Ask a Houston Recruiter: What to Look for in Top Finance Candidates

When it comes to hiring for finance positions, you need those with more than just an ability to crunch numbers. They also need strong ethics, as well as business and leadership skills. As leading finance recruiters in Houston, Murray Resources knows it can certainly be a tough bill to fill. That’s why accounting and finance positions are consistently ranked some of the toughest jobs to hire for.

So how can you enhance your chances of finding the right finance professionals for your needs? By looking for these qualities in candidates:

They love the work.

Many professionals get into the field because of its stability and compensation. However, if you want to hire real innovators, then you need those who are passionate about their work. They’re the ones who will drive bottom line results at your company; not the candidate who’s just in it for a comfortable lifestyle.

They’re learners.

As top finance recruiters in Houston, we know the field is constantly evolving with more sophisticated tools and technology, along with new regulations. It’s therefore important to find those people for your team who are naturally curious and always learning. You can assess this quality in a number of ways; for instance, asking about what industry-related books they’re reading, or about any new certifications or licenses they’ve acquired.

They have a quantifiable track record.

Don’t let candidates get away with talking about their skills and experience in a broader sense or qualitatively. Instead, dig deeper. Specifically, ask candidates to quantify their accomplishments. In other words, what results did they deliver for past employers? You’ll have a much clearer sense of whether a candidate is right for the role.

They have career goals that align with your company.

When interviewing candidates, strive to find out what motivates each one individually. Is it money? Career advancement? A more flexible schedule? If you want to find candidates whose goals align with your company, it’s important to understand what drives them.

They have strong soft skills.

So much in finance is about technical capabilities. But while you’re assessing those, don’t forget to evaluate soft skills. A candidate might have an impressive resume and background. Yet, if their personality doesn’t mesh with your culture, they’re not going to last long. Likewise, if they have poor communication skills or bad workplace etiquette, they’re going to negatively impact morale.

Don’t forget to test your top picks.

Don’t be afraid to test out your top candidates for skills and abilities. Give them a short online test, or homework assignment that can help you gain a clearer picture of what they bring to the table. At the very least, you can verify they’re capable of performing on the job.

Do you need help finding qualified finance professionals for your team?

Call Houston’s proven finance recruiters at Murray Resources. From CFOs to financial analysts, we have the knowledge and experience to source the finest candidates for both full-time and contract job openings. Contact us today to learn more.