The responsibilities of this position primarily include:

Ownership and management of the process to prepare quarterly 1934 Act filings (e.g., Form 10-K and 10-Q) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);

Creation and maintenance of XBRL documents to be filed with the SEC and related tagging;

Ownership and management of the process to prepare financial statements and other schedules, included in its quarterly earnings release and filed on Form 8-K with the SEC;

Coordination and preparation of various portions of investor presentations;

Interpretation, communication and implementation of new accounting and reporting standards and, as required, drafting response letters to the appropriate authority;

Preparation of monthly financial statements for one of corporate entities, including the preparation or review of various analytical procedures, reconciliations and periodic journal entries

Drafting letters of response to SEC comments on filings, as required;

Coordination with external and internal auditors with regards to review and audit procedures; and

 

Desired Qualifications:

A team-first oriented employee;

Detail oriented, with a keen attention to quality control;

Process oriented, with an emphasis on internal controls;

An effective communicator, including the use of both verbal and written forms of communication, able to interact with various groups within the organization (i.e., Tax, Legal, Treasury, Investor Relations, etc.); and

The candidate should have, at a minimum:

A Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, or a Finance degree with an accounting emphasis;

Certification as a public accountant;

Five to ten years of relevant experience in accounting at a large, multi-location corporation and/or public accounting firm;

Experience with both internal and external financial reporting, including filing of SEC documents;

A firm understanding of accounting principles;

Experience effectively managing and developing staff-level accountants;

Proficiency handling multiple, simultaneous projects;

An intermediate to advanced working knowledge of Microsoft software products, particularly Excel and v-lookups, as well as a general ledger software package; and

 

 

• The qualified candidate will maintain and develop financial models and analyses to

support strategic initiatives and help review critical financial decisions.

• Participate in due diligence, valuation models, and strategic rationale for potential

acquisition deals, conduct financial evaluation of investments and preparation of pro

forma financial information and forecasts.

• Assist the CFO and CEO to translate strategic options into financial models, test the

scenarios and to simulate alternative options for financing and structuring scenarios.

• Prepare financial presentations to support investor relations function.

• Prepare financial presentations and analysis to support recommendations to the Board

of Directors.

• Respond to ad hoc request of CEO, CFO and COO to support strategic initiatives.

Monthