According to a recent study, 83% of finance leaders face difficulty in hiring for accounting roles due to a shortage of qualified talent.
Organizations are seeking to maintain competitive edges. And the need for professional accountants and financial specialists has never been greater. This challenge drives numerous companies to turn to specialized staffing agencies. These offer faster access to top talent and a streamlined hiring process.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of accounting staffing. We offer tips for selecting from among the best accounting staffing agencies for you. And we’ll look at 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 and vet accounting and finance professionals. Then, they place them in roles tailored to your company’s unique needs.
Businesses can leverage the knowledge and networks of a staffing agency. Doing so can save time, improve acquisition accuracy, and quickly adapt to changing market demands. This happens all while ensuring businesses 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. These manage financial records and prepare statements, ensuring accurate data.
- Financial analysts are also in demand. They assess financial performance and provide insights that guide strategic decisions.
- Bookkeepers play a critical role in handling daily transactions. They also maintain 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 evaluate financial statements and ensure compliance. And controllers 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.
Businesses excel with staffing agencies. This is because they can quickly access the expertise needed for these critical positions. This is true whether for short-term projects or permanent roles.
Accounting Staffing vs. Accounting Outsourcing
Accounting staffing involves working with a strategic staffing agency. This agency will augment staff and enhance your in-house team with competent specialists. This allows you to retain control over operations. Meanwhile, you’ll access potential employees with specialized talents. You’ll also discover whether they 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 Accounting Staffing Agencies?
You’ll find many staffing agencies that work across various industries. Still, it pays to work with a professional firm that has experience in accounting and finance. It may bring you the ideal candidate faster.
Agencies that focus on finance and accounting understand the complexities of these roles. They are adept at finding candidates who meet technical requirements. They’ll also be sure to align with your company’s culture and goals.
Working with a staffing agency also saves valuable time. The agency handles the lengthy recruiting process. This can move from sourcing and screening to interviewing and onboarding. This allows your team to stay focused on core business activities. This approach is especially beneficial for companies facing:
- Tight deadlines
- Seasonal fluctuations in demand
An accounting staffing agency provides access to a curated pool of professionals. Even better, these accountants have specialized skills. This includes niche areas like:
- Financial analysis
- Audits
- Compliance
With this level of expertise, businesses can confidently fill critical roles. They can also maintain smooth financial operations. They do this 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. They offer a practical solution for handling workload spikes or specific projects. This approach enables organizations to bring in top accounting talent. You can do it 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, financial audits, or system transitions, companies can add skilled experts. They can do this precisely when they’re needed and scale down once the work is complete. This model is especially useful for companies that experience cyclical demand. It’s also helpful for those that are navigating periods of rapid growth.
Cost Efficiency
With staff augmentation, corporations save on the costs associated with:
- Talent acquisition
- Onboarding
- Training full-time employees
Instead, they can allocate resources only when specialized knowledge is required. This helps maintain a leaner, more cost-effective team structure. This model also minimizes overhead by avoiding benefits costs and long-term employment contracts.
Access to Specialized Skills
Many projects require niche skills. These include forensic accounting, GAAP compliance, or ERP implementation expertise. An augmented accounting team provides access to high-level talent with specific skill sets. This ensures these tasks are handled accurately and efficiently. This access is especially valuable for companies that don’t have these skills.
Reduced Hiring Risk
Bringing in professionals on a project basis allows businesses to assess a candidate’s fit. They can do this without the commitment of a permanent hire. This reduces the risks of hiring errors. It also offers the option to convert exceptional temporary talent into permanent employees. Agencies often manage the administrative burden as well, including contracts and payroll.
Incorporating accounting staff augmentation ensures organizations stay:
- Agile
- Competitive
- Well-equipped
You’ll be able to handle any financial or operational challenge that comes their way. And you can do this without compromising on talent or efficiency.
How to Select the Right Accounting Staffing Agency
The right accounting staffing agency is crucial for ensuring you find the best talent to meet your business needs. With numerous options, it’s essential to consider key factors of hiring success.
READ MORE: Why Outsource Your Company’s Accounting Operations
Industry Expertise
Look for an agency that specializes in accounting and finance staffing. The best firms require a deep understanding of the industry. This offers them a better grasp of the specific skills and qualifications needed for various accounting roles. This ensures they present you with candidates who truly fit your requirements.
Agencies must stay current with accounting:
- Regulations
- Trends
- Software developments
Doing so makes them better positioned to serve your evolving needs.
Rigorous Screening Process
Inquire about the agency’s candidate screening methods. The best agencies employ thorough vetting processes.
This includes:
- Background checks
- Skill assessments
- Interviews
These elements present only the most suitable candidates. Ask whether they assess soft skills and culture fit. Also ask about technical expertise. This holistic approach increases the likelihood of successful placements.
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.
You’ll also ensure alignment between your financial expectations and the agency’s services. Some agencies even offer flexible pricing models. These are tailored to short-term, long-term, or project-based hiring.
Comprehensive Services
Select an agency that provides a wide range of options. These should range from temporary placements to long-term hires. A full-service agency can adapt to your evolving needs.
These include immediate support for a project and strategic partners for ongoing solutions. Additional services like payroll administration, compliance, or onboarding support are a bonus.
Proven Track Record
Research the agency’s reputation and client reviews. A reputable staffing agency will have testimonials and case studies. These demonstrate their success in placing qualified accounting specialists.
Look for agencies that are well-regarded in the industry for reliability and effectiveness. Longevity in the market and strong client relationships are indicators of trust and performance.
