How to hire the best Accountants during a talent drought

In the current “Great Resignation” climate, hiring managers’ priorities have shifted from choosing the right candidate to attracting candidates who are trying to choose the right company. After years of fierce competition in the job market, many organisations are realising a need to switch gears and consider what they have to offer to the best people for their roles.

While pay and benefits are obvious draws, they’re also limited by company budgets. So what else can you do to attract top candidates? Plenty.

Career Development Opportunities

One major concern of job seekers is career mobility and self-development. Opportunities to train for more senior roles, learn with a mentor, and update their skills are a draw for Accountants with a long-term outlook. If they feel management supports their career goals, they’ll be more likely to stay with the company for the long term as well.

Flexibility

In today’s market, it’s imperative to listen to candidates’ needs. Make sure you ask them what they need and what would make them want to work for you. For example, someone with childcare responsibilities might want a four-day week. Don’t dismiss the idea–consider the benefits this person could bring to your team and make them an offer that’s tailored to their needs.

Work Fast

The days of long waits between multiple interviews are over. Any good Accountant will have several offers to choose from and is liable to be snapped up by whichever employer moves fastest. Make sure that’s you by streamlining and speeding up your recruitment process.

Remote and Flexible Working

This brings us to our next point: several recent surveys show that a significant number of candidates value remote and/or flexible working more than higher pay.

In the current market, you can’t offer too much flexibility. The employer who provides the best flexible working options will attract the most candidates–and the most diverse candidates too. Make sure you strongly promote the flexibility you offer on your job specs.

Health and Wellbeing Support

Since the pandemic, health and wellbeing support is no longer a “nice to have”--it’s a must-have. Most candidates no longer want to work for a company that can’t demonstrate that it values its employees’ mental health.

Providing a support programme will enable you to stay competitive and demonstrate that you truly care for your staff. What’s more, healthy and happy employees will be more motivated and enjoy their work more, boosting productivity and employee retention.

There are many practical forms of wellbeing support you can provide, from a 24/7 GP helpline to mindfulness courses and discounted gym memberships. Most importantly, make wellbeing a topic of internal conversation and make sure employees feel safe to speak up about mental health.