CFO cost concerns

A new survey from Robert Half Management Resources shows that 47% of chief financial officers interviewed cite the rising cost of healthcare as one of their three top cost concerns.

The survey, conducted by a research firm on behalf of Menlo Park, Calif.-based Robert Half, interviewed more than 1,400 CFOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.

"A top priority for many firms in a slowly improving economy is a stepped-up focus on containing costs," Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources, said in a statement. "Of particular concern to companies are healthcare-related expenses and the possible impact of recent healthcare reform on their business."

SURVEY FINDINGS
Following are the responses to the question: “Which of the following are your three biggest concerns as CFO?" Multiple responses were allowed.
Rising cost of healthcare — 47%

Controlling costs and improving profitability — 46%

Cash flow management and debt/equity financing — 33%

Establishing and maintaining internal control over operations — 24%

Staff recruitment, training and retention — 23%

Creating and maintaining a strong technology infrastructure — 23%

Managing growth — 23%

Managing financial statement preparation and auditor relations — 12%

Mergers and acquisitions — 6%