Top Deciding Factors for Job Candidates
What do accounting and finance job candidates value most in a new position? According to a recent Robert Half International survey of chief financial officers (CFOs), it’s salary, company stability and an appealing workplace culture. CFOs polled were asked to cite the most important considerations for candidates when evaluating employment offers. The top answer was salary (27 percent), followed by company stability (24 percent) and work environment/corporate culture (22 percent). Reflecting these preferences, following are tips for effectively recruiting and securing stellar accounting professionals:
Showcase your salary smarts. Investigate current compensation standards and trends to make sure the salaries you offer accounting employees are above or at least on par with competitors in your geographic area. Excellent resources include the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and the annual Salary Guide from Robert Half. If you’re restricted by tight salary budgets, consider offering other perquisites such as performance-based bonus opportunities or extra vacation days.
Highlight your firm’s solidity. Just as you look for applicants whose work history shows stability and progress, job candidates seek the same. If your organization has a longstanding reputation for success and strength, by all means highlight this when speaking to potential candidates. In addition, describe potential career paths to show that your firm is committed to the long-term growth and success of its accounting staff members. For example, did a senior financial executive get her start at the company as an entry-level payroll professional? If so, mention that inspiring fact.
Emphasize your work environment. Remember that a dynamic, team-oriented and employee-focused culture can win over candidates, too. For instance, does your organization help accountants achieve work/life balance through telecommuting options or on-site child-care facilities? Do you offer a formal mentoring program or tuition reimbursement? Are outstanding employee achievements publicly recognized? Do you invest in corporate philanthropy or give employees time to share their expertise with deserving non-profit organizations? These types of initiatives attract desirable applicants, and they can significantly aid your retention efforts.
In today’s competitive hiring environment, top-notch accountants have no shortage of employment options. To stand out from the crowd, companies can appeal to candidates by spotlighting the aspects of the job candidates rate most highly.