Be sure to carefully evaluate these criteria. You can then select a staffing partner that fills roles quickly and enhances the quality and efficiency of your finance team.
5 Top Accounting Staffing Agencies
You want to find qualified accounting professionals? Partner with a reputable staffing agency. It’s fundamental.
1. 1840 & Company
1840 & Company specializes in connecting businesses with top-tier accounting experts. We are a top accounting staffing agency and leader in global staffing solutions. We have years of experience in the industry, and our expertise includes a full range of accounting functions. This includes:
- Financial analysts
- Bookkeepers
- Tax preparation
- And more
We understand that each organization has unique needs. This is why we emphasize personalized service tailored to your specific requirements.
Our rigorous vetting process ensures that we only present the best candidates. They will have the necessary technical skills and align with your company’s culture. You may need temporary support to manage peak periods. Or you might seek permanent placement hires to strengthen your team. Either way, 1840 & Company will find the right fit for you.
2. Robert Half
Robert Half is a well-established name in the staffing industry. It’s 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. These range from temporary placements to permanent roles.
Robert Half offers specialized divisions. This includes accounting temps for temporary accounting professionals. It also includes Robert Half Management Resources for project-based solutions. ensuring clients have access to qualified candidates across various accounting functions.
3. Randstad
Randstad is a global leader in staffing. This provides flexible solutions for temporary and permanent placements in accounting and finance. They combine technology with personalized service. This means Randstad offers access to a vast talent pool.
Their comprehensive services include payroll and compliance management. This makes them a reliable partner for finding qualified accounting staff. This is true whether for project-based assignments or permanent placements.
4. Kelly Services
Kelly Services is known for its diverse range of workforce solutions. This includes 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. This ranges from temporary to direct hire. Kelly Services matches candidates with positions that align with their skills and career goals. This ensures successful placements for both employers and employees.
5. Vaco
Vaco offers a unique approach to staffing. They do this by providing both project-based and interim accounting professionals. Vaco focuses on understanding the specific challenges faced by their clients. Thus, Vaco combines industry knowledge with personalized service.
They provide solutions for various accounting needs. This includes audit support, financial reporting, and system implementation. This makes them an excellent partner for companies looking to manage fluctuating workloads. They’re also great at staffing for specialized projects.
The Future of Accounting and Finance Staffing Agencies
Enterprises are adapting to the shifts in the accounting industry. Thus, 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. Staffing agencies are now sourcing candidates proficient in tools like:
- ERP systems,
- RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
- Data visualization platforms
Agencies that hire tech-savvy professionals will be able to meet tomorrow’s accounting needs.
Growth of Remote Work Opportunities
The pandemic accelerated remote work adoption. 47% of companies plan to allow full-time remote work. This prompts staffing agencies to offer remote talent solutions.
Agencies must now tap into national and global candidate pools. They must do this while implementing secure, digital onboarding. They also need to have collaboration tools to support distributed teams.
Emphasis on Soft Skills
92% of executives believe soft skills are as important as technical skills. This necessitates staffing agencies to assess candidates’ interpersonal abilities and cultural fit.
Skills especially vital for hybrid and remote environments include:
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
Diversity and Inclusion
Gender diversity enterprises are 25% more likely to outperform peers. This highlights the importance of diverse hiring practices by staffing agencies. Agencies with inclusive pipelines help clients build stronger, more innovative teams.
Expansion of On-Demand Staffing Solutions
32% of companies plan to increase their use of temporary staff. This allows for quick access to skilled professionals for short-term needs.
And you don’t need long-term commitments. This shift is driving the rise of agile staffing models. It’s also seen the rise of tech platforms that match talent with projects in real time.
Staffing agencies that embrace these trends will be key partners in shaping the future of finance teams. These agencies invest in digital tools, broader talent networks, and strong hiring practices
Recap: Where to Find Top Accounting and Finance Professionals
Businesses excel with one of the specialized accounting staffing agencies like 1840 & Company. Companies can access a curated pool of skilled talent that meets their requirements.
This shortens the recruiting process, which can often be time-consuming. It also ensures candidates are well-suited for the open positions within your team.
Recruiters understand the intricacies of the accounting landscape. They can also match your needs with accounting professionals with aptitude and experience.
Are you ready to find your ideal accounting professional? Schedule a call with our growth experts. We’ll help you connect with the best accounting staff tailored to your business needs.
FAQs About Accounting Staffing Agencies
1. What’s the difference between a general staffing agency and a specialized accounting staffing agency?
General staffing agencies recruit across many industries. But specialized accounting staffing agencies focus on finance and accounting roles. Niche expertise enables them to better assess technical competencies and understand role-specific requirements. It also allows them to match candidates with your company’s needs.
2. How fast can an accounting staffing agency fill a position?
The time to fill a position can vary based on the role and urgency. But many agencies can present qualified candidates within a few days. This is especially true for temporary or contract roles.
Agencies like 1840 & Company have large talent pools and a streamlined vetting process. These allow them to deliver faster turnaround times.
3. Can I hire a temporary accounting staff member if they’re a good fit?
Yes, many staffing agencies offer temp-to-hire options. This allows businesses to assess a candidate’s performance. You can also check for cultural fit before making a commitment. This model reduces hiring risks and increases the likelihood of a successful placement.
4. What should I look for when evaluating an accounting staffing agency?
Key factors to consider include:
- The agency’s industry specialization
- The depth of their candidate vetting process
- Client reviews
- Service flexibility (temporary, permanent, or project-based)
- Pricing transparency
Look specifically for Agencies with a strong track record in accounting and finance. They’re more likely to deliver candidates who meet both technical and cultural expectations.