Are you considering hiring international workers for your accounting firm? With the rise of remote work, many firms are turning to international talent to save on costs and tap into diverse skill sets.
While hiring talent from other regions can bring numerous benefits, the vast selection of candidates can make it challenging to identify the best fit for your accounting firm. So, how can you narrow down your selection criteria to find the best candidate for your firm?
In this blog post, we will discuss the top five skills to look for when hiring remote accountants that offer better and wider services to clients in the region while also saving on costs. So, let's dive in!
Strong Communication
Effective communication is crucial when working remotely, especially for remote accountants. As most interactions take place through digital tools like email, video conferencing, and chat applications, clear and concise communication is vital to ensure that projects are completed on time and that everyone is on the same page.
However, it can be challenging to identify this skill during the hiring process. One way to assess communication skills is to ask behavioral questions during the interview, such as how the candidate manages urgent or important information, what tools they use for communication, and what type of interactions they are most comfortable with during work. Additionally, conducting work simulations can provide valuable insight into a candidate's communication skills.
Time Management and Organizational Skills
Remote accountants must be self-directed and able to manage their time effectively. This includes prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and staying focused in a remote work setting without constantly checking. Remote accountants must also be highly organized, as they often manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously.
Businesses should assess candidates' time management and organizational skills by asking them to describe their approach to managing their workload and how they stay organized. It is also important to check if they are familiar with the management tools you already use in the company. They may not use the exact same apps but a similar one which means the candidate will be able to easily adapt.
Technological Proficiency
As remote work relies heavily on digital tools and technology, remote accountants must be proficient in using accounting software, cloud-based platforms, and other digital tools that enable remote work. They must also be comfortable troubleshooting technical issues independently.
During the hiring process, it's crucial to assess a candidate's familiarity with the tools and software used in remote accounting. Asking specific questions about the features of different software and tools can help you evaluate the depth of their understanding. Additionally, it's essential to look for other soft skills, such as the candidate's willingness to keep learning and stay up to date with the latest tools and technologies.
Pay special attention to candidates who are currently learning new skills, even if they are not actively applying them in their current job. This demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth, which is a valuable trait for remote accountants.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Forget about remote, accountants need to possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to be successful. With the increasing use of automation and AI-powered tools in the accounting industry, critical thinking is becoming more vital than ever, making analytical skills essential for accountants to stay current and competitive. Strong analytical skills involve a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to apply critical thinking skills to complex problems.
When hiring remote accountants, it's essential to assess candidates' analytical and problem-solving skills by asking them to provide examples of projects they've worked on that required these skills such as: Can you give us an example of a time when you identified a financial discrepancy or problem while working on a project? How did you go about identifying and solving the issue? In your experience, what are some common challenges or issues that arise in remote accounting work, and how do you typically handle them? Can you provide an example of a time when you faced a challenging problem while working remotely, and how did you overcome it?
Adaptability and Flexibility
Adaptability and flexibility are key traits that businesses should look for when hiring remote accountants, which in most cases they already have by definition. Remote workers must be able to adjust to changes in the work environment, such as shifting deadlines or new project requirements, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. One effective way to ensure that a candidate has these skills is to look for employees who have at least a year of remote work experience. Not only will this save time and money on training and onboarding, but remote workers are typically more accustomed to working with hybrid teams, making the integration process much smoother.
Taking Your Firm to the Next Step
In conclusion, hiring remote accountants can be a great way for accounting firms to expand their talent pool and save costs. However, finding the right candidates can be a challenge, especially when it comes to assessing their skills and experience in a remote work environment. By focusing on these key skills, firms can increase their chances of finding the right candidates for their team. Additionally, considering hiring from regions like South America can bring a diverse range of perspectives and skills to your team. By being thorough and intentional in the hiring process, accounting firms can build a successful remote team that can provide excellent services to clients.
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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.
