Is your company struggling to find skilled accounting specialists? According to a recent study, 83% of finance leaders face difficulty in hiring for accounting roles due to a shortage of qualified talent.
As organizations seek to maintain competitive edges, the need for professional accountants and financial specialists has never been greater. This challenge drives numerous companies to turn to specialized staffing agencies for faster access to top talent and a streamlined hiring process.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of accounting staffing, tips for selecting the right agency, and why 1840 & Company stands out as a trusted partner in this space.
Understanding The Accounting Staffing Industry
What exactly is accounting staffing, and how can it benefit your business? Accounting staffing involves partnering with specialized agencies that recruit, vet, and place skilled accounting and finance professionals in roles tailored to your company’s unique needs.
By leveraging the knowledge and networks of a staffing agency, businesses can save time, improve acquisition accuracy, and quickly adapt to changing market demands—all while ensuring they have top-tier talent managing their financial operations.
Key Accounting Roles for Staffing Solutions
What accounting roles can staffing agencies help you fill?
- Organizations turn to staffing agencies to find essential positions like staff accountants, who manage financial records and prepare statements, ensuring accurate data.
- Financial analysts are also in demand, as they assess financial performance and provide insights that guide strategic decisions.
- Bookkeepers play a critical role in handling daily transactions and maintaining up-to-date financial records.
- Payroll specialists ensure accurate payroll processing, managing calculations, and compliance with labor laws.
- Other roles include accounts payable and receivable clerks, who manage payments and cash flow.
- Auditors, who evaluate financial statements and ensure compliance and controllers, who oversee financial reporting and budgeting to align with business goals.
- For high-level strategy, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) provide leadership in financial planning and risk management.
By working with staffing agencies, businesses can quickly access the expertise needed for these critical positions, whether for short-term projects or permanent roles.
Accounting Staffing vs. Accounting Outsourcing
Accounting staffing involves working with a strategic staffing agency to augment staff and enhance your in-house team with competent specialists. This allows you to retain control over operations while quickly accessing potential employees who possess specialized talents that align with your company culture.
In contrast, outsourcing accounting means delegating accounting functions to an external firm. While this can lower overhead costs and provide access to expertise, it may lead to reduced oversight of processes and personnel.
Read more: BPO Vs. Staff Augmentation: Which One Is Right For You?
Why Use an Accounting Staffing Agency?
While you’ll find many staffing agencies that work across various industries, working with a professional firm that has more experience in accounting and finance may bring you the ideal candidate faster.
Agencies that focus exclusively on finance and accounting understand the complexities of these roles and are adept at finding candidates who not only meet technical requirements but also align with your company’s culture and goals.
Working with a staffing agency also saves valuable time. The agency handles the lengthy recruiting process—from sourcing and screening to interviewing and onboarding—allowing your team to stay focused on core business activities. This approach is especially beneficial for companies facing tight deadlines or seasonal fluctuations in demand.
An accounting staffing agency provides access to a curated pool of professionals with specialized skills, including niche areas like financial analysis, audit, and compliance. With this level of expertise, businesses can confidently fill critical roles and maintain smooth financial operations without the delays and risks of traditional recruiting.
Key Benefits of Staff Augmentation for Accounting Professionals
Accounting staff augmentation provides businesses with the flexibility to scale their teams as needed, offering a practical solution for handling workload spikes or specific projects. This approach enables organizations to bring in top accounting talent on a short-term or project basis without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.
Read more: What Is Staff Augmentation? A Comprehensive Guide
Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability
Staff augmentation allows organizations to adjust their accounting workforce based on demand. Whether it’s for tax season, a merger, or a special project, companies can add skilled experts precisely when they’re needed, and then scale down once the work is complete.
Cost Efficiency
With staff augmentation, corporations save on the costs associated with talent acquisition, onboarding, and training full-time employees. Instead, they can allocate resources only when specialized knowledge is required, helping maintain a leaner, more cost-effective team structure.
Access to Specialized Skills
Many projects require niche skills, such as forensic accounting or regulatory compliance expertise. An augmented accounting team provides access to high-level talent with specific skill sets, ensuring these tasks are handled accurately and efficiently.
Reduced Hiring Risk
Bringing in professionals on a project basis allows businesses to assess a candidate’s fit without the commitment of a permanent hire. This reduces the risks of hiring errors and offers the option to convert exceptional temporary talent into permanent employees if desired.
Incorporating accounting staff augmentation ensures organizations stay agile, competitive, and well-equipped to handle any financial or operational challenge that comes their way.
Read more: 10 Common Accounting & Finance Functions You Can Outsource
How to Select the Right Accounting Staffing Agency
Choosing the right accounting staffing agency is crucial for ensuring you find the best talent to meet your business needs. With numerous options available, it’s essential to consider key factors that will impact your hiring success.
