Usually it’s difficult to find one exceptional candidate let alone two that tick all of the boxes.
If the person you’re looking to hire will be a major part of the team, will have exposure to senior level management and have to regularly take on duties beyond their core responsibilities, then look for the three qualities below in order to make the best decision possible.
Progression
Your candidate of choice should demonstrate progression in the course of their career. Look at the achievements in their current role. See who has natural leadership ability. Have they seen a project through to completion? Does their career show systematic choices leading to skill set growth or advancement? If so, you have your winner.
Grit
Accountants that deliver on a consistent basis are the ones who are able to rise above adversity and excel. Ask interview questions designed to elicit information about an individual’s ability to regroup if something has gone wrong. Look for answers that demonstrate a solutions-focused mentality and resilience. At the end of the day you need someone who can not only start a project, but finish it.
Attitude
Technical expertise can be taught, but attitude cannot. Fundamentally, you’re looking for someone who can gel with the team and fit in with their natural working style. Ask yourself if the candidate is teachable. If not, then you have your answer.
When you have to choose between two accountants, examine their resilience in the face of adversity and their ability to bring a project through to completion. Ask yourself if your candidate shows progression in the course of their career and a collaborative attitude that can make others rise to the occasion. If so, then they are the kind of person you want to add to your organization.
