CFOs remaining optimistic for 2013

As 2013 draws near, CFOs are actually predicting stability when it comes to the fiscal cliff.

Nearly 70% of US CFOs believe the economy will either improve or remain stable during the next six months, according to the 2012 Fall CFO Survey from Grant Thornton LLP. And though the fiscal cliff threat is impending, 53% of respondents said it would not affect the first six months of 2013 for their companies, and 60% of respondents do not consider the uncertainty of a fiscal cliff resolution an obstacle to making business decisions.

Of the 1,582 CFOs and comptrollers surveyed, 39% believe the state of the US economy will remain the same in the first half of 2013, while 30 percent believe it will improve. Nearly a third (31%) said it will worsen, which is an increase of 10 points from the firm’s 2012 Summer CFO Survey findings.

Some financial pros are also staying optimistic about financial prospects. Thirty-four percent believe industry financial prospects will improve, 35% believe pricing or fees charged will increase, and 34% say head count will increase.

The survey also found that CFOs are committed to keeping several employee benefits the same as last year, including:

• bonuses (55%)
• stock options (69%)
• 401(k) match (85%), and
• other company-matched retirement contributions (82%).

How do you feel about 2013 and these specific areas for your business? Let us know in the comments below.