Companies are reluctant to hire new accounting and finance professionals, but only a scant 8 percent plan third-quarter layoffs, according to the Robert Half International Financial Hiring Index.

Five percent of the 1,400 chief financial officers surveyed by RHI expect to hire full-time employees during the third quarter. The majority, 85 percent, plan to stick with their current staffing levels.

Despite the survey’s lukewarm results, CFOs say they continue to have a hard time finding senior and staff accountants as well as auditors.

The survey did turn up regional differences in CFOs’ hiring outlooks. Those in the East South Central and West South Central states were the most optimistic.

RHI also noted differences among industry sectors. "Growth among the healthcare and hospitality sectors in some areas within the East South Central states is boosting hiring activity in the region," says RHI Chairman and Chief Executive Max Messmer.

"In the West South Central [states], employers seek mid-career professionals who have a proven work history and are flexible and skilled enough to manage a range of accounting projects," he adds.

Read more local results here.