As the owner of an accounting firm, you need to ensure you have adequate staff to handle the workload and meet client demands. However, the hiring process can be time-consuming and expensive. Accounting staffing agencies can help by providing temporary or permanent accounting professionals to fill your staffing needs. With many agencies to choose from, how do you determine which is the best fit for your firm?
There are several factors to consider when evaluating accounting staffing agencies. You'll want to examine their experience and track record in placing accounting professionals, as more experience often means higher quality candidates. Check their screening and vetting process to make sure candidates meet your minimum requirements. Consider the range and depth of their candidate pool to find professionals with the specific skills and experience your firm needs. Fees, availability, and responsiveness are also important - you want an agency that can provide qualified candidates quickly and at a reasonable cost.
By assessing these key points, you can find an accounting staffing agency that will be a true partner in helping you meet your staffing goals. With the right agency, you'll gain access to experienced accounting professionals ready to hit the ground running.
Check the Agency’s Experience and Expertise in Accounting
When choosing an accounting staffing agency, it is critical to evaluate their experience and expertise. Look for an agency that:
- Has been in business for several years. Established agencies will have a proven track record of success and be able to provide references from past clients.
- Specializes in accounting and finance placements. Agencies that focus specifically on the accounting field will have a much better understanding of your needs and the available talent pool. Generalist agencies may lack this specialized knowledge.
- Has experience placing candidates at your required level. If you need to fill entry-level roles, look for an agency experienced with junior accountants and bookkeepers. For CFO or controller roles, seek out an agency that has placed candidates at the executive level.
- Provides prescreened, qualified candidates. The best agencies will evaluate candidates carefully to ensure they have the appropriate certifications, education, skills, and experience before presenting them to clients. This helps avoid wasting time interviewing unsuitable applicants.
- Offers value-added services. Some agencies provide extra services like skills assessments, background/reference checks, onboarding assistance, and temp-to-perm options. These services demonstrate a higher level of commitment to finding the right long-term fit.
Choosing the right staffing partner is key to finding accounting professionals that meet your precise needs. Do thorough research and evaluate multiple agencies before settling on the one that can deliver the best results for your organization. With the proper approach, an experienced agency can save you time and money by managing the hiring process from start to finish.
Review the Agency’s Hiring and Screening Process
When evaluating accounting staffing agencies, carefully review their hiring and screening process. This will give you insight into the quality and fit of candidates they provide.
Look for agencies that thoroughly screen candidates beyond just reviewing resumes. The ideal agency will conduct in-depth interviews to assess technical skills, soft skills, work style preferences, and company culture fit. They should verify candidates’ credentials, employment history, references, and conduct background checks.
Seek out agencies that utilize aptitude and skills testing. Accounting roles demand a high level of technical proficiency and problem-solving ability. Testing helps determine candidates’ abilities in areas like financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
Examine their vetting process for temporary or contract staff in addition to permanent employees. Temporary hires still represent your company, so high standards are important.
Consider agencies that specialize in accounting and finance placements. They will have a deeper understanding of your hiring needs and a wider network to draw candidates from. They can also provide better support for onboarding and continued staff development.
In summary, the agency you choose should uphold rigorous standards for screening and testing candidates to ensure the best match for your needs. Their recruiting methods and area of specialization are also important factors to weigh when making your selection. The ideal agency will provide high-quality candidates and helpful support for your short- and long-term staffing success.
Consider the Agency’s Network and Placement Success
Network of Contacts
When choosing an accounting staffing agency, consider their network of contacts and track record of successful placements. An established agency will have built connections with reputable accounting firms and professionals over time. This large network allows them to find strong candidates for your open role. They can tap into this network to source qualified accountants and financial experts that match your needs.
Proven Success Placing Candidates
Look for an agency with a proven track record of successfully placing accounting and finance professionals in both temporary contract and permanent positions. Review their placement statistics and client testimonials as evidence of their ability to match the right candidates with the right companies. High placement rates and satisfied clients indicate their recruitment process is effective in identifying best-fit candidates.
Industry Knowledge
Choose an agency that understands your industry's specific needs. Accounting staffing agencies that specialize in your industry will grasp the required technical skills, credentials, experience, and soft skills to succeed in your company. They can then target candidates with this specialized knowledge and experience. Those with a broad range of industry experience may lack this focused expertise.
Screening Process
An agency's screening process also matters. Look for one with a rigorous screening process to assess both technical accounting skills and soft skills. This helps ensure only the most qualified candidates are put forward to clients. At a minimum, candidates should be screened through phone interviews, skills assessments, reference checks, and background checks. An in-depth screening process will save you time and lead to better long-term hires.
In summary, selecting an accounting staffing agency with an extensive professional network, proven success with placements, specialized industry knowledge, and a thorough screening process will increase your chances of finding high-quality accounting talent. These factors will lead to the right match for your needs and budget.
Conclusion
As you evaluate accounting staffing agencies, consider both your short-term staffing needs as well as your long-term partnership potential. The agency you choose should understand your company culture and priorities, work diligently to provide strong candidates, and maintain consistent communication to ensure your satisfaction and continued success. A trusted staffing partner can be invaluable for navigating challenges, identifying opportunities, and planning for future growth. With the right agency match, you'll gain far more than temporary staffing; you'll gain a strategic business ally. The time you invest in choosing the best agency for your needs will pay dividends through improved productivity, reduced costs, and sustainable growth. Selecting an accounting staffing agency is a decision that can impact your company for years to come, so take the time to make the choice that best fits your vision of the future.
Kevin Mitchell, CPA
Senior Manager and CPA with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial services, specializing in risk management and regulatory compliance. Skilled in managing audits and leading teams to deliver exceptional services. Proud father of two.
