THE STAFFING & HR ADVISOR The Future of Finance: Hiring Tips And Trends For 2021 FROM THE SUDDEN expansion in remote working to new client service requests, the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on how CPA firms do business. And while many disruptions might be behind us, the aftershocks will rumble on for some time. If you are an employer, the 2021 Robert Half Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance Professionals can help you assess where things stand and what lies ahead. The 2021 Salary Guide highlights many bright spots. PANDEMIC-DRIVEN CHANGES CREATING BENEFITS As leaders scrambled to put new processes in place to navigate the effects of COVID-19 on the business, they have made progress in a number of areas. In a survey of senior managers: ■■41% say leadership communication is better now than it was pre-pandemic ■■37% t h i n k col lab or at ion has improved ■■31% feel like there's been substantial innovation over the past few months Perhaps the most positive development is the way some companies have reimagined the hiring process. Of companies asked about their hiring methods in the age of social distancing: ■■57% are conducting interviews and onboarding remotely ■■40% have shortened the end-to-end hiring process ■■38% have advertised fully remote positions These changes can help you act quickly and decisively when you've identified the right candidate for a position. And the prevalence of remote working means you can look 20 www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com SEPTEMBER 2020 ■ further afield for skilled staff, giving your company access to a deeper pool of talent. ACCOUNTING STAFF ARE IN DEMAND One aspect hasn't changed: It's still a competitive hiring market for financial talent. You'll have to fight hard for the best performers because many companies are ramping up recruitment. For example: *P ublic accountants are a lifeline for small and midsize businesses right now. They're helping clients navigate unpredictable cashflows, as well as shifting compliance requirements. PAUL McDONALD Senior Executive Director Robert Half paul.mcdonald@cpapracticeadvisor.com * Corporate accountants are tasked with finding new efficiencies that will keep businesses viable during financial turbulence. * Government accounting departments have been forced to scale up quickly to address a raft of unprecedented financial aid packages. * Financial services institutions are helping clients secure credit and reorganize liabilities during tough times. * Healthcare companies need staff to deal with billing, reconciliations and new payment processes. RETENTION STILL A CONCERN Skilled professionals are making career moves, even during ahttp://www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com