As the economy pulls away from the last grips of the recession, the majority of businesses are targeting expansion in 2015. In this climate of growth, it is important for commercial companies to have every competitive advantage to capitalise on the recovering economy. Finance departments have a critical role to play in this, not only as a ‘control function’ but also as a ‘business enabler’.
Having the right individuals within your finance team means more than successfully passing audits and balancing books. With the best qualified finance talent on board, your business will benefit from the tactical partnering and commercial analysis needed to make strategic decisions.
As businesses compete for the best candidates in the job market, there are steps that can be taken to help attract this top talent to your finance jobs.
Set your finance team up for progression
Due to the battle for skills, the most high-flying professionals are currently in a position in which they can afford to be selective about the finance jobs they choose. It quite naturally follows that the best, most in-demand talent will be
Business owners should make it clear to existing and potential finance employees that vertical movement is a highly probable prospect for consistent performers. Without clear and definable career paths in place, game-changing talent will look elsewhere to work. To beat off the competition and land the best talent in the market, offer finance professionals incentives, external
Give them exposure to the business
The finance function of any business is a crucial driver of growth, not a necessary overhead. Employers should and must be aware that that finance capability is not a by-product of success, but rather one of its key influencers.
As such, it is vital that finance professionals are not only integrated with the rest of the business, but also given representation in the boardroom. Every business stakeholder – whether from a financial or non-financial background – needs the feedback of their leading finance talent to gain a clear insight into
To maximise business profitability, you should use market-leading professionals to influence your decision making and provide a strategic business partnership. By doing so, you’ll win top talent and build a finance team that will support and sustain company growth.
Make sure everyone who interviews for your business goes away wanting to work for you
34% of candidates say that their experience during the hiring process affected their decision to accept a position. When interviewing, it is your job to impress the candidate just as much as it is their job to impress you. Only by adhering to a consistent, strategic and engaging interview process can you leave talented professionals keen to join your business.
From the moment that the best qualified finance professionals step through the door, you should treat them with the same respect and appreciation that you would a customer. As well as communicating clearly and effectively, you also need to ensure that your brand is reflected throughout the interview process and your company culture is visible.
Keep in mind that an interview is a preliminary glimpse into what a career at your company would be like. Show your candidates exactly who you are and what you offer and build a brand that game-changers want to work for.
With a buoyant market and competition high, employers need leading people in their teams to stay on top. By regarding and treating talented finance professionals as enablers of development opportunities, your business will win the battle for skills and secure an optimistic growth outlook.