CFOs see bonuses down at financial cos - poll

* 49 pct of CFOs sees bonuses declining

* 26 pct of CFOs sees companies hiring more people

NEW YORK Oct 29 (Reuters) - Almost half of U.S. financial services firms expect bonuses to decline in the next six months, along with pension contributions and health care benefits, according to a survey among chief financial officers released on Thursday.

Audit, tax and advisory company Grant Thornton LLP said 49 percent of CFOs expect bonuses to decline, while only 13 percent estimated they will increase in the next six month.

The poll showed 38 percent of the executives saw stock options and other equity-based compensations declining, and just 11 percent estimates those figures will go up.

In addition, 27 percent of CFOs forecast health care benefits will decline, compared to just 6 percent who estimate those benefits will go up.

The survey showed 31 percent of the executives estimated pension contributions 401 (k) will fall, while 7 percent estimated they will go up.

Grant Thornton said 26 percent of interviewees estimated their companies will hire more people, while 60 percent estimated their payroll will remain stable, and 15 percent estimated their headcount will decline.

The survey was conducted from Sept. 21 through Oct. 2, among 63 CFOs of financial services companies. (Reporting by Juan Lagorio)