Confidence among U.S. finance and accounting employees rose 8.5 points to 57.8 during the first quarter of 2012, marking the highest level in four years, according to the Finance and Accounting Employee Confidence Index by The Mergis Group.
The survey, which interviewed 231 workers in accounting or finance, also shows that while more respondents are confident regarding the economy's strength and the availability of jobs, 49 percent of respondents are optimistic when it comes to finding new jobs, in spite of today's highly competitive job market. That is a jump from 40 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011. Thirty-one percent of respondents say they are likely to look for new opportunities within the next 12 months.
Although 21 percent of respondents say the economy is getting weaker, this represents a drop from 44 percent during the fourth quarter of 2011. Another 21 percent of respondents say job availability has improved, which is an increase from 14 percent during the last quarter.
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"We are pleased to see that accounting and finance workers are showing growing optimism in the overall economic landscape and job availability within their industry, and the consistent rise over the past three quarters is certainly encouraging," says Steve McMahan, executive vice president of Randstad U.S., Professionals. "The profession has posted sizeable gains, and one of the hottest job titles in the industry right now is a financial analyst — which is expected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020.
"We believe 2012 will usher in a great deal of opportunity for the accounting and finance profession overall, including those with compliance, analysis, tax and forensic expertise. Our clients also have increasing needs for mortgage banking candidates due to a steady flow of foreclosures moving in the market paired with historically low interest rates. Likewise, the need for professionals that possess both the necessary certifications and degrees, coupled with strategic management capabilities and technological savvy is also rising."
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