MENLO PARK, Calif., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — If time ismoney, finance executives may have something to worry about,according to a new Robert Half Management Resources survey. Morethan one-third (38 percent) of chief financial officers interviewedcited time management due to competing priorities as their biggestwork challenge. Keeping up with technology and accountingregulations garnered 30 percent and 19 percent of the response,respectively.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources,the world's premier provider of senior-level accounting and financeprofessionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted byan independent research firm and includes responses from 1,400 CFOsfrom a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or moreemployees.

CFOs were asked, “In your opinion, which one of the following isthe greatest challenge for financial executives today?” Theirresponses:

Time management given competing work priorities 38%
Keeping up with technology 30%
Staying current with accounting regulations 19%
Achieving work/life balance 13%

100%

“Although having too little time is hardly a new predicament,the current business environment is exerting greater pressure onexecutives and their teams to do more with less,” said PaulMcDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half ManagementResources. “As CFOs revive projects postponed during the downturnand build out plans for business growth, they're having difficultyallocating time, technology, resources and staff to theseinitiatives.”

Robert Half Management Resources offers these tips for gettingmore value out of your workday:

1. Identify the “mosts.” When every project seems to be toppriority, focus efforts on those that will save the most money,grow the most revenue, or open doors to the most new business.Encourage your staff to use this same approach to manage theirtime.

2. Be realistic about internal resources. Delegating anothermajor project to your staff may bring already overloaded employeesto the breaking point. Understand their limitations in terms oftime, knowledge level and experience – bringing in outside expertsto manage the project may result in faster execution and fewererrors.

3. Avoid micro-managing. Set milestones and regular check-ins,but otherwise let staff run the initiative. Getting mired indetails will slow the process for you and others.

4. Practice the golden rule. Show respect for others' time.Avoid scheduling meetings that, on closer inspection, aren't reallynecessary. Don't keep staff waiting for feedback and approvals.

About Robert Half ManagementResources
Robert Half Management Resources isthe premier provider of senior-level accounting and financeprofessionals to supplement companies' project and interim staffingneeds. The company has more than 145 locations worldwide and offersonline job search services at roberthalfmr.com. Follow Robert HalfManagement Resources at twitter.com/roberthalfmr for workplacenews.