Introduction:

In this episode of The Accounting Firm podcast podcast, host Shahram Zarshenas interviews Josh, a Partner at Streimer & Flusberg, PA. He runs an accounting firm with 17 team members and over 1,500 clients. He shares his valuable insights and strategies on how accounting firms can effectively find and hire top talent in today’s highly competitive job market. This episode offers practical advice and actionable tips for accounting professionals and firm owners looking to attract and retain the best talent for their organizations.

 

Episode Summary:

Josh starts the conversation by discussing the current challenges that accounting firms face in recruiting top talent. He explains how the job market has evolved, with candidates having more options and higher expectations. Josh emphasizes the need for firms to adopt a proactive and strategic approach to recruitment to stand out from the competition.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Evolving Job Market (Duration: 5:00 – 12:30)

  • The job market has become more candidate-driven, with candidates having multiple options.
  • Candidates prioritize factors such as work-life balance, career development, and company culture.
  • Firms need to adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent.

 

Building a Strong Employer Brand (Duration: 12:30 – 21:00)

  • Define and communicate your firm’s unique value proposition to prospective candidates.
  • Showcase your firm’s culture, values, and employee testimonials through various channels.
  • Leverage social media and online platforms to enhance your employer brand visibility.

 

Proactive Talent Sourcing (Duration: 21:00 – 31:15)

  • Develop a proactive talent acquisition strategy by building relationships with candidates before they start job searching.
  • Utilize professional networks, industry events, and referrals to identify potential candidates.
  • Maintain a talent pipeline and engage with passive candidates to keep them interested.

 

Streamlining the Hiring Process (Duration: 31:15 – 40:00)

  • Optimize your hiring process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for candidates.
  • Define clear job requirements and interview criteria to assess candidates effectively.
  • Use technology tools and applicant tracking systems to streamline the recruitment process.

 

Assessing Cultural Fit and Soft Skills (Duration: 40:00 – 47:45)

  • Look beyond technical skills and assess candidates’ cultural fit and soft skills.
  • Conduct behavioral and situational interviews to evaluate problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
  • Involve team members in the interview process to gain diverse perspectives.

 

Retention and Employee Development (Duration: 47:45 – 56:30)

  • Create a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters employee growth and development.
  • Offer ongoing training and learning opportunities to help employees enhance their skills.
  • Implement effective performance management systems to recognize and reward top performers.

Conclusion:

Josh concludes the episode by emphasizing that finding and hiring top talent requires a proactive and strategic approach. Accounting firms need to invest in building their employer brand, actively source candidates, streamline their hiring processes, and prioritize cultural fit and soft skills. By adopting these strategies, firms can attract and retain the best talent, ensuring long-term success in a competitive job market.

Note: The timestamps provided above are approximate and may vary slightly in the actual podcast episode.