Financial and Accounting Executives are Top Concern for Most U.S. Companies As They Look Ahead At 2012 Operations

December 7th, 2011

- Almost one third of current executive job openings are in finance, according to Cerius Executive Demand Index -

IRVINE, Calif., November 7, 2011 - A newly released report titled the "Cerius Executive Demand Index" shows that chief financial officers and chief accounting officers are in top demand across U.S. companies for fourth quarter 2011. The report, released by Cerius Interim Executive Solutions - the leading provider of interim executive management solutions to growth-focused businesses - tracks how companies are plotting year-end and early 2012 operations in today's uncertain economy.

"Of the over 1,100 posted executive job openings today, 28 percent are centered on finance," said Pamela Wasley, CEO of Cerius Interim Executive Solutions. "The historical trend of businesses of all sizes analyzing year-end profits and expenditures has taken on even more importance today in light of fears of a double-dip recession and overall uncertainty in the marketplace. Particularly going into 2012, savvy and experienced CFOs and CAOs will be the keys to successful companies weathering the economy and maintaining or growing market share."

The "Cerius Executive Demand Index" also shows significant demand for chief operating officers or vice presidents of operations, as well as chief executive officers or presidents, which tie in second place at 18 percent of all open positions. Wasley clarifies that, in unstable market conditions, a change of leadership in the CEO or COO role is often spurred on by investors and board members to help navigate roadblocks and change course.

"What we are missing and not seeing at most companies are growth indicators," said Wasley. "Companies are taking a cautious approach to anticipated growth and expansion in 2012 by investing in infrastructure such as operations and technology, but not outlaying budgets on resources such as marketing and business development."

Contrary to past maxims that businesses need to spend money, advertise and promote products and services to grow, the data reflect that vice presidents of sales or business development account for only seven percent of all open positions, and vice presidents of marketing constitute only five percent.

Other categories tracked include chief information officers or chief technology officers which make up 15 percent of open positions, and vice presidents of human resources which make up only six percent, the latter in line with today's unemployment numbers. Demand for vice presidents of engineering is the lowest and at the bottom of the priority list, making up only four percent of available positions.

"The lack of demand for engineering leadership is indicative of businesses' lack of innovation and investment in research and development for the long-term future," said Wasley. "With survival a top priority, many U.S. companies are not taking risks or steps in new directions that could fuel their growth."

The "Cerius Executive Demand Index" researched and compiled all publicly-listed executive job openings in the U.S. across multiple online databases. The data was screened and cross-checked to ensure there were no duplications in the job listings. Over 1,100 open positions for executive management personnel were catalogued to present a snapshot of executive demand today.

Cerius undertook the study to complement and validate the anecdotes it regularly gathers from its quarterly CEO dinners and "Executive Outlook" surveys. Wasley notes the importance of analyzing trends that affect her own core business of interim executive placement. She sees a direct correlation from the study data to Cerius' interim executive openings that average three to six month placements for its qualified bench of over 800 VP-level and above executive management personnel.

About Cerius Interim Executive Solutions
Cerius Interim Executive Solutions is the North American leader in delivering interim executive management solutions with the innovation and speed that businesses need to tackle their business opportunities or to mitigate risk. Cerius leverages the skill and experience of its deep pool of over 800 Interim Executives, who bring the broadest array of industry and functional experience to deliver best-in-class leadership on-demand to the market. Customers include Creative Teaching Press, San Diego International Airport and ConAgra Foods. Cerius is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information, visit www.ceriusinterim.com or call (949) 250-0500.

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