Turnover—Reduce it by Hiring Right

Source: Accounting Today

August Aquila of Aquila Global Advisors (www.aquilaadvisors.com) has some excellent advice on what to look for during an interview for a higher level position. He breaks down the categories of competence as follows:

Organization Skills

• Does the person understand the accounting/consulting business?
• Is the person technically up-to-date? Does he/she use other people as resources?
• Does the person understand factors contributing to the firm’s profitability? Does he/she appear to be committed to profitable operations?

Leadership and Management

• Can the person promote his/her ideas in a manner that influences others?
• Can the person evaluate the skills and potential of others?

Leadership Initiatives

• Is the person innovative? Will he/she be able to coordinate multiple approaches to problem solving?
• Does the person have good judgment? Can he/she make decisions in the face of uncertainty?

Personal Behavior

• Does the person have a sense of urgency? Is he/she persistent in the face of obstacles?
• Does the person have high standards?
• Does the person have integrity? Does he/she build trust through sincerity and by keeping promises?
• Is the person committed to self-development through education and experience? Does he/she accept constructive criticism and act on it?

Here are some suggested interview questions:

• Can you relate an instance in which you were able to create orderliness among a disorganized or unruly group?
• Can you relate an instance where you were able to focus a group on the important matters necessary to a decision?
• Can you relate an instance in which a holistic approach to a problem was successful?
• Have you had to deal with a complicated tax audit issue? How did you resolve it?
• Have you ever had to quickly enhance your basic knowledge of a subject in order to complete an assignment? Describe it.
• Describe an instance in which you had to deal empathetically with a peer or subordinate.
• Describe an instance in which you were able to elicit help from someone inside your firm.
• Have you ever faced an ethical business dilemma? Describe how you resolved it.
• Describe an unsuccessful engagement or project you headed.
• Describe your self-development.

From Accounting Today, April 16, 2007, SourceMedia Inc., One State Street Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10004, 800-221-1809. For the complete article, click on the following link: http://www.webcpa.com/current_issue.cfm?pub=ato, then find the article entitled When Does Turnover Begin? in the April 16, 2007, issue.