It’s not your imagination: finding great accounting professionals remains a challenge.
Recent data suggests a sustained demand for accounting roles despite broader economic fluctuations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of April 2023, accounting and auditing jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, reflecting the ongoing need for these professionals in various sectors.
During the pandemic, many sectors, including accounting, faced significant upheavals. While initially there was a reduction in jobs, the tide has turned.
Recovery has been robust, particularly in California, where diverse industries from tech to entertainment require skilled accountants to navigate complex financial landscapes.
The Most In-Demand Accounting
& Bookkeeping Professionals
The most sought-after positions, according to a 2023 report from Salary.com, include:
- Accounting Clerk
- Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Tax Accountant
- Controller
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Industries with High Demand for Accounting Specialists
- Small and Mid-Sized Businesses: These companies need accountants for managing erratic cash flows and new compliance mandates, especially as California continues to update its business regulations.
- Corporations: With sustainability becoming a critical goal, corporations seek accountants to strategize for long-term viability.
- Government: An increase in federal and state financial programs necessitates more accounting expertise.
- Financial Services: Post-pandemic and amid high inflation, there’s a higher demand for professionals who can assist with debt reorganization and securing credit lines.
- Healthcare: Ongoing updates in payment technology require adept handling of finances, including payment processes, billing, and reconciliations.
Recruiting Strategies For Sourcing Hard-To-Find Talent
Consider whether direct hiring or partnering with a staffing agency that specializes in finance and accounting roles is more strategic.
Agency flexibility allows both parties to assess fit before committing long-term, an essential recruitment and retention strategy in today’s competitive job market.
Expert tip: seek out agencies
If You Need to Hire, Plan Ahead
Can’t shake the feeling that you’re late to the hiring party? You’re not alone.
Waiting until the need arises puts you at a disadvantage.
Instead, continuously engage potential candidates through networking, maintaining contact via newsletters, email, calls or texts, and proactive recruitment efforts such as:
- Partnering with college career centers
- Linking up with college alumni programs
- Presenting job search seminars at business colleges, industry associations, and other community organizations with ties to the accounting and finance sectors
- Asking for referrals from your current employees (and incentivize them with a referral bonus if hired)
This approach not only fills current vacancies but also builds a pipeline of talent for future needs.
Effective Job Descriptions and Hiring for Skills
Ensure your job descriptions are clear yet welcoming to candidates who meet most criteria. With a long requirement list that is too demanding and exact, you risk scaring off perfectly capable applicants who are highly skilled but don’t check off every box.
After all, it’s rare that any candidate has all the requirements of a position. Many people can be easily trained and/or upskilled quickly.
Additionally, practical experience may often substitute for formal education requirements, like a bachelor’s degree.
For example, if someone has five years of increasingly sophisticated accounting experience, do they truly need a degree? Probably not.
That said, be specific about the skills and qualifications you really do need that are non-negotiable.
The Importance of Hard and Soft Skills
No level of technical expertise compensates for poor interpersonal skills. A pleasant, cooperative team player is invaluable, especially during peak periods like tax season.
Finding and Hiring Top Accounting Talent
By partnering with a specialized staffing agency like Helpmates, you leverage our deep understanding of the Southern California job market and faster access to a network of vetted accounting and finance candidates who may be the perfect fit for your organization.
We are committed to keeping our talent pipeline robust, enabling us to quickly place skilled professionals in contract roles or introduce top candidates for direct hire, often within days.
In fact, we’re so confident in our ability to find qualified talent for your accounting and finance roles that we offer a 100% Happiness Guarantee.
Explore More Staffing Insights
If you found this information helpful and are looking for more hiring insights, browse our employer resources library. Each piece is designed to help hiring managers navigate the complexities of recruitment and staffing solutions.
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