Finance and accounting workers’ confidence edged down in the third quarter, according to The Mergis Group’s third-quarter 2013 accounting and finance employee confidence index. The index edged down 0.8 points to a reading 62.3 in the third quarter from of 63.1 in the second quarter, which was the highest reading since 2007. The Mergis Group is part of Randstad.

“The silver lining for this industry is that companies are actively seeking finance and accounting workers and we’re seeing an increased demand for permanent workers,” said Ursula Williams, executive vice president of Randstad Finance & Accounting, Randstad Human Resources, Accountants International and The Mergis Group — which will combine to form Randstad Professionals. “Looking into 2014, we see sector growth being driven by certain positions, including financial analysts, staff accountants and internal auditors/public accountants.”

Harris Interactive conducted the survey within the United States on behalf of The Mergis Group in July, August and September, 2013. It included 135 respondents employed in accounting and finance.