Tips for hiring an accountant

Hiring an accountant today looks quite different than twenty or even ten years ago. Thanks to technology and changing client expectations, the accounting hiring landscape has evolved significantly.

As a result, the demand for top accounting professionals continues to rise. As AI takes on various duties like bookkeeping and payroll processing, today’s accountants can assume more of a strategic role to help your organization thrive.

Whether you’re hiring an accountant for a small business or a large corporation, the importance of an accountant to your operations cannot be understated. Keep reading to learn more about what skills, traits, and experiences make a strong candidate.

The benefits of hiring an accountant

1. They save you time and stress

Legal and regulation requirements are constantly changing. Keeping track of them is a job in itself—an accountant’s job, to be exact. If you’re struggling to manage all the financial tasks, you can expect it’s going to worsen the more your business grows. Hiring an accountant to handle your financial records and other responsibilities allows you to take care of other matters.

2. They improve efficiency

Beyond owning the responsibility of financial records, accountants can streamline workflows, avoid costly mistakes, and leverage technology to optimize productivity. Finance professionals should also communicate their ideas and findings to stakeholders to inform efforts moving forward.

3. They can help your business grow

Financial health is one of the most crucial contributors to a company’s success. A skilled accountant will monitor and manage cash flow, optimize your tax benefits, and identify growth opportunities.

How to find your ideal accountant

Determine your needs

There are various types of accountants who can perform a range of financial duties, including forensics, tax preparation, routine audits, risk analysis, and more. Before posting your job ad, consider why you need an accountant.

If you’re looking for someone to take care of a range of tasks, searching for a well-rounded professional will be your goal. On the other hand, if you need to delegate one or two responsibilities, opting for an accountant with a specialized skillset could be more beneficial.

Additionally, you may not have the need or budget to hire an accountant full-time. Annie O’Connor, Michael Page Director, says, “Hiring [accountants] on a temporary basis is an increasingly common practice thanks to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.” What’s more, 42% of finance professionals say they would accept a temporary position, according to our Talent Trends report.

Know what to look for

Once you’ve identified your needs, you can start recruiting your ideal candidates. When you’re going through the hiring process, some in-demand accountant skills to look out for include:

  • Adaptability
  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • AI proficiency
  • Cybersecurity knowledge 

Learn more about the tech skills your accounting and finance team needs.

Set a budget

Before you begin the hiring process, set a salary range. When determining how much you can afford to pay an accountant, consider the following:

  • Location
  • Work arrangement (e.g., remote, hybrid, in-person)
  • Experience level
  • Contract type
  • Market averages 

Need to benchmark candidates’ salaries? Our 2025 Salary Guides includes the latest salary ranges for a range of finance roles in various locations.

Get your copy

Recruitment strategies

Striking a balance between what you want and what candidates want will be the most productive path to securing your top choice. After all, recruitment is a two-way street. During the hiring process, keep in mind what candidates are looking for in their next role and how that aligns with your expectations. 

According to our research, for accountants, these priorities include work-life balance, job security, and competitive compensation.

Get hiring help

If you need support finding your ideal accountant, we can help with a strategic, tailored approach. Michael Page recruitment consultants are experts in recruiting finance professionals. Fill a vacancy or start a conversation about your hiring needs

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