A recent report finds that most accounting professionals nationwide should be fairly secure in their jobs in the coming months. A Robert Half International survey finds that 86 percent of chief financial officers surveyed expect to maintain their current staffing levels of accountants and financial personnel in the second quarter of 2009. Seven percent are expecting to reduce staff in the coming quarter, compared to five percent who plan to add new full-time staff members. "Companies that are hiring are more selective because they can be -- there is a larger pool of skilled applicants available. As a result, employers are taking extra time to identify and hire the best available person for each open position," said Max Messmer of Robert Half International in a statement. The survey also found that a quarter of CFOs view accounting positions as the most difficult ones to fill, while the most hiring in the industry in the second quarter is expected to be in west south central states. If you want to pursue a career in accounting, your prospects may be solid in the long run. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an 18 percent increase in the need for accountants is expected between now and 2016.  |