The Power of an Enhanced Careers Section on your Firm’s Website: Attracting Top Talent to Your Accounting Firm
By Nancy Damato and Stacie Malgieri
In today's competitive job market, attracting top talent to your accounting firm is more important, and challenging, than ever. However, finding suitable accounting, tax, and advisory candidates requires more than posting ads for open positions on various social media platforms. Your firm's website, particularly the careers section, is a crucial component in your strategy to attract top talent to your firm. It provides the most effective opportunity to showcase your firm’s values and culture while enticing potential employees to join your team. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of developing an enhanced careers section on your accounting firm's website and we’ll explain how it can help attract the best and brightest candidates.
Showcasing Your Firm's Culture and Values
The culture and values of your accounting firm play a significant role in attracting and retaining employees. An enhanced careers section on your website should include information about your company's mission, vision, and values and any unique aspects of your workplace environment. In addition, if your Firm implemented Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it would be beneficial to mention your DEI program. To quote this recent article by Caseware, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Grows Stronger in Accounting, “Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace is more than just a moral concern. Studies show that having greater diversity in organizations and workplaces is highly beneficial in multiple ways.” The blog continues to explain how DEI can benefit workplaces.
By providing a glimpse into your Firm’s culture, you’ll appeal to potential candidates who align with your values and seek an environment that promotes professional and personal growth.
Highlighting Employee Benefits and Perks
In addition to culture and values, job seekers are often interested in the benefits and perks offered by potential employers, especially in the accounting profession. A positive culture that promotes a healthy work-life integration, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow and advance your career are crucial for accounting and tax professionals. They promote employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. A balanced lifestyle helps employees manage work demands and personal well-being. A supportive culture fosters collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth. Attractive benefits, including competitive compensation, healthcare, and retirement plans, ensure financial security and overall employee happiness.
In the careers section of your website it is important to highlight any distinct benefits that your Firm offers such as secondments, health & wellness and gym programs and memberships, calm and mind tools and apps, and other self-help and career advancement resources. Your careers section should also detail any unique or competitive advantages your accounting firm provides, such as flexible work arrangements, CPE and continuing education opportunities. Highlighting these benefits will demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being and can help attract potential candidates who prioritize a healthy work-life balance and lifestyle.
If your Firm is a member of an International Association of accounting firms, such as MGI Worldwide, it would be very beneficial to describe what your membership means to your staff. Many times membership in such organizations offers opportunities to collaborate with other members across the country and around the world, travel to conferences and meetings, learn about a wide range of niches and services, and secondment programs.
Featuring Employee Testimonials and Success Stories
A well-rounded website careers section should include testimonials and success stories from current and past employees. These first-hand accounts can give potential candidates an idea of what it's like to work at your accounting firm and highlight the various opportunities for growth and development. By showcasing the experiences and achievements of your team members, you'll provide a more human and relatable aspect to your Firm, making it more appealing to potential candidates.
Open Positions: Providing Clear and Accessible Job Listings
The primary purpose of a website careers section is to advertise open positions at your accounting firm and entice prospective candidates to learn more and reach out. Ensure your job listings are easy to find, well-organized, and contain detailed information about the role, responsibilities, and qualifications. It is also important to make it easy for candidates to contact you and submit their information and resumes for specific open positions. By providing clear and accessible job listings, you'll make it easier for candidates to determine if they're a good fit for your Firm and encourage them to apply for open positions.
College and University Relationships
Having good relationships with colleges and universities, especially those with strong accounting programs, is essential for accounting firms seeking talented professionals. Establishing strong connections with accounting societies and career counselors can offer numerous benefits.
Collaborating with institutions that have strong accounting programs allows you to identify and recruit the best and top accounting graduates. Accounting societies and career counselors can provide you with access to the most promising students who have demonstrated excellent skills and knowledge in the field. They will also have insights into which students will be the ‘best fit’ for your Firm in terms of culture, size, clients, career opportunities, etc. Building relationships with prestigious accounting programs can improve your organization's reputation and brand image among students and professionals. Engaging with accounting societies and career counselors can expand your professional network. This can provide you with access to new opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and valuable connections in the accounting field.
By maintaining good relationships with accounting societies and career counselors, your Firm can participate in various events such as job fairs, workshops, and guest lectures. Partnering with colleges and universities can help your Firm create and maintain a successful internship or co-op program. These programs allow students to gain real-world experience while giving you the opportunity to assess their potential as future employees.
Incorporating Multimedia Elements in Your Firm’s Careers Section
Consider incorporating multimedia elements like photos, videos, and infographics to make your website careers section more engaging and informative. These visual elements can bring your Firm's culture to life and provide a more comprehensive overview of working at your accounting firm. Videos featuring office tours, interviews with employees, or insights into your Firm’s social events can effectively engage potential candidates and showcase your unique atmosphere. It is very important to include links to your Firm’s social media platforms on your website careers page in order to direct traffic to and from these channels and showcase your Firm’s social media presence and brand.
Unlock this Powerful Tool to Help Your Firm Grow and Thrive
An enhanced careers section on your accounting firm’s website is a powerful tool for attracting top talent. It can also be beneficial in retaining your current top talent by involving them in the process with positive testimonials, for example. By showcasing your Firm's culture and values, highlighting employee benefits and perks, featuring testimonials and success stories, providing clear and accessible job listings, and incorporating multimedia elements, you'll create a compelling online presence and brand that resonates with potential candidates. Invest in your accounting firm’s website careers section today to attract the best and brightest in the accounting industry and watch your Firm grow and thrive.
"An enhanced careers section on your accounting firm's website is not just a gateway to potential employees - it's an opportunity to showcase your firm's culture, values, and benefits, and to create a brand that resonates with top accounting, tax, and advisory talent." - Nancy Damato