Implementing savvy hiring strategies will not only save your firm time and money; it will significantly boost the odds that your recruitment efforts yield a large, talented pool of accounting and finance candidates. Following are smart tactics for securing top talent today:

Do a salary checkup. You can’t afford to be on the low side of the market if you want to attract the best and brightest candidates. To ensure that your current starting salaries are above or at least on par with competing firms in your industry and geographic region, consult resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the 2008 Salary Guide from Robert Half, and accounting and finance trade publications.

Get progressive with perks. Nontraditional perks can be tremendous recruiting tools. Beyond the standard benefits, consider offering performance-based bonuses, tuition reimbursement, formal mentoring programs and profit-sharing packages.

Today’s professionals also highly value work-life harmony. Telecommuting options, flexible work schedules, parental leave, extra vacation time and even an on-site cafeteria or fitness facility can help employees better balance competing work and personal obligations.

Highlight possible career paths. Emphasize your firm’s track record for developing and promoting high-potential employees. Candidates want challenging and fulfilling careers with organizations that will recognize and reward their contributions. Explaining that your firm strives to establish long-term career tracks for employees and frequently promotes from within are key selling points.

Offer referral bonuses. Find good employees with the help of good employees. Your current staff understands your firm’s culture and needs, and will likely recommend friends and business associates who would be an excellent fit. Give these internal recruiters incentive to tap their own professional networks by rewarding them with cash bonuses for referrals that result in new hires.

Accountemps is the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The company has more than 360 offices worldwide, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com

Jourdain Poupore
Sophomore, Gonzaga University $600

Jessica Arre
Junior, Gonzaga University  $900

Our local Scholarship Fund is named in honor of Mary M. Fraijo (1927-1995). Mary became a charter member of the Coeur D' Alene, Idaho chapter of ASWA in 1958. She joined the Spokane chapter in 1967. Mary held every office available throughout both chapters, and was later the Northwest Area Director of ASWA continuing to mentor young, bright students and accountants.