Mergis Group Accounting & Finance Worker Confidence Dips Slightly in Fourth Quarter of 2009

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., January 26, 2010 — The Accounting and Finance Employee Confidence Index, a measure of overall confidence among U.S. accounting and finance workers, dipped 0.8 points to 50.9 in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to a recent survey commissioned by The Mergis Group^®, the professional placement division of Spherion Corporation (NYSE:SFN). The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive^®, shows that more accounting and finance workers believe the economy is getting stronger, although fewer workers expressed confidence in their ability to find a new job.

Results from the Accounting & Finance Employment Report:

• Thirty percent of accounting and finance workers believe the economy is getting stronger, representing a six percentage point increase from the third quarter of 2009.
• Fewer accounting and finance workers are confident in their ability to find a new job. Specifically, 39 percent are confident compared to 46 percent in the previous quarter .
• Nearly one-third (30 percent) of accounting and finance workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, up one percentage point from the third quarter of 2009.

"Although the fourth quarter of 2009 brought about a slight dip in our Accounting and Finance Confidence Index, more workers indicated that they believe the economy is starting to show signs of economic stability and strength," stated Brendan Courtney, president of The Mergis Group. "While we anticipate ongoing fluctuations in confidence over the next few quarters, it is important to highlight that our Index remains near the highest level seen in two years. As we delve into 2010, we are starting to have discussions with many companies about hiring plans in the accounting and finance sector. We believe much of this job growth will be fueled by the demand for skilled professionals who can successfully navigate companies through the increasing regulatory environment being set forth by government legislation and industry standards. Positions such as tax accountants, auditors, compliance directors, credit managers and financial analysts will be in great demand this year."

Demographic Results 

Survey Background Information 

About The Mergis Group

The Mergis Group is a leading professional placement firm that specializes in recruiting for positions in accounting and finance, engineering and manufacturing, sales and marketing, legal and human resources. The firm provides recruiting services to Fortune 500 and small and mid-sized companies through its network of 30 offices nationally.

The Mergis Group is a division of Spherion Corporation (NYSE:SFN), which operates a family of specialty brands providing strategic workplace solutions in professional recruiting, outsourcing, managed services and contractor compliance programs, technology services and general staffing. For more information, please visit http://www.mergisgroup.com.