For some years one of the biggest challenges for accountancy firms, of all sizes, has been securing reliable support....
Recruitment Articles
Why you should stop trying to build brand awareness for your firm
My advice here re building and promoting your firm's brand is controversial. And of course there will be some...
How accountants can win the recruitment challenge
Many accountants, even in the smallest of firms are keen to recruit the right people. In our mentoring conversations we will often discuss what type of person and experience is really needed and where compromises may be necessary. Often the upshot is a candidate...
What matters to clients – real-life feedback
Below you will find a ten point list of what matters to an accountant's client who has just posted a glowing and comprehensive testimonial for them. The client shared the list on Linkedin and I have copied it here and added my related observations. I know the...
What skills does a good CFO or Finance Director need?
For as long as I have been writing and speaking about the future I have been stressing that finance professionals need to develop their business skills. Being technically competent and up to date is not enough. That's like having a basic cake mix - without any...
The accountant of tomorrow will….
A Thomson Reuters survey of 350 UK accountants in June 2018 revealed six key areas to consider "as you step into the next decade". I have added my own commentary and views to the headline topics below: 1. Accept business model change The accountants believe that...
Recruitment tips for accountants seeking new staff
Another day, another request for me to to help find someone to fill a vacancy at a smaller firm. On this occasion it's for a sole practitioner in the Berks/Oxfordshire area. I thought it might be helpful to list out some of the elements of my advice: - Create a...
Filling vacancies at professional firms (part two)
Since posting the first part of this blog on filling vacancies at professional firms I have been delighted by the general agreement that has met my observations. I have also received a number of requests to share what I think could be included on professional...
Filling vacancies at professional firms (part one)
I thought I'd share some thoughts here that I have raised with many firms over the years in the context of their recruitment needs and how they fill vacancies. I touched upon this in a recent series of postings 'winning the war for talent'. Imagine for a moment...