The number of employees working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic has been increasing. Odds are your accounting and finance team is included in this group. If so, you must know what to look for when hiring remote employees. Because you cannot oversee a staff member’s work in person, the criteria for hiring are different than when hiring for on-site roles.
Implement these five tips when hiring remote accounting and finance employees.
Understand the Motivation for Remote Work
Find out the reasons for each candidate wanting to work remotely. For instance, they may need flexibility to care for their children or an aging parent. Also, candidates might desire to work for an employer that’s geographically distant without having to relocate. Gaining greater insight into the desire for remote work can help you make more informed hiring decisions.
Emphasize Soft Skills
Focus on the interpersonal skills needed for remote work. For instance, time management, tech knowledge, and communication are important. Self-motivation, organization, and self-sufficiency are important as well. Candidates need to show they can work independently while meeting deadlines.
Set Up Remote Testing
Provide remote testing for the skills needed to complete the work. For instance, assign a short project related to the type of work the candidate would do if hired. Set a deadline to submit their work. See how well each candidate handles potential tech issues, asks questions about the assignment, and produces a finished product. Or, use a web-based platform that lets you customize tests in aptitudes such as auditing or financial analysis.
Provide Flexibility
Provide as much flexibility as possible in your remote work arrangements. For instance, let employees set their own work hours. Completing tasks during peak performance hours keeps them engaged and productive. Also, emphasize the importance of measuring results more than hours worked. When employees finish their tasks on time, they can move on to other projects. This lets them accomplish more throughout the week, resulting in greater achievements, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
Offer Perks
Emphasize the attractive perks your company has to make remote work even more fulfilling. For instance, provide wellness programs that enhance physical, emotional, mental, financial, and professional well-being. Also, offer virtual team-building events such as a happy hour or movie night. Additionally, provide reimbursement for job-related books, seminars, and other professional development. Plus, offer subscriptions for home delivery of meal kits to prepare healthy dinners. Desirable perks can enhance your remote work culture, employee happiness, and productivity.
Partner with a Recruiter
Hiring remote workers involves finding out why candidates want to work from home and whether they have the technical and interpersonal skills required for success. Pointing out the flexibility and perks your company provides for remote workers helps to attract top talent.
When you need to hire remote accounting and finance professionals, talk with Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. Discover firsthand why we were named on the inaugural Forbes List of America’s Best Recruitment Firms in 2020. Find out more today.
