Worker confidence among accounting and finance professionals rose 5.9 points, to 112.5 in August, according to the most recent Hudson Employment Index. The current level is more than ten points above the level of the previous August. Another new record was set during August, as well, when the number of workers expecting lay offs fell 5 points, to a record low of 15 percent.

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In addition, the Hudson Employment Index for accounting and finance professionals also indicated:

• Three-quarters of workers were not concerned about job loss in August, compared to July’s 72 percent.
• The number of workers expecting their companies to hire rose 7 points, to 37 percent in August.
• Job satisfaction climbed to 77 percent in August, up from July, when 74 percent of the workforce was happy with their situation.
• The number of workers describing their finances as excellent declined 7 points, to 18 percent, from a record high 25 percent in July.

“This year has not been easy on employees’ wallets,” said Steve Wolfe, Senior vice president, Hudson, noting that overall, personal finance situations improved slightly during August, even though they faltered among accounting and finance workers.

The overall Hudson Employment Index rose a single point, to 102.9 in August. It was the most substantial increase since May. Nominal improvement was also seen in job satisfaction, however hiring expectations declined overall.

The August Hudson Employment Index was based on telephone surveys with 9,244 U.S. workers. The Index tracks aggregate employment trends regarding career opportunities, hiring intentions, job satisfaction and retention. The data is compiled each month by Rasmussen Reports, LLC, an independent research firm.