To run the best business, you need the best people – including the best accountants. Here is some advice to help you track them down.
When you’re hiring accountants for your business, you are looking to add someone who will not only help you achieve your milestones, but will bring out the best in everyone else at your organization. The best accountants enjoy assuming leadership roles as much as they enjoy working in the trenches with their team; they’re also strong communicators who are always eager to grow their professional skill set.
But in order to hire well, you need to understand where your business is headed both in the short- and the long-term, as well as have a handle on your financial and staffing restrictions. Consider following the four tips the next time you’re looking to hire accountants for your business.
Service to others
The best accountants believe in the greater good: they recognize that the success of their team is more important than any individual accomplishments. Of course, a history of personal success is something you should be looking for when you’re hiring accountants. But you should also look for candidates who understand how critical it is to go above and beyond for their team, and actively foster win-win partnerships.
You should also be evaluating fit in a potential hire. Consider, for instance, how the person you’re hiring might gel with the rest of the team and how they will affect its dynamics. Determine your team’s natural working style, and figure out what type of personality will mesh seamlessly with the former. Ultimately, the best accountants are able to connect with the team and increase value by contributing to the success of others.
The best accountants believe in the greater good: they recognize that the success of their team is more important than any individual accomplishments.
Communication skills
In order to hire accountants who will contribute the most value for your business, focus on candidates who have demonstrated strong communication skills in their work history. Someone who is willing to sit down and take the time to educate you in accounting matters – so that you can participate in decisions – is invaluable.
An inclusive communication style is critical to encouraging buy-in from fellow employees and key decision-makers. You want someone who will see themselves as a partner and will communicate with others accordingly. In the interview, ask candidates to explain how they secured buy-in from their team and their managers to produce successful results. The best accountants can consider the complexities of a given situation and communicate effectively to all parties involved.
Invested
The best accountants regularly demonstrate that they are invested in their profession – for example, by committing themselves to continuing their professional development. In particular, those accountants who have achieved a designation have taken the time to invest in their professional toolbox.
That’s not to suggest, of course, that non-designated accountants haven’t sought to develop their skills as well. In either case, you should look for candidates willing to take additional courses or seek new experiences contributing to their professional development. A desire to stay current shows an investment in their profession.
A good rule to abide by when you’re hiring accountants is to look for those who have worked with organizations of similar size and complexity for at least a part of their career.
Similar size
A good rule to abide by when you’re hiring accountants is to look for those who have worked with organizations of similar size and complexity for at least a part of their career. For example, if your company isn’t a particularly large one, you’ll want someone who understands the day-to-day demands of a small business. Similarly, someone who has worked in a larger company will have the knowledge of the scale they need to work at to be successful.
When you’re hiring accountants, you need someone who will work effectively in a team to drive value and achieve company goals. The best accountants are invested in their profession and demonstrate this in their willingness to expand their skill set. They are strong communicators and understand how adopting the posture of service can help the company succeed. Utilizing the four tips above should assist you in hiring accountants who are true assets to your organization.
Let us know what you think! At Clarity Recruitment, we’re always interested in hearing from accounting and finance professionals like yourselves, who are ready for new, exciting opportunities that can take their careers to the next level. And be sure to follow us on Twitter (@clarityrecruits) and connect with us on Facebook for more great tips and advice!
