According to a random sample of 100 New York City CFOs, there will be a net 5% increase in the hiring of accounting and finance professionals in the first quarter of 2005. Robert Half International, which has been conducting these surveys since 1992, comments on the data: "While still conservative, the hiring outlook is stronger than it was one year ago. In addition to seeking accounting and finance staff to assist with internal audit and corporate governance requirements, companies are also looking for professionals to support future business expansion."