FED: Accountants optimistic about jobs despite the gloom:survey

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2008
FED: Accountants optimistic about jobs despite the gloom:survey

By Colin Brinsden

CANBERRA, Dec 9 AAP - Australia's number-crunchers may be worried about the global
economic downturn, but are more optimistic about their job prospects than their overseas
counterparts.

A survey covering 14 countries, conducted by international recruitment firm Robert
Half, found that two-thirds of Australian finance and accounting professionals were feeling
more confident than they were a year ago.

This compares with only 37 per cent in Japan, 38 per cent in Ireland, 46 per cent in
Hong Kong and 51 per cent in the UK.

The survey clearly shows that Australia is more optimistic than other countries in
the world, Robert Half Asia Pacific managing director David Jones said.

"But (it) doesn't state that Australia is blindly optimistic and not worried about the future."

The survey found 63 per cent of Australian respondents listed the global economic downturn
as their greatest concern.

However, Mr Jones noted the survey of 3,556 respondents - 394 in Australia - was complied
in September and October.

"Things are moving very fast, " he said, adding if the same people were polled today
their responses may be different.

Still, the number of Australians whose main concern was the downturn was lower than
respondents in Ireland (91 per cent), the UK (80) and Spain (79).

Of the Australian companies surveyed, only 15 per cent were looking to add staff during
the next six months, down from 39 per cent of companies who planned to expand in 2007.

"That's a very, very significant reduction," Mr Jones said.

Still, accounting and finance firms have escaped mass redundancies because of the need
for a keener eye on cash flow, credit collections, risk and compliance.

"Clearly if people are cautious about what may lie ahead, accounting departments are
very important for organisations in making sure they are correctly positioned," Mr Jones
said.

He expects specialised contract staff will be in greater demand in 2009 as companies
bring in headcount freezes or reduce permanent staff.

AAP cb/rl/srp

KEYWORD: RECRUITMENT

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