You have probably been thinking about hiring international workers for your team. We get it, everyone is doing it and it's clear why: Hiring accounting talent from other regions is more cost-effective than hiring in the United States, allowing you to save money on salaries, office space, and benefits.
One region that has recently become the main hiring pool for North American companies is South America. Hiring South American workers can bring a diverse range of perspectives and skills to your team and can help your firm offer better and wider services to clients in the region. However, once you start looking you’ll find the demand is almost infinite, so you’ll have to narrow down your selection criteria until you find the best option for your accounting firm.
Here are 5 top skills to consider when hiring accounting talent from South America.
1. Level of English
When seeking to hire accounting talent from South America, it's important to look for candidates with an advanced level of English proficiency. While some South American countries may have Spanish, Portuguese, or other languages as their official languages, English is widely used in business and finance across the region.
Having a strong command of English allows accounting professionals to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, as well as to access a wider range of resources and information. It's also an asset when working with multinational corporations that use English as their primary language for financial reporting.
2. Expertise compatibility
Accounting workers from South America may have experience using different accounting systems and practices than those used in the United States, so it's important to be open to different approaches and methods. Make sure your job description has a detailed list of the tools, framework, and software used by your accounting firm, it will help you narrow your pool of candidates.
3. Attention to Detail and Highly Organised
Attention to detail is a critical skill in the accounting field, and it's especially important when working with clients from different cultures. South American workers are known for their meticulous attention to detail, which can be a valuable asset in accounting positions. In addition, many South American cultures place a strong emphasis on precision and accuracy, which can translate well to accounting tasks.
Also, remember they’ll be working remotely, so being well-organized and self-governed to reach goals without constant monitoring is essential.
4. Tech-driven and cloud curious
It's becoming increasingly clear that the future of accountancy relies on digital practices. In fact, 45% of advisors believe that accountancy will only survive as a profession if it embraces digital technologies. This means that it's more important than ever for your team to be up-to-date with the latest fintech and digital workflow processes.
When interviewing accounting talents, make sure to look for:
- Experience with cloud accounting software and real-time financial reporting
- Sound knowledge of the app ecosystem and the available cloud-based business tools
- Skilled at customizing software systems to meet client needs.
5. Adaptability
Some South American countries have unique business practices that may differ from those in the United States. Accounting talents must be able to adapt to these differences and navigate them successfully by having previous training or fast learning skill. Also, accounting is constantly evolving, so it's important to hire candidates who can move fast and adapt to new technologies.
Luckily, most South American countries have cultural similarities with the United States and a deep knowledge of our customs, which can make the onboarding process and incorporation of South American workers much more seamless.
Finding Your Accounting Talent with the Right Human Skills
As the accounting industry continues to evolve and shifts towards a more people-centric approach, it's crucial to have a team of competent, adaptable, and skilled accounting talents on board. To achieve success, it's important to concentrate on hiring talented experts who can not only deliver results but also create valuable. As the future of accounting,
To stay ahead of the curve, your accounting firm needs a group of professionals who possess the right blend of technical expertise and human skills. These skills are particularly crucial when hiring international employees, especially from South America, as they may bring a different perspective and professional background. Partnering with a staffing agency specializing in accounting talent can help you narrow down the search by pre-selecting the best candidates that match your company's specific needs from a vast pool of international candidates. With the right talent on board, your accounting practice can thrive and remain competitive in today's fast-paced business environment.
>> Ready to start hiring? Fill out the form and one of Vintti's account executives will contact you within 24 hours.
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.
