up five points from the third-quarter projection.

ANNUAL STUDY FROM ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL AND CAREERBUILDER.COM REVEALS TALE OF TWO JOB MARKETS

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, Calif., and CHICAGO, August 26, 2008 -- While many workers are having a tough time finding suitable employment in today’s uncertain economy, companies also face challenges finding highly skilled people. According to the fourth annual Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations (EDGE) Report by Robert Half International and CareerBuilder.com, employees rated the level of challenge in finding a job at 3.56 on a one-to-five sliding scale; similarly, employers rated the level of challenge in finding qualified candidates at 3.47.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- As students gear up to go back to school this fall, those already in the workforce may want to consider continuing their education, a new survey suggests. Ninety-four percent of senior executives interviewed said their firms offer tuition benefits for their employees. Ninety-five percent of respondents said their companies also reimburse for other forms of professional development.

GETTING PERSONAL

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Your grade-school teacher was right: Not playing well with others can keep you from getting ahead, particularly at work. In a recent survey, half (50 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) said interpersonal abilities are the most important communication skill for financial professionals.

GLOBAL TALENT SHORTAGE CONTINUES IN ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- A shortage of experienced accounting and finance professionals continues to affect employers around the world, according to the second annual Robert Half Global Financial Employment Monitor. For the second consecutive year, more than half (56 percent) of the finance and human resources managers surveyed worldwide reported difficulty finding skilled job candidates. The report also found that retention concerns have risen significantly in the last year: 58 percent of respondents worldwide and 73 percent of respondents in the United States expressed concern about losing their top performers to other job opportunities, up from 43 percent and 46 percent, respectively, in 2007.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF WOMEN ACCOUNTANTS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2008 BALANCE AWARDS

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- The American Society of Women Accountants Educational Foundation (The Foundation) is seeking nominations for the seventh annual Balance Awards. Sponsored by Accountemps and Robert Half Finance & Accounting, divisions of specialized staffing leader Robert Half International, the Balance Awards honor outstanding companies and individuals for their commitment to work/life balance.

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Today’s accounting and finance professionals are used to having a lot on their plates, but a new survey shows that growing to-do lists could be taking their toll. More than one in three (35 percent) chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed cited heavy workloads as the number-one workplace concern for their financial teams. Job security ranked second with 19 percent of the response.

CFOs REPORT ON FINANCIAL HIRING PLANS FOR THIRD QUARTER

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Executives interviewed recently for the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index said that, for the most part, staff levels in their accounting and finance departments will remain unchanged in the third quarter. Eighty-four percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said they would neither increase nor decrease the size of their teams. Those who do anticipate making changes in the coming quarter were evenly split, with 6 percent saying they would add personnel and 6 percent expecting staff reductions.

SEVEN WAYS NOT TO GET HIRED

Thu, 8 May 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Those looking for their first jobs out of college also must look out for potential career pitfalls. According to Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies®, 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), competition for jobs has intensified, making it even more important for entry-level professionals to put their best foot forward.

AICPA AND ACCOUNTEMPS TO AWARD FIVE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the premier professional association for CPAs, and Accountemps, the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals, are accepting applications for the 2008-2009 AICPA/Accountemps Student Scholarship. Five individuals will each receive $2,500 to be used toward their tuition expenses.

SEARCHING ON THE JOB

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Job seekers don’t mind setting their sights on greener pastures even while on their current employers’ payrolls, according to executives interviewed recently. Three-quarters (75 percent) of respondents said they would be comfortable looking for a new job while still working. This compares with 69 percent in a 2002 survey.

CFOs REPORT ON SECOND-QUARTER FINANCIAL HIRING OUTLOOK

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 08:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Chief financial officers (CFOs) expect hiring activity in accounting and finance to continue growing in the second quarter, although at a more moderate pace, according to the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index. Nine percent of CFOs interviewed said they plan to add full-time professionals and 5 percent anticipate staff reductions. The net 4 percent increase is down two points from the first-quarter forecast. The majority of respondents, 85 percent, anticipate no change in personnel levels.

'DO YOUR HOMEWORK!'

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Prepping for the job interview is much more common today than a decade ago, a new survey shows. Seventy-nine percent of executives polled said candidates they meet with display at least some knowledge of the company or its industry, up from 59 percent in a 1997 survey on the topic. Despite this trend, would-be employees still may be missing an opportunity to demonstrate that they’ve done their homework in their resume cover letters: Only 44 percent of those polled said it’s common for applicants to use their cover letter to show they’ve researched the job, up slightly from 37 percent in the previous survey.

FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- What career issues keep Generation Y professionals awake at night? When asked to name their chief career concern, one-third (33 percent) of Gen Y workers polled cited compensation and benefits issues. The second most common response was finding and keeping a job, provided by 26 percent of those surveyed; career satisfaction ranked third, named by 23 percent of respondents.

TGI ... TUESDAY?

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 08:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Why tackle today what can be put off until Tuesday? In a new survey, 57 percent of executives said Tuesday is the most productive day of the week for employees. Monday was the second most popular answer, although it appears to be losing favor: Only 12 percent of respondents ranked Monday as most productive, compared to 26 percent in a 2002 survey.

IN SICKNESS, HEALTH OR JOB CHANGE

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 08:00:00 +0000

MENLO PARK, CA -- Those considering a job change seek many sources of guidance, but the opinion they value most often comes from the person closest to them. Nearly half (46 percent) of executives polled said they turn first to spouses or significant others for advice when evaluating a potential job change, up from 42 percent in 2002. The survey also shows mentors carry greater clout than five years ago: 41 percent respondents said they would consult their mentors first, compared to 28 percent in 2002.