As accounting is a highly technical field, recruiters ask questions that assess candidates’ experiences working with accounting software programs. They also look for candidates who can perform various accounting processes, such as journal entries and account reconciliations.
Staffing agencies provide a comprehensive candidate pool, which helps hiring managers save time during the interview process. They can even help negotiate salaries and offers on behalf of candidates.
Recruiting Process
Accounting and finance recruiters in Houston work with clients to find qualified candidates. They use various recruiting techniques to locate potential candidates, including searching online job boards and professional databases. They also conduct thorough screenings, including interviews and skills assessments. Once they identify suitable candidates, they present them to their client companies. They may also assist with interview coordination and salary negotiations.
Hiring finance and accounting professionals can be time-consuming and expensive. It can take up to 42 days to fill a role with an average salary of $58,000. As a result, it is crucial to hire the right candidate quickly. An employee referral program can help you identify the best candidates in the least amount of time. In addition, this method reduces hiring costs by 50% to 60%.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for accounting and financial services is lower than the national average, making it a highly competitive market. The industry’s talent shortage means employers must step up their recruiting game.
For example, many companies are offering enticing employee referral bonuses. These reward employees for recommending candidates and helping them secure new roles. It is an effective way to recruit talented finance and accounting candidates. In addition, it is vital to look for soft and hard skills. For example, candidates must have strong verbal communication and a solid work ethic.
Sourcing
As a business leader, you’ve no doubt noticed that finding top finance talent is more challenging than ever. In fact, according to research, 65% of chief financial officers say that a lack of skilled accounting candidates is their most pressing internal concern.
Recruiting finance and accounting professionals takes time, resources, and effort, but it’s crucial to the success of your organization. Whether you’re looking to fill a critical vacancy or build your hiring bench, an experienced finance and accounting staffing agency can help.
In addition to recruiting and screening potential candidates, a staffing agency can help you manage the entire hiring process from start to finish. It includes candidate presentation, interview coordination, and salary negotiation.
When choosing a recruiting firm for your company, ask about their recruiting methods. For example, do they comb online job boards and LinkedIn for candidates or use a more targeted approach? Also, understand how many finance and accounting placements they’ve made in the past two years. It will give you a good indication of their experience in the field and whether they can find the perfect fit for your company’s needs. If they can’t answer this question, look elsewhere.
Screening
The recruitment and hiring function has been all but eviscerated for many companies. Hiring managers are left to figure out what they need for their teams, put ads in the right places, and watch as applicant-tracking software sifts through applications. It’s become the wild west, with a new industry of vendors offering smart-sounding tools that help companies predict who will be a good hire. These include voice recognition, body language analysis, clues on social media, and machine learning algorithms.
A recruiter’s screening process is an excellent way to ensure applicants have the right skills and experience. A recruiter will ask about the types of accounting processes the candidate is familiar with. Recruiters will also want to know if the applicant is comfortable using specific software programs used in the job. For example, if an accounting position involves performing month-end closing procedures, the recruiter will want to know if the applicant has performed this task in the past.
A great recruiter will also take the time to understand an applicant’s career aspirations and salary expectations and use their extensive market knowledge to negotiate a competitive compensation package. They will also provide insights into current salary trends that can help an organization stay ahead of the competition for talent in its market.
Interviewing
A well-staffed accounting and finance team is a critical part of any business. Recruiters who specialize in these roles know the industry inside and out. They can help your company navigate a complex hiring process, which often includes rigorous screenings, evaluations, and interviews. This thorough vetting process cuts back on the time your staff spends reviewing applications and hiring new employees.
When interviewing candidates for an open accounting or finance position, a recruiter will ask questions that assess their skills and experience. They may also require a background check and references to ensure the candidate fits the company culture well. This thorough vetting process allows recruiters to provide their clients with quality candidates ready to hit the ground running.
In addition to evaluating an applicant’s technical experience, recruiters will assess their abilities to understand and present financial data. It is a vital skill for interpreting business information and communicating value. A recruiter may also request that applicants prepare a few journal entries or account reconciliations to see how they respond under pressure.
In a competitive job market, connecting with recruiters and standing out as a strong candidate is essential. A few simple tips can make a big difference: Avoid taking a shotgun approach by sending your resume to every recruiter you can. Instead, focus on recruiting agencies that specialize in your area of expertise. Also, be respectful and courteous. Recruiters meet many candidates a month, so it’s crucial to maintain communication and build a rapport with them.
