A new survey shows the global financial meltdown is having an unexpected effect in New Zealand – it’s making it more difficult to find skilled and qualified finance and accounting staff in the country.

The Robert Half Global Financial Employment Monitor surveyed finance and accounting employers in 21 countries during February and March. The results show that New Zealand finance and accounting employers are among the hardest hit by current economics; 42 per cent say they are having difficulty finding staff, a jump from last year’s result of 28 per cent.

The survey also found that New Zealand employers are having the most difficulty in filling senior roles.