Accountants and finance professionals consistently rank among the top 10 hardest-to-fill jobs at U.S. companies. Why are these positions so difficult to fill? What is it about accountants?
The answer lies mostly in personality. While lots of accountants have the basic skills required for financial work, employers struggle to find the right mix of soft skills - personal attributes that promote harmony in the workplace.
Don’t give up on hiring a terrific accountant. Here are some tips for finding one who’s the right fit for your company.
Team, Not Beans
Accountants get a bad rap for being overly detail-oriented. The stereotypical “bean counter” label comes from the field’s rigorous attention to detail. It’s this rigor that keeps your company in good financial condition and within legal boundaries.
However, when an accountant is too bogged down by the little things, it can negatively impact your company. Sometimes you need them to step away from the spreadsheets and work collaboratively with the rest of your team.
This is why it’s important to talk about teamwork during the hiring process. Ask candidates about past experience working on committees, serving a consultant role, or participating in process improvement. Ask for specific examples of being a good team member.
Non-Monetary Qualities
One way of predicting whether your accountant will be a good fit is to consider their non-financial background. Look for hobbies and interests that overlap with your company culture.
Perhaps in their free time they play the trumpet, and your company provides music education. Perhaps they’re a marathon runner, and you sell shoes. If your accountant has something in common with your business, it’s more likely that you’ll make a good match.
Talented Advisors
It’s a mistake to think of an accountant purely as a number cruncher. They’re also an important advisor within your company. They can alert you to problems, suggest improvements, and contribute to your strategic planning efforts.
How do you know about their background as advisors? Have in-depth discussions with their references. Ask for examples of good and bad advice the person gave them. References will likely be unprepared for this type of questioning, so you might get some surprising answers!
Scope and Soft Skills
Sometimes accountants are a poor fit because they didn’t understand the job they applied for. Accounting can encompass a broad spectrum of duties, from handling complex debt issues to selecting financial management software.
Develop a comprehensive list of specific job duties, and make it clear to applicants. Remember to include duties that involve soft skills like:
- Collaboration
- Self-awareness
- Persistence
- Patience
- Leadership
- Conflict resolution
Discuss Culture Fit Openly
Be honest with accountant candidates about the importance of finding someone who’s a good fit for your company culture. Describe the personality that would work well in your organization, and ask if that sounds like them.
Nobody wants to work someplace that makes them uncomfortable. Good culture matches encourage long-term employee retention.
Interns, Apprentices, Temps
If your company is actively seeking all of the qualities above, and still struggles to fill accounting jobs, consider starting with short-term workers like interns, apprentices, and temps. A trial period may give you a better insight into personality and culture fit.
Do a Modern Background Check
A basic background check is probably already a part of your hiring process for financial professionals. It can show licenses, certifications, legal history, financial history, and any censures or other risky issues.
But how modern is your background check? Does it scan social media and online profiles? What about the all-important personality aspects of hiring a great accountant?
This is where a company like GoGig comes in. Partner with GoGig, an innovative employment matching platform, to reveal powerful personality traits that can reshape your hiring choices.
