The strong economy has truly narrowed the unemployment gap, and nowhere is this happening more so than in the financial marketplace. According to a new survey by Robert Half International, chief financial officers (CFOs) expect a nine percent increase in the hiring of new financial and accounting professionals during second quarter 2000.

In addition, 11 percent of CFOs polled predicted their companies would hire new personnel between April and June, while only two percent of respondents said they expected to reduce staff.

Geographically, CFOs in mountain states like Colorado, Utah and Nevada expected to hire the most new people for a net increase of 16 percent.

According to the survey, the strongest industries are finance, insurance and real estate. The retail industry also was ranked very high with a net increase of 24 percent.

At press time, the second quarter report was not posted on the Robert Half Web site; however, the First Quarter 2000 Report is available.