The Right Fit
Source: Journal of Accountancy
In this article, Cheryl Meyer explains that administrative professionals at CPA firms continue to gain new responsibilities and greater influence within their firms.
Because administrative professionals are critical to a firm's success, it's essential to hire and keep the best administrative staff possible. Following are recommendations on how to do so for your firm:
- Carefully create/update the job description. Make sure the whole leadership team understands and agrees to the expectations of the role.
- Pursue candidates from a variety of sources. Get referrals from colleagues, utilize professional organizations, and look to websites such as CPAFMA, LinkedIn, Indeed, or CareerBuilder.
- Screen applicants thoroughly. The applicant should understand the firm's software, and have overall knowledge of bookkeeping and financial terms. Ask questions to determine if the applicant will meet the firm's needs. Ask for samples of previous work, and check references.
- Ask existing administrative staff. Involve current administrative staff in the hiring process. They have an inside perspective on who would fit well with your firm.
- Check the attitude. A candidate's willingness to work hard and contribute to the team can be of great value to your firm.
- Compensate well. Research to ensure you are offering competitive pay.
- Hire for the long-term. Make sure this person is interested in a career not just in a job to pay the bills.
- Be willing to let go of mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Be willing to let go and move on.
- Work to keep administrative staff engaged. Assign special projects when possible. Learn their strengths and leverage them. Listen to constructive input from administrative staff.
- Give administrative staff equal treatment. Each team member contributes to the firm's success.
For the complete article, read “How to get — and keep — the best administrative staff.”
From Journal of Accountancy, September 26, 2016, www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2016/sep.