Companies today are more willing to negotiate salary when hiring skilled job candidates compared to one year ago, according to a survey from global staffing firm Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). The survey found 41% of CFOs said they are more open to negotiate starting pay while only 9% percent are less willing.

CFOs were asked, “Compared to 12 months ago, how willing are you to negotiate salary with top job candidates?” Their responses:

• Much more willing: 12%
• Somewhat more willing: 29%
• Somewhat less willing: 6%
• Much less willing: 3%
• No change: 48%
• Don't know: 2%

More than two-thirds of executives surveyed, 68 percent, cited at least some difficulty finding applicants with the requisite skills, up 5 points from a survey last year.

CFOs were also asked, “In general, how challenging is it for your company to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today?” Their responses:

• Very challenging: 15%
• Somewhat challenging: 53%
• Not challenging: 31%
• No answer: 1%

The survey included more than 2,100 CFOs from companies in more than 20 of the largest US markets.