Accountancy firms… join the queue

When an accountancy firm called in this week saying they would like to see CVs for a Qualified Auditor with 0-3 yrs PQE, my initial response was not what you may have expected.

Of course, I was delighted to receive a call from a firm with whom we have a long-standing relationship.  I was very pleased that they chose to call me to help with an integral hire to the firm and of course, as a business owner, I was excited at the prospect of doing some business.

But my initial response was ‘OK great, join the queue!’

It’s not just me either. Speaking to firms regularly that post their vacancies with more than one agency, they tend to be looking for candidates several months from the initial call and in some cases up to a year. Consultants I know in other recruitment firms are in the same boat too. So where are all these candidates?

Recruiting within the accountancy profession has always been candidate-driven, as it is within the legal sector.  Since I started in recruitment back in 1997, it has always been the case of having the candidate first then picking up the phone and pitching their details to the market. This way does favour the candidate, as more often than not, this will offer a greater choice of potential suitors.

For clients, I am afraid it is a case of waiting patiently in line but if you are an Auditor, Corporate or Private Tax Professional, ACA/ACCA studier with experience in the profession, Semi-Senior, Senior or even Partner…CALL ME NOW! Clients are queuing up waiting for you!

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David Waddell is Managing Director at Harvey John.

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