Read more: Why Outsource Your Company’s Accounting Operations
Industry Expertise
Look for an agency that specializes in accounting and finance staffing. A firm with a deep understanding of the industry will have a better grasp of the specific skills and qualifications needed for various accounting roles, ensuring they present you with candidates who truly fit your requirements.
Rigorous Screening Process
Inquire about the agency’s candidate screening methods. The best agencies employ thorough vetting processes, including background checks, skill assessments, and interviews, to ensure they present only the most suitable candidates. A robust screening process reduces the likelihood of employing mismatches and enhances overall quality.
Transparent Pricing
Understanding the cost structure of staffing services is vital. Choose an agency that offers clear and upfront pricing without hidden fees. This transparency allows you to budget effectively and ensures alignment between your financial expectations and the agency’s services.
Comprehensive Services
Select an agency that provides a wide range of options, from temporary placements to long-term hires. A full-service agency can adapt to your evolving needs, whether you require immediate support for a project or a strategic partner for ongoing solutions.
Proven Track Record
Research the agency’s reputation and client reviews. A reputable staffing agency will have testimonials and case studies demonstrating their success in placing qualified accounting specialists. Look for agencies that are well-regarded in the industry for their reliability and effectiveness.
5 Top Accounting Staffing Agencies
When it comes to finding qualified accounting professionals, partnering with a reputable staffing agency is fundamental.
1840 & Company
As a top accounting staffing agency and leader in global staffing solutions, 1840 & Company specializes in connecting businesses with top-tier accounting experts. With years of experience in the industry, our expertise includes a full range of accounting functions, including financial analysts, bookkeepers, tax preparation, and more. We understand that each organization has unique needs, which is why we emphasize personalized service tailored to your specific requirements.
Our rigorous vetting process ensures that we only present candidates who possess the necessary technical skills and align with your company’s culture and values. Whether you need temporary support to manage peak periods or seek permanent placement hires to strengthen your team, 1840 & Company is committed to finding the right fit for you.
Robert Half
Robert Half is a well-established name in the staffing industry, known for its extensive network of finance and accounting job seekers. Founded in 1948, they have a wealth of experience in providing a wide range of staffing solutions, from temporary placements to permanent roles.
Robert Half offers specialized divisions, including accounting temps for temporary accounting professionals and Robert Half Management Resources for project-based solutions, ensuring clients have access to qualified candidates across various accounting functions.
Randstad
Randstad is a global leader in staffing, providing flexible solutions for both temporary and permanent placements in accounting and finance. By combining technology with personalized service, Randstad efficiently offers access to a vast talent pool.
Their comprehensive services include payroll and compliance management, making them a reliable partner for finding qualified accounting staff, whether for project-based assignments or permanent placements.
Kelly Services
Kelly Services is known for its diverse range of workforce solutions, including specialized staffing for accounting and finance roles. Leveraging extensive experience, they understand industry trends and client needs effectively.
Kelly Services provides a broad array of staffing options, from temporary to direct hire, and is dedicated to matching candidates with positions that align with their skills and career goals, ensuring successful placements for both employers and employees
Vaco
Vaco offers a unique approach to staffing by providing both project-based and interim accounting professionals. With a focus on understanding the specific challenges faced by their clients, Vaco combines industry knowledge with personalized service.
They provide solutions for various accounting needs, including audit support, financial reporting, and system implementation, making them an excellent partner for companies looking to manage fluctuating workloads and specialized projects effectively.
The Future of Accounting and Finance Staffing Agencies
As enterprises adapt to the shifts in the accounting industry, several key trends are shaping the future of accounting staffing.
- Increased Demand for Technology Skills: Automation and AI are reshaping accounting positions; over 50% of finance executives expect strong data analytics and tech skills among their teams.
- Growth of Remote Work Opportunities: The pandemic accelerated remote work adoption; 47% of companies plan to allow full-time remote work, prompting staffing agencies to offer remote talent solutions.
- Emphasis on Soft Skills: 92% of executives believe soft skills are as important as technical skills, necessitating staffing agencies to assess candidates’ interpersonal abilities and cultural fit.
- Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Enterprises with higher gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform their peers, highlighting the importance of diverse hiring practices by staffing agencies.
- Expansion of On-Demand Staffing Solutions: 32% of companies plan to increase their use of temporary staff, allowing for quick access to skilled professionals for short-term needs without long-term commitments.
Recap: Where to Find Top Accounting and Finance Professionals
By partnering with specialized accounting recruiters, companies can access a curated pool of skilled talent that meets their specific requirements.
This not only shortens the recruiting process, which can often be time-consuming, but also ensures that candidates are well-suited for the open positions available within your team. Recruiters understand the intricacies of the accounting landscape and can match your needs with the right accounting professionals who possess the necessary aptitudes and experience.
Are you ready to find your ideal accounting professional? Schedule a call with our growth experts, and we’ll help you connect with the best accounting staff tailored to your business needs.
