Layoffs may be percolating throughout the Street, but accounting and finance departments are safe for the time being.
The most recent Robert Half Financial Hiring Index says 93% of chief financial officers expect their staff to stay level in the third quarter. Three percent said they will add accounting and finance employees, while the remaining 4% said they would lay off.
"The eurozone debt crisis, as well as inconsistent economic indicators in the United States, may be prompting companies to take a more measured approach to hiring," Max Messmer, chairman and chief executive officer of Robert Half International, said in a statement.
Menlo Park, Calif.-based recruiting firm Robert Half polled 1,400 CFOs across multiple industries in the U.S. for the survey.
Hiring that is taking place is likely to occur in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, according to the survey.
Companies are searching for financial analysts, senior and staff accountants and business systems analysts, Messmer said.
Encountering Criticism (FINS)
If a colleague or boss serves up some criticism, resist the urge to be immediately offended. Instead, ask intelligent questions about how you can improve.
Mortgage Hiring (Sun-Sentinel)
Pack your flippers. Mortgage firm Digital Risk is opening a Boca Raton, Fla. office and will hire 150 underwriters, loan processors, closers and compliance experts.
Fewer Partners (DealBook)
Goldman Sachs will name fewer partners this year compared to last. It's no surprise given how much those babies cost the bank.
Possible Cuts (FT)
Barclays may have to rethink the size of its cash equities business if it wants to hit its profitability targets, analysts say.
Midwestern Expansion (Milwaukee Business Journal)
Fifth Third Bank is planning to expand in Milwaukee by hiring commercial bankers for a new office there.
Don't Fight (Sydney Morning Herald)
If a flight attendant asks you to switch off your electronic devices, do not resist. Especially if you are a Macquarie banker, as that will result in some embarrassing publicity for your financial institution when you get kicked off the flight.
Buzz Around the Office
Raising a Toast to Art (My Modern Met)
Artist Tibi Tibi Neuspiel turns toast into art that depicts memorable moments in U.S. history.
List of the Day: Awkward Networking Conversations
Here's how to avoid them, because no one should have to endure them.
1. Start with your standard networking questions, like "Where do you work?"
2. Do not bring up the weather. Ever. You're better than that.
3. Exit gracefully by saying you need to make the rounds.
(Source: The Daily Muse)