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With the nature of compliance work changing, a recruitment firm has outlined new qualities accounting firms are seeking in their hiring processes.
Hays has found that firms in Australia are increasingly seeking a sense of ‘intrapreneurship’ – which is the idea that employees can be encouraged to explore new business ideas alongside their regular workload.
With accountants specifically, firms are increasingly looking for candidates with an “innovative spirit”, David Cawley, Hays regional director for accountancy and finance, told AccountantsDaily.
“Accountants should demonstrate an innovative spirit, such as by sharing examples in your interview and CV of how you’ve come up with new ideas to compete against market disruptions. For example, in your existing role can you improve the way things are done?” Mr Cawley said.
“This interest in candidates who possess an innovative spirit along with technical skills is particularly evident in professional practice,” he said.
“With compliance fee books decreasing in value, firms want people who can come up with new value-adding consulting services to help them transition and become all things to their clients. This could include new accounting services, financial planning or SMSF specialised services. Given demand, strong candidates in this area can negotiate their salary.”
Mr Cawley also said that financial accountants increasingly need to show they can come up with ideas to improve processes, while cost accountants and management accountants need to focus on bringing “fresh ideas” to the table.
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