PHOENIX, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventeen percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Phoenix area expect to add new professional-level positions in the second quarter, according to the Phoenix Professional Employment Forecast from Robert Half. Another 70 percent said they will not be adding new positions but will fill roles that open in the next three months. Ten percent of respondents will not be hiring, even to fill an open position, and 3 percent plan to reduce staff levels.

The Professional Employment Forecast was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The survey was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on interviews with more than 100 CFOs from the Phoenix area at companies with 20 or more employees who were asked about their hiring plans for professional-level positions in the coming quarter.

CFOs were asked, "What are your company's hiring plans for full-time professional-level employees in the second quarter?" Their responses:

"Phoenix area employers are feeling optimistic about the employment outlook as they prepare for growth," said Andrew Ernst, regional vice president for Robert Half in Phoenix. "Renewed business activity is prompting hiring managers to make strategic hires within their departments. Companies looking to add staff seek individuals with diverse skill sets who can perform a broad range of tasks and job responsibilities."

Founded in 1948, Robert Half International, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, is a recognized leader in professional staffing services. The company's specialized staffing divisions include Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources, for temporary, full-time and senior-level project professionals, respectively, in the fields of accounting and finance; OfficeTeam, for highly skilled office and administrative support professionals; Robert Half Technology, for information technology professionals; Robert Half Legal, for legal personnel; and The Creative Group, for interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals. Robert Half International has staffing and consulting operations in more than 400 locations worldwide. Find more information at roberthalf.com, and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/roberthalf.

Note to editors: To speak with a local expert on employment trends in the Phoenix area, please contact Katie Evans at (925) 913-1928.

SOURCE Robert Half International