Singapore companies expect to recruit more accounting, finance and financial services professionals in the coming quarter, according to a poll released on Tuesday by recruitment firm Robert Half.

The survey found that nearly four in 10 firms plan to increase the number of accounting and finance professionals they employ.

The survey polled 150 chief financial officers and finance directors from the commerce and industry sector, and 150 senior business leaders from the banking and financial services sector.

In the banking and financial services sector, 38 per cent of survey respondents plan to hire new permanent financial services staff this quarter, with a further 51 per cent maintaining current levels.

Similarly in the commerce and industry sector, 37 per cent of respondents plan to add to their headcount this quarter while 56 per cent will be keeping numbers constant.