Chief financial officers are anticipating more hiring during the fourth quarter of 2011, with 12 percent saying they plan to add full-time accounting and finance employees, according to the Robert Half Financial Hiring.

The index also finds that 7 percent of respondents anticipate work force reductions, and the net 5 percent of CFOs who are expecting to hire is up four points from the last study in the third quarter study, which is the highest forecast in three years.

"Though companies are still generally conservative in their hiring outlooks, many are expanding their accounting and finance departments and need professionals with the right skills to help them accommodate new growth opportunities," says Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "Businesses also are adding staff in response to voluntary turnover as more employees are attracted by offers from other companies."