CFOs Say Time's A-Wasting

Meanwhile, according to a survey by Robert Half Management Resources, keeping pace with technology was cited by just 22%, compared with 27% in 2001.  

Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources, noted that while technological devices such as cell phones, laptops and wireless handhelds are designed to streamline and simplify an executive’s life, they often end up doing just the opposite.   “These tools make it easier to communicate, but they also make it harder to disconnect from the job,” he said.   “Periodic breaks from technology may allow executives to work free of interruption and have time to recharge.”

“Keeping Up” Up

Not surprisingly, staying current with accounting regulations bumped higher in the rankings (from 13% to 17%), while achieving work/life balance diminished as an impact, falling from 19% in 2001 to 13% at present..  

Just 1% cited “other”, while an identical 1% said they didn’t know, down from 5% five years ago.

The survey, which was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees, asked, “In your opinion, which one of the following is the greatest challenge for financial executives today?”  

Robert Half Management Resources has more than 120 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and offers online job search services at www.roberthalfmr.com