Accounting and finance workers are more optimistic about their job situation than they were only a few months ago, according to a new survey by Harris Interactive conducted for staffing and recruiting company Spherion.
For the first quarter, 36 percent of survey respondents said they believed that job availability was improving, compared with 25 percent who felt that way during the fourth quarter of 2005. The latest survey also revealed that 82 percent believe it unlikely that they will lose their job, 71 percent are confident in the future of their current employer, and 62 percent are confident in their ability to find a job.
Taking a broader view, 36 percent said they believe the economy is strengthening, compared with 26 percent during the previous quarter.
Harris interviewed 9,123 U.S. workers, 434 of whom work in accounting and finance, in a series of polls conducted on six occasions during the first three months of 2006.
“Accounting and finance workers have good reason to be confident,” said Spherion vice president Brendan Courtney, in a statement. “Growing businesses and corporate governance initiatives have increased the demand for skilled accounting and finance workers. As this continues, companies are encountering skill shortages, especially for public accountants and auditors.”
Spherion foresees that companies will raise salaries, enhance benefits, provide professional-development opportunities, and help workers maintain a better work/life balance to retain star performers and attract top talent.