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How to Hire a CPA

A Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, is a critical asset to a financially healthy business. Many confuse this position with that of an accountant or bookkeeper. And while the roles overlap, there are glaring differences between the roles.

CPA’s are required to have a Bachelor’s degree like accountants. In addition, they must also pass a rigorous CPA exam and meet various experience requirements before earning their license.

Also, to maintain an updated certification, a CPA will take continuous professional education courses.

What does this mean?

CPAs are amongst the most educated, experienced, and qualified financial advisors you can hire. But how do you hire a CPA?

Check out the information below to learn how to hire a CPA!

Learn How to Hire a CPA with These Easy Steps!

1. Identify What You Need

Before you create a job description, it’s essential to identify your business-specific accounting needs.

For example, do you need someone to process accounts payable, sales invoices, payroll, taxes, or create budgets or financial statements? Will you need a CPA who is also equipped to provide financial analysis, and assess your company’s financial health?

You will need to identify precisely what kind of accounting services you are going to need in your business.

Additionally, before continuing the hiring process, it’s essential to focus your efforts on someone who can understand your particular business. A CPA should do more than know-how to crunch the numbers. They need to know how your business works. In other words, a CPA is going to be in charge of the inner financial workings of your company. If they don’t understand your business model, your brand, and how your company operates, chances are they won’t be successful at their job.

2. Create a Job Description Tailored to Your Needs

After completing the first step, you’ll need to create a job description designed to attract CPAs that will suit your needs.

The first part of any job description is the job summary, which highlights your business model and the primary responsibilities of a CPA.

Second, make a list of responsibilities that are specific to the kind of tasks that you need at your company. Include general duties a CPA is in charge of, as well as the specific things your company needs in a CPA, as discussed in the last section.

Third, create a list of skills needed to perform the job, such as organization, communication, and analytical skills.

Last but not least, including eligibility requirements. Typically, these include the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
  • Minimum of 5 years experience
  • CPA certification
  • Knowledge of accounting software, mainly the kinds used at your company

In addition to this list, you may want candidates to have experience working in a similar industry as your business.

3. Stand Out From the Crowd

CPAs are in high demand. Because the CPA exam is so difficult to pass, and the certification itself requires years of experience in the accounting field as well as continuing education courses, CPAs are hard to come by.

Additionally, the accounting industry is steadily growing. In this case, if you want to learn how to hire a CPA, you will have to stand out from other companies who also want to hire a CPA.

How do you do that?

One way is to cultivate a unique employer brand. Make this brand evident in your job description, using language that reflects your company’s culture.

Secondly, make the application itself simple. If applicants have to navigate multiple pages of questions, information input, and even tests, they may not take the time to apply for your position.

Thirdly, in the description, explain the pay grade and any benefits your company offers. The more you stand out, the more likely qualified CPAs will apply for your position!

Partner With a Staffing Agency!

The hiring process can be lengthy and costly. It can take months to complete the hiring process, and then it may take months more to train and onboard your new employee. Additionally, companies often have to invest a hefty sum in adding a new member to the team.

With this in mind, partnering with a temp agency is a much more efficient way to acquire a temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct hire worker.

Corporate Job Bank is one of the leading temp agencies in the industry! As the largest locally owned staffing agency in Arizona, Corporate Job Bank has a large pool of talent to choose from, ensuring you get the best employee possible. Moreover, their professional services paired with a passion for your success make them the ideal staffing agency to partner with.

Get a CPA as soon as tomorrow by contacting Corporate Job Bank today!

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