bonus checklist: five keys to winning the talent wars.
by rick telberg
卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间
the digital transformation of the accounting profession is creating a surge in demand for high-skilled, business-savvy professionals, and firms are clearly willing to pay top dollar for the best candidates, according to a 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 analysis of new research.
pay rates and headcounts appear to be rising in tandem at leading firms, according to data gathered by one of the leading recruiters in the business.
the robert half staffing firm has been assessing salaries in the finance and accounting industry since long before most finance and accounting professionals were born. so when the firm—the industry’s largest—sees salaries soaring, something’s going on.
but don’t get too excited…yet.
the salaries themselves aren’t the story. they are really a sign of an industry and an economy in flux. that means companies and accounting firms are looking for staff who are either up to speed or capable of learning fast. and in either case, job-seekers need to bring good communication and interpersonal skills to the table.
one interesting survey finding: the oft-sung, long-awaited digital transformation has not yet cut into employment levels. to the contrary, it seems to be a cause of more hiring.
across the broad range of corporate and public accounting, tax preparation, and accounting-related information technology, 17 percent of companies and firms figure on expanding staff levels soon. fifty-nine percent expect to maintain current staff levels. nine percent have frozen staff levels, and only three percent think they will cut staff. a sizable 12 percent aren’t sure.
corporate accounting: undergoing rapid change
change, not economic growth, seems to be driving the hiring in corporate accounting. among the changes that call for more accountants:
- changes in taxation
- new systems implementation
- new accounting standards
- a wave of mergers and acquisitions
public accounting: better deals for employees
the general changes in finance and it are, of course, affecting accounting firms, too. it’s always been hard to find good staff, and now it’s getting harder. consequently, firms are offering better deals to hold on to the staff they’ve got. they’re vying to outbid the competition. competitive salaries, of course, are a big bargaining chip, but firms are also getting more creative (and generous) with perks. flextime and daycare coverage are among the big benefits.
free-lance accountants are finding more opportunities to fill gaps at all levels of staffing. firms are also looking to contract consultants to offer niche and specialty services.
financial services: tax reform and banking drive hiring
financial service organizations are looking for personnel who understand the recent tax reform, which ripples through everything from tax prep to estate planning to financial advice. banks, thriving with increased lending activity, are looking for credit analysts. regulation and security issues are prodding the search for internal auditors, compliance professionals, and data privacy specialists. masters of excel, access, sas, and python are seeing better offers of pay and perks.
best advice: proactive employment
all the above is good news for professionals but a bit worrisome for firms in search of personnel. in times of burgeoning business and personnel shortages, firms can’t wait to take action.
we recommend the following:
- act fast. qualified candidates won’t wait long for a hiring decision. there are always other firms eager to snatch them up.
- hold on to talent. it’s easier than finding new talent. benchmark and continuously adjust salaries. enhance work-life balance.
- relax job descriptions. look for the essential critical skills, hire the generally qualified, then teach them specific new skills.
- keep a stable of contingent workers. be ready for a surge in business or the loss of staff. don’t let workflow disruptions degrade morale.
- knit a new labor model. bring together full-time staff, outside consultants, contingent workers, technology, and a strategic advisor to make it all work smoothly.