With the end of the year upon us, we’ve reached what is traditionally considered a critical time for hiring in the accounting and finance sector. Accounting professionals usually take this time to contemplate whether to stick around for another year, while employers look to increase compensation and improve benefits to attract and retain top talent. At the finish line of what has been an unprecedented year, you might be wondering if this accounting hiring trend still holds true.
“Most industries have been impacted by the pandemic, making 2020 a strange (and long) year for accounting and finance professionals,” says Mike Ruben, a Managing Director within The Execu|Search Group’s Accounting/Finance division. “While hiring and employment took a bit of a hit, we have seen somewhat of a rebound in Q3. As employers adjust to a new way of working and key deadlines quickly approach, hiring is beginning to pick back up in some key areas.”
This does not mean that hiring is back to pre-pandemic levels, but accounting professionals should feel more confident in knowing that there are jobs out there. If you are interested in making a change or exploring the market, it’s about knowing where and how to look. For example, here are three accounting areas that are contributing to an increase in hiring:
- FP&A: Finance departments are hiring in early Q4 as they want to be fully staffed for the 2021 budgeting season.
- Public accounting: After the 10/15 tax deadline, public accounting firms will use the remainder of Q4 to ensure their audit and tax groups are staffed in line with their client demands for busy season.
- Corporate accounting: Accounting departments need to ensure they are fully staffed for the year-end close, while preparing for external auditors and tax accountants to come in after the holidays.
If you’re looking to take advantage of these accounting hiring trends, knowing how to navigate a more competitive job market is key. As a result of the pandemic, firms and departments are required to do more with less. They may be finally able to add headcount, but even so, their teams might be much leaner than they were. According to Mike, this means employers can be more selective when deciding who to bring on board in this market. “To ensure their teams can run as effectively and efficiently as possible in these circumstances, employers will be stricter in their requirements.”
To help yourself stand out and be seriously considered for a role, you must fine tune everything, from your resume to your interview performance. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Perfecting your resume: You can’t get hired without a strong resume! Here are the core elements every accounting resume needs: https://blog.execu-search.com/4-ways-to-make-your-accounting-resume-stand-out/
- Advancing your certifications: In a competitive job market, your accounting certifications can help you stand out! Here are five that can boost your professional value: https://blog.execu-search.com/accounting-certifications/
- Partnering with recruiters: Having a relationship with an accounting recruiter can make all the difference in your career! Here’s how to get the most out of this partnership: https://blog.execu-search.com/working-with-finance-accounting-recruiters/
- Acing remote interview processes: A remote hiring process can be trickier than expected. Ace your interview and land the job with these tips: https://blog.execu-search.com/ace-remote-hiring-process-accounting-finance/
