Rigorous recruitment in accounting is double-edged sword
The last quarter has done nothing to improve finance professionals’ faith in the recruitment process and this is expected to fall further before it begins to regain momentum.
Recruiters are acutely aware of changing market conditions and are adapting week by week. As the banking and financial services industry braces itself for continuing uncertainty, less firms are choosing to replace leavers, opting to redistribute their talent and resources instead. Conversely, professionals have one eye on their firm in case of signs of instability, and the other on the job market for safer shores.
In reality firms are being vetted just as much
That said, job opportunities for accounting and finance professionals within banking and financial services still exist, albeit at a lower rate than before. The highest performers can still command the best roles for the best packages. But as with any high-end purchase, employers want to ensure they get what they pay for.
The process of recruiting is taking longer as it is extended to utilise the skills of Human Resources. Although timeframes can prove frustrating, the result is the strongest possible shortlist of candidates: professionals who meet competency, attitudinal as well as technical requirements, and who are more likely to meet business needs now and in the future.
Employers should be mindful however to not drag the process out unnecessarily and to maintain conviction throughout, to avoid deterring otherwise committed and enthusiastic applicants. Despite recruitment activity being dictated by employer needs, in reality firms are being vetted just as much in return, especially in regards to stability, business strategy and confidence.
With more cases of ‘guaranteed’ offers of employment being delayed or withdrawn at final stage further shattering confidence, it is no wonder job seekers are demanding more detailed feedback at earlier stages of the process.
Want to know more? Read the related article Employers adopt more rigorous recruitment processes from Market Talk - Accounting & Finance.
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