If you’re exploring new job opportunities, it’s wise to think about how to put your best foot forward. Businesses hiring full-time accounting and finance talent are taking extra care to evaluate candidates thoroughly and find the right fit.
What are companies looking for? We asked TGRP Solutions’ accounting and finance recruiting team to share some of the most in-demand traits and skills. Here are the standouts that topped the list:
- Demonstrated growth – TGRP clients are looking for candidates with strong career trajectories and resumes that show clear progression and growth. Job promotions in the same company, expanded responsibilities, skill development, and increased seniority are indicators that a candidate is a motivated self-starter. To a hiring manager looking for people who can grow with the company, that’s a win.
- Solid communication skills – Our recruiters unanimously agreed that no matter the size or industry, companies in the Denver metro area value candidates who are all-around great communicators. Candidates with impressive experience might get an interview, but their ability to articulate their strengths, contributions, and future goals confidently will boost their chances of moving forward. On the job, strong listening and speaking skills are essential for working with teammates, presenting to leadership, handling difficult situations, and much more.
- Goal–driven – Companies’ hiring managers tell TGRP recruiters that they want people on their teams who are intentional with their career choices. Ambitious employees are desirable for many reasons. They bring energy to the job, take ownership of every task, and are eager to make an impact. In addition, professionals who know what they want in an employer and role make it easier on hiring managers to evaluate long-term fit.
- Analytical skills – Professionals who think beyond compliance and reporting are invaluable assets to their organizations. Common employer requests are candidates who are skilled at extracting data from systems like NetSuite, organizing it, and uploading it into other systems or reporting dashboards. They want accounting personnel with Excel expertise who can analyze numbers and information and make it clear and understandable to non-financial leaders and managers.
- Adaptability – Learning agility is a critical skill always, and especially in today’s uncertain economic climate. Many TGRP clients prefer to hire people who are comfortable with change and adept at thinking on their feet. In interviews, they’ll watch for signals that a candidate has no problem shifting priorities and upskilling to meet business needs. Challenges arise and disruptions happen. Modern businesses want people on the team who embrace learning and have positive, can-do attitudes.
Now for two highly sought-after competencies that come up in conversations with Denver companies’ hiring managers:
- Knowledge of ASC 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers – When the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued new standards for recognizing revenue from contracts—better known as ASC 606—seven years ago, the news made waves. Now, public and private companies alike need accounting staff and managers who know these rules inside and out and how to properly recognize contract revenues in accordance with ASC 606.
- NetSuite experience – Many mid-sized and growing companiesin Denver use the cloud-based ERP system NetSuite for accounting and financial reporting as well as inventory and fixed asset management, purchasing, payroll, and more. Accountants who have experience using and optimizing NetSuite are at an advantage. TGRP’s recruiters suggest including all ERP system experience on the resume under each job position.
Finally, our recruiters offered a few helpful reminders about how to make the best impression during an interview:
- Show up prepared. Visit the company’s website to learn about their industry and business. Browse blogs, press releases, and social media posts to get a sense of the company’s recent news and goals. Study the job description, and spend time reflecting on why you would be a great candidate.
- Have questions ready. Candidates who do their homework on a company should have a few questions ready to ask if given the chance. That shows sincere interest and good preparation. Stick to business-related questions (rather than questions about compensation or paid time off, which are topics that will arise later) about things like the company’s biggest challenges, how to succeed in the role, and company culture.
- Do the easy things. It goes without saying that arriving on time and dressing professionally are interview musts. During the interview, make eye contact and pay attention to your body language to ensure you come across focused and engaged. Taking notes is a good way to show interest in what the interviewer has to say (and helpful for remembering anything you want to follow up on or research later).
- Be ready to talk about your strengths, qualifications, and successes. Practice talking aloud about how you have contributed to past companies, shown leadership, and persevered through difficult situations. Make sure any examples you share will highlight your skills in the context of the desired/required job qualifications.
Whether you are seeking a full-time role or a contract or consulting position, TGRP can help you amplify your job search and present yourself in the best way on paper and in person to employers.
If you’re a hiring manager trying to fill a role, we’re also here to support your company. We offer direct-hire placement, staff augmentation (contract resources), and consulting solutions for public and private companies in Denver.
Contact our team today (or call 303.789.1500) to share your needs and to find out how TGRP Solutions can help!
