Hiring for accounting positions can be a daunting task for many organizations. The complexities of this field require not only a strong educational background but also specific skill sets and personal attributes.
As experts in recruitment for accounting positions, Milliner Talent Solutions knows the challenges companies face in hiring for these roles. To help you overcome them, we’ve compiled a list of helpful strategies.
Challenge: High Demand, Low Supply
There is an increasingly high demand for accounting professionals, but a limited pool of qualified candidates.
Solution: Expand Your Search and Offerings
Depending on the position, include candidates who are entry-level or right out of college. Investing in internship programs can be a win-win situation, leading to a full-time job and a proven employee. If you need a more skilled accountant, take another look at the wages and benefits you offer. Top talent is going to be more attracted to at/above market-level wages, bonuses, insurance premiums, and so on. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”
Challenge: Work-Life Balance
Traditionally, accounting can be demanding with long hours during busy seasons or month-end close that can make work-life balance feel unobtainable.
Solution: Become More Flexible
Offering flexible hours or remote/hybrid work arrangements can give accounting professionals flexibility to manage work and personal needs. Remote work (even if it is just a day or two a week) has proven to assist with commute times and the rising cost of gas, as well. Flexible hours (outside the traditional 9-5) can allow individuals to meet their personal obligations while working a 40-hour week.
Challenge: A Technology-Driven World Comes at a Premium
Rapidly evolving accounting and financial software help accounting professionals complete routine tasks every day. But these can be quite costly, so some firms don’t make the investment.
Solution: Think of Tech As A Recruiting Tool
Skilled accountants don’t want to waste their time with tasks that can be easily automated to make their jobs more efficient. If you have these tools or plan to invest in them, it can help differentiate your organization from others and be a real selling point when recruiting top talent.
Challenge: Retaining Talent
Congrats! You found a skilled accountant to fill your position. But your work doesn’t end there. Your next challenge is to retain this in-demand professional within a competitive market.
Solution: Provide A Path Forward
No one wants to be stuck in a dead-end job. Make sure you offer clear career progression and/or ongoing development opportunities for your top talent. This could include promotions, paid certifications, or training that could lead to leadership roles within your company. Also, ensure you are proactively keeping up with market standards for salary and bonus offerings.
If you’re having a hard time filling accounting positions or retaining valuable employees, reach out to our talent recruiting experts. We’re here to help you find the right solution.
