CPA Staff Confidence Hits Two-Year High

Finance professionals encouraged by economic rebound.

The Accounting and Finance Employee Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. accounting and finance workers, increased 2.7 points to 53.3 in the second quarter of 2010, according to The Mergis Group, an employment agency.

The survey reveals the highest level of confidence among accounting and finance workers reported since the fourth quarter of 2007, primarily attributed to an increase in confidence in the overall economic landscape and job market.

Highlights:

  • One-third of accounting and finance workers believe the economy is getting stronger, representing a four percentage point increase from the first quarter of 2010.
  • Half of accounting and finance workers believe there are fewer jobs available. This is a decrease of five percentage points from the previous quarter.
  • More accounting and finance workers are reporting that they are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months. Specifically 33 percent of workers believe they will make a job transition, versus 29 percent in the first quarter of 2010.

“We are encouraged by the increase in our Accounting and Finance Confidence Index during the second quarter,” stated Brendan Courtney, president of The Mergis Group.

“While we have seen many economic indicators head in a positive direction, the buzz of a potentially stalled recovery has yet to completely wane” he said. “This may bode well for those looking to make a job transition into some of the more steadfast careers, such as tax accountants, financial analysts, loan officers and compliance directors. “