What Can You Do to Show Past Success in Your Accounting Career?

When searching for your next accounting position, you want to demonstrate ways you provided value for previous employers and how you can do so for your next employer. You will set yourself apart from the competition and come closer to landing your new role.  

Give Statistics on Your Accomplishments 

Your key performance indicators (KPIs) are what show how you add value to an organization. For example, to measure your timeliness, focus on time to process invoices/transactions/payments, percent of financial reports submitted on time or days to close the books and sign off the month/year. To measure your quality, focus on your percent of accuracy in transactions/payments, percent of collection rate of outstanding amounts or percent of audit recommendations implemented. General measurements may include your percent of tasks finalized on time, percent of internal procedures updated or percent of processes optimized.   

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Professional Development 

Employers want to know you value keeping current with changes in the accounting industry, learning new skills and taking the initiative to help both your career and the company. For example, show you use the most current accounting software to ensure the organization’s financial operations are both easily done and compliant with all laws and regulations. Subscribe to professional blogs and publications to stay updated on accounting trends. Continuously learn about new accounting techniques and changing guidelines and business laws from the FASB and updated tax forms and rates from the IRS. Remain aware of new accounting techniques in financial institutions, including fee structures and account offerings, that impact how companies manage their liquid capital and investments. Participate in professional associations such as the AICPA, IMA or IIA for self-study courses, live web events, group study options, conferences, and training modules to stay current on regulations, GAAP and IFRS policies.    

Provide Recommendation Letters 

Potential employers will gain more insight into your background and capabilities than they would by calling a former employer’s HR department. Ask two former managers and two former colleagues to create an endorsement for your skills and experience. Have them include their title and a brief background to show they were in a position to determine your good fit with the organization. Request the writers include the number of years you worked for the company, specific examples of your accomplishments, and your credentials and awards. Ask the writers to mention your professional qualifications and which traits and skills make you qualified for the role you want. Have the writers show that you were a valuable contributor and left on good terms.  

Find Your Next Accounting Position Through a Staffing Industry Leader 

Find your next accounting position through Casey Accounting & Finance Resources, an award-winning financial recruiter in Chicago! 

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The LinkedIn Strategy That Helps Your Job Search in 2018

Although you probably use LinkedIn to stay in touch with friends and colleagues, you are missing out by not using it to find your next job. Learning to properly connect with influential leaders in your industry may help you land your next position.

Cultivate Relationships

Comment on posts you find especially engaging. Share insightful content that may be of interest to others. Participate in LinkedIn Group discussions. Notice the individuals you commonly interact with. Determine their job titles and whether they may be able to help with your job search. Ask individuals to connect with you through LinkedIn. Start sharing resources such as articles and case studies that may be of interest to them. Send a short message acknowledging birthdays, work anniversaries, new jobs and other special occasions. When you see articles about a connection’s company or content the person wrote, like, comment on and share the information. Provide endorsements for your connections’ skills. If someone endorses your skills, send a quick message of thanks.

Send an InMail

Research the individual, the company they work for and their role. Find out the person’s interests and commonalities you share. Explain why you want to connect and what benefit the individual may receive. Include a personal interest you both share to make a memorable connection. Let the person know you would like to speak to them about a specific topic, such as a post they wrote or an article involving their company. Ensure your message is clear and concise.

Follow Up

Find the person’s email address and ask to set up a time to talk about their job and the company they work for. Mention you are looking for a job and are very interested in learning more about the employer. If your contact is not in a position to hire you, ask whether they will connect you with the hiring manager. After being introduced, mention to the hiring manager your top skills and experience and how you can benefit the company. Have your LinkedIn profile or resume available when you ask about potential job openings. Be ready to answer questions about your work or to schedule an interview.

Work With a Leader in Accounting and Finance Staffing

Work with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources for help finding top accounting and finance professionals! Our team of award-winning financial recruiters in Chicago is ready to help your career grow.

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2018 Accounting and Finance Salary Survey Available!

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources has compiled updated salary data for the fields of accounting and finance. With the start of 2018 now passed and the recruitment industry getting busy, having the most up-to-date information is vital!

With compensation trends changing on a monthly basis, both sides can benefit from having this information during job negotiations.

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources can help financial professionals who want to learn more about what salary expectations should be. We have compiled our salary survey list with updated facts and figures including job descriptions for more than 110 accounting and finance positions for the Chicago metropolitan area.

Email us today at FinancialSalarySurvey@caseyresources.com and we will be happy to share this with you.  In the “YOUR MESSAGE” section, please enter “2018 Accounting & Finance Salary Survey”.

