AFP survey addresses finance pros' concerns for new year

Finance professionals and debt collection agencies have been busy since the recession began, as mounds of consumer, business and government debt stacked up. Accordingly, the Association for Financial Professionals released the results of a survey this week that assesses how industry leaders view conditions for the coming new year. While a majority of respondents acknowledged that their organizations will be adding staff in 2012, most believe healthcare costs and compliance will influence business conditions. Uncertain tax policy and weak housing demand is also likely to influence business investment and credit decisions. While TransUnion recently projected mortgage delinquencies will continue to fall next year, the housing market remains in the doldrums. Interestingly, as much as 71 percent of financial professionals cited the federal budgets deficit as likely to impact business conditions. "CFOs and treasurers are sending a clear message: Enough!" said Jim Kaitz, AFP's president and CEO. "These are practical people. They recognize that the political theater must stop in order to achieve a resolution of the debt crisis."