Industry Insights

In public accounting, hiring the wrong person doesn't just lead to financial loss—it causes partner stress and harms team morale. Drawing on 25 years of experience, the blog introduces a Bad Hire Calculator, which helps firms quantify the true cost of hiring mistakes based on specific internal practices (e.g., use of recruiters, firing timeline).

The blog discusses how job candidates can improve their interview performance, especially when answering personality and team-fit questions. It shares the story of "Sarah," who successfully used the Accountants Personality Profile to prepare for her interviews.

Mike Manalac, CPA, shares his journey from public accounting to the tech industry, offering actionable advice for accountants looking to make a similar move. To break into tech or any competitive industry, be strategic, stand out, and take bold steps.

The blog discusses the value and ROI (Return on Investment) of pre-employment testing, addressing why many firms are hesitant to adopt it due to challenges in measuring its benefits. It highlights insights from Dr. Steve Blinkhorn, who breaks down the key factors that influence the ROI of testing.

In today's tight labor market, transparent interviews are gaining attention as a fair and consistent method to evaluate candidates. Transparent interviews provide candidates with questions in advance, allowing them to showcase their suitability for the role. Explore how transparent interviews can enhance your hiring process by allowing for better-prepared candidates and more accurate assessments of their fit for the job.

The blog promotes a webinar aimed at improving the hiring process for accountants, focusing on using objective evidence and validated tests to make better hiring decisions

A typical hiring process that incorporates AI tools like ChatGPT for drafting job descriptions and refining resumes and cover letters. The process begins with the creation of a job description, followed by advertising the job and receiving applications, some of which are enhanced by AI. This leads to variable quality in applications.

The balance of power in hiring has shifted towards candidates who are likely to receive multiple offers. To attract top talent, firms must not only implement these strategies but also communicate them effectively. Engaging existing employees to understand their needs can help both in recruiting new talent and retaining current staff.

Explore the advantages of incorporating pre-employment assessments in accounting and bookkeeping firms' hiring practices. Research indicates that candidates who perform well in assessments are more inclined to complete them, enabling firms to pinpoint high-quality applicants efficiently, thus enhancing the hiring process.

"Stay interviews," a proactive approach to employee retention, can prevent small grievances from snowballing into reasons for departure. By understanding what motivates your employees and addressing potential issues early, you not only retain key staff but also foster a more contented and productive work environment.

Integrity is a non-negotiable trait in accounting, laying a trustworthy foundation for success, enabling expert conflict resolution, fostering sound decision-making, and promoting a positive team culture. Making it a central criterion in your hiring process not only ensures smooth business operations but also safeguards your company's reputation

Conducting effective interviews for accountants and bookkeepers is crucial, and following a structured format with competency-based questioning, thorough note-taking, and panel reviews can ensure an efficient and fair hiring process