If you run an accounting firm or an established financial company, then you’re already familiar with the signs that predict success in your financial applicant pool. Of course you look for candidates who understand the equities, futures or other instruments your firm deals with most, and you look for candidates with long term goals that align with those of the company. But what if you’ve never hired a financial professional before? What if you’re just getting your company off the ground and you need someone who can handle the financial challenges unique to your industry—the ones you yourself may not even recognize?  Before you commit to a candidate, or even begin your search, keep these tips in mind.

Hiring Accounting Personnel

1. References are vital. Look for experience, and recognize that the best way to measure experience is through careful due diligence and rigorous follow up. Ask references for specific detail, including challenges and audits the candidate may have handled, and don’t accept excessive discretion or silence. Neutral reviews should be considered a red flag.
2. At the same time, realize that experience comes at a premium. If you snap up a sharp recent grad with no professional background, you’ll be paying a discount. But just like all professionals, financial pros learn from their mistakes, and you’ll be bearing the cost of this applicant’s real-world training. You’ll also need to let her go within a few years if she outgrows the opportunities your company can provide.
3. The less control you have over your company’s financial direction, the more you’ll need to trust your candidate. You make cakes/ test manufacturing equipment/ train elephants, etc, and you’ll need to keep your attention focused on your business. This means finding someone who’s meticulous and detail oriented, even if you aren’t. Hire an accountant, not a friend.
4. Elevate your search with excellent sourcing. If you start with the wrong candidate sources, you’ll generate a giant pool of mediocre resumes. But if you target your posting and your recruiting efforts toward the best of the best, you’ll increase your chances of a great hire and you’ll also save money, headaches, and time.

Launch an efficient search for the best possible candidate by reaching out to the Texas financial staffing pros at Expert. We have the sourcing, screening, and recruiting experience you need to identify top talent and hire an accountant or financial pro that can take your company to the next level.