Bring Value to the Job Interview by Showing You Play Well with Others

During an interview, the hiring manager is looking for which hard and soft skills you possess. In addition to having the qualifications necessary for the role, you need to demonstrate you’re a good fit with company culture. Therefore, you need to show you get along well with your co-workers. Follow these guidelines to show you play well with others.

Share Stories

Tell stories that are relevant to the position you want and illustrate your ability to work with others. For example, review the job posting before your interview to determine how the company and the role define “teamwork,” then tailor your stories accordingly. Also, discuss your role in a team project and how often you interacted with your teammates. In addition, make sure your stories show you’re adaptable to working with new colleagues and enjoy doing your part to solve problems and complete projects. Remember to use the STAR method: discuss a situation or task, (ST), the action you took (A) and results you achieved (R).

Detail Your Contributions

Point out your individual accomplishments as well as your team’s accomplishments. Also, mention how your accomplishments helped your team reach its goal. In addition, show how you were one of the high-performing contributors who motivated your teammates to complete their work and helped out as needed.

Discuss How You Handle Conflict

Your colleagues may have diverse backgrounds, personalities and ideas for completing a project and may disagree on how to complete the work. Therefore, you need to show how you productively interact with your teammates to resolve issues and achieve common goals. Demonstrate you can effectively mediate, motivate or lead when needed.

Be Honest

If you embellish your stories, the hiring manager will most likely find out and decide not to hire you. If you lack experience as a team leader, rather than making up a story, emphasize the skills you have that will help you excel in a leadership role.

Connect with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources

For assistance with securing your next financial role, connect with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources and work with an award-winning financial recruiter in Chicago!

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Which Questions Must You Ask a Financial Recruiter in a Phone Call?

As a skilled accounting or finance professional, you’re most likely receiving phone calls from recruiters. Whether you’re looking to change positions or keep the role you have, you need to be prepared to talk with recruiters. Even if you don’t want their services now, you may change your mind in the future. Here are four questions you should ask when a recruiter calls.

What Are the Three Main Qualifications the Company Is Looking For?

Determine whether you’re qualified for the role so you can decide whether to continue the conversation. Although the recruiter most likely has a list of desired skills and experience, candidates typically need to possess only three or four main ones. If you lack in any of those areas, let the recruiter know. Also, if you’re looking for a different position, mention what type of work you’d like and your qualifications. The recruiter may be able to discuss a more suitable opportunity with you.

What Is the Job Description?

You need to ensure the role fits your interests and adds to your skill set. Also, make sure you can fulfill the job responsibilities each day and have room for advancement within the organization.

Are You Working Exclusively With This Employer?

Uncover how far the recruiter is in their search and how likely you may be to get the position. If the recruiter is the only one asked to fill the role, you have a greater chance of having your resume reviewed by the hiring manager. However, if the recruiter shares the placement with others, the odds of having your resume seen are reduced. As a result, you’ll need to invest more time following up with the recruiter to determine where you’re at in the process. Also, the hiring process may take longer because there are more resumes to review and candidates to interview.

Why Is the Job Available?

The previous employee may have been promoted, or the position may have high turnover. Find out how long the position has been vacant. If it hasn’t been long, or you’re the first candidate to interview, you may have to wait a while as the hiring manager meets with other candidates. If the role has been vacant a while, determine what didn’t work with the candidates who interviewed. You’ll know whether you have a better chance of being offered the role. In addition, find out the longevity of the rest of the team. Determine approximately how long each member remains in their role and advances in or leaves the organization. You’ll gain an idea of what path you may take with the company.

Reach out to Casey Accounting & Finance Resources

For help with finding your next professional role, reach out to Casey Accounting & Finance Resources and work with an award-winning financial recruiter in Chicago!

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Trends in Contingent Staffing

At a recent conference for the National Association of Personnel Services, the following trends were identified for the contingent workforce:

  • 96% of companies use contract staffing
  • 83% of companies say that contractors work harder than full-time employees
  • It is projected that 73% of companies will switch to having their full-time employees be C-Suite level and the rest will be part-time and contract employees

In addition, according to Staffing Industry Analysts, when they asked the companies, “What is the size of your contingent workforce?” the average response for 2017 was 20%.  They anticipate by 2027 their contingent workforce will be 25% of their workforce including:  Direct Temporary Workers, Independent Contractors, Human Cloud Workers and Agency Temporaries.

At CASEY ACCOUNTING & FINANCE RESOURCES, we are dedicated to making an amazing difference in the lives of our clients, candidates and colleagues.  Some of our recent temporary accounting and finance placements include the following:

TEMPORARY A&F POSITIONS FILLED:

A/P Clerk-Temporary-Schaumburg, IL
Cash App Specialist-Temporary-Lincolnwood, IL
Staff Accountant-Temporary-Des Plaines, IL
A/R Specialist-Temporary-Elk Grove Village, IL
Accounting Clerk-Temporary-Deerfield, IL
Tax Accountant-Temporary-Arlington Heights, IL
Staff Accountant-Temporary-Chicago, IL
Payroll Manager-Temporary-Northbrook, IL
Collections-Temporary-Wood Dale, IL
Staff Accountant-Temporary-Lombard, IL
A/P Clerk-Temporary-Mount Prospect, IL
Sr. Accountant-Temporary-Bridgeview, IL
A/P Clerk-Temporary-Mount Prospect, IL
Credit Analyst-Temporary-Chicago, IL
A/P Clerk-Temporary-Northlake, IL
Staff Accountant-Temporary-Northlake, IL
Accountant-Temporary-Glenview, IL
Bookkeeper-Temporary-Schaumburg, IL
Payroll Associate-Temporary-Hoffman Estates, IL
A/P Clerk-Temporary-LaGrange, IL

In addition, we are busy helping our clients hire regular full-time staff to their teams!  Some of our recent placements include the following:

DIRECT HIRE A&F POSITIONS FILLED:

Credit Analyst-Chicago, IL
Sr. Accountant-Chicago, IL
Payroll Specialist-Northbrook, IL
Accountant-Schaumburg, IL
Financial Analyst-Northlake, IL
Accounting Clerk-Rolling Meadows, IL
Billing Analyst-Deerfield, IL
Payroll Manager-Chicago, IL
Bookkeeper-Schaumburg, IL
Sr. Accountant-Deerfield, IL
Payroll Manager-Chicago, IL
Financial Analyst-Schaumburg, IL
Sr. Accountant-Chicago, IL
Payroll Specialist-Rosemont, IL

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Is an MBA Worth the Cost for Your Career?

Earning a master’s in business administration (MBA) may provide you the knowledge and skills needed to enhance your career opportunities and increase your compensation and promotions. However, due to the substantial time and expense involved, earning an MBA may not be in your best interest. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether an MBA may be worth the cost for your career.

Consider Your Career Path

An MBA may be worth the time, effort and expense if you plan to work in a business-related field, in management or as a company founder. Some companies require MBAs for certain positions because of the skills students learn in data analysis, leadership, collaboration and working with different cultures. However, you typically need to earn your MBA from a top-tier business school for your degree to be valued by an employer. Also, earning an MBA doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be hired for a job. If you’re already working in a leadership or executive position, it’s typically because you have the knowledge, skills, experience and personality to succeed. Also, many startups won’t hire candidates with an MBA because the program teaches students to look at prior data and patterns to predict future outcomes, whereas entrepreneurs prefer innovative employees who adapt to emerging markets and international advising. Furthermore, because the costs involved in earning an MBA continue increasing at a greater rate than salaries are, the return on investment of an MBA has been decreasing.

Determine When to Pursue Your MBA

If you decide to earn your MBA right away, you may want to enroll in a full-time program. However, as a full-time student, you most likely won’t have time to work during the two to three years you spend in school. Because many top schools look for relevant work experience as a requirement for admission, you may not be admitted to a school that will enhance your employment options. Also, because many employers want work experience along with an MBA, you may not immediately benefit from your advanced studies.

Decide on an MBA Program 

There are two types of MBA programs you can choose from. If you decide to gain work experience first and later enroll as a part-time student, you can work full time and enroll in either an MBA or executive MBA (EMBA) course. Students earning an MBA are typically 24-35 years of age and not yet in leadership or executive roles. Students earning an EMBA are typically 32-42 years of age and have worked in leadership or executive roles. Most students in either program take classes in the evening or on weekends and may have their employer pay for their program.

Work With a Top Chicago Financial Staffing Agency

Whether you decide to pursue your MBA or advance without it, we can help you secure your next finance or accounting position. Reach out to Casey Accounting & Finance Resources and partner with a top financial staffing agency in Chicago!

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Does the Job Search Now Include Texting and Snapchat?

Today’s job search is unlike any other. Candidates now use Snapchat and texting to find their new role. Therefore, it’s important you understand the appropriate use of these methods to maximize your results. Follow these guidelines for using Snapchat and texting in your job search.

Build Your Snapchat Stream

Determine which companies you want to work for and add them to your Snapchat stream. Visit Snapchat’s Discover section to choose which companies you want to follow. You can study their articles, videos and photos to learn more about the organization to see whether you’re a good cultural fit. You can also initiate or join conversations with employees about what it’s like to work for the company and why you’d be an excellent addition to the team.

Find Potential Employers

Watch the content they’re posting and how they engage with their followers. In your cover letter and interview, incorporate some examples of what you saw on Snapchat to show you’re experienced with social media and are impressed with how the company presents its products/services.

Provide Information on Your Background

Balance fun and professionalism in your Snapchat account by posting both playful and professional content. Showcase the skills and experience you want employers to see so they consider letting you join their team. Also, post pictures on Snapchat to go along with emailing your cover letter and resume to the company.

View Job Postings and Events

Employers may post a photo of a future employee’s office or a short video from the manager encouraging candidates to apply for an opening. Companies may offer recruitment events to let you interact with employees, gain further insight into the organization and apply for positions.

Be Professional When Texting Recruiters

Although texting is typically casual, keep it formal when communicating with a recruiter. Avoid texting a recruiter to initiate contact or follow up after an interview. A phone call or email is more appropriate. Ask the recruiter if they want to be texted. Some prefer other forms of communication. Spell out words rather than using abbreviations or acronyms. Furthermore, avoid using emoticons as they’re inappropriate for professional communication. Plus, ensure your text signature at the bottom of each message is appropriate for work.

Appropriately Respond to Recruiters’ Texts

Reply to text messages as soon as possible to move forward with the hiring process. Provide all information the recruiter requests so they can continue placing you with candidates. In addition, check your spelling and grammar to ensure they’re error-free.

Work With a Top Financial Recruiter in Chicago

For assistance with securing an accounting or finance position, get in touch with Casey Accounting and Finance Resources to work with a leading financial recruiter in Chicago!

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Will Your Financial Career Benefit From One of These Certifications?

Working in finance, you’re probably familiar with certifications that may help advance your career. However, you may not have researched enough to determine which certifications may be most advantageous for you. Learn more information about four certifications that may benefit your financial career.

Certified Internal Auditor

Becoming a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) demonstrates competence in areas such as information technology and risk and control. Certification is beneficial for audit staff, risk management staff, audit managers or chief audit executives. To earn your CIA certification, you need a bachelor’s degree and two years of internal audit experience, or a master’s degree and one year of experience. You have six and one-half hours to pass three levels of exams and may be certified within 12 to 18 months. Your annual number of required continuing professional education (CPE) credits depends on your work status.

Chartered Financial Analyst

Becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) shows you’re highly knowledgeable and competent working with principles of portfolio management, investment analysis and economics. The certification is typically required for security analysts or asset managers and may be beneficial for fund managers, equity analysts, hedge fund managers or senior finance managers. To earn your certification, you need a bachelor’s degree, four years’ relevant experience in areas such as trading, economics or corporate finance, and membership in the CFA Institute. Expect to spend at least 300 hours preparing for each of the three exam levels. You have 18 hours to pass the levels of exams in succession. Although you may become certified within 18 months, most candidates take more than two years. You’re required to annually complete 20 hours of CPE credits, including two hours of standards, regulatory and ethics education.

Certified Management Accountant

Becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) verifies your proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, strategic assessments and other skills. If you earn your CPA license, you may want to earn your CMA certification as well, since the exam topics are very similar. The CMA is recommended if you’re an accountant in the corporate sector, especially in large, multinational companies. To earn the certification, you need a bachelor’s degree and two consecutive years in financial management or management accounting. You have eight hours to complete two levels of exams and three years to complete the program. You may be certified within one to two years and need to annually complete 30 hours of CPE credits.

Certified Information Systems Auditor

Becoming a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) proves your proficiency in information systems control, security and auditing. Certification is beneficial for information systems auditors and control or security professionals desiring worldwide recognition. You have four hours to pass the 150-question exam. You may be certified when you have five years’ experience in professional information systems auditing, control or security. You also need to annually complete CPE hours and pay maintenance fees.

Work With a Top Financial Recruiter in Chicago

For assistance with securing your next position, get in touch with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources and work with a top financial recruiter in Chicago!

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2017 Mid-Year Accounting and Finance Salary Survey Available!

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources has compiled updated salary data for the fields of accounting and finance. Having passed the middle portion of 2017, having the most up-to-date information is vital!

With compensation trends changing on a monthly basis, both sides can benefit from having this information during job negotiations.

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources can help financial professionals who want to learn more about what salary expectations should be. We have compiled our salary survey list with updated facts and figures including job descriptions for more than 110 accounting and finance positions for the Chicago metropolitan area.

Email us today at FinancialSalarySurvey@caseyresources.com and we will be happy to share this with you.  In the “YOUR MESSAGE” section, please enter “2017 Mid-Year Accounting & Finance Salary Survey”.  Enjoy the rest of the summer!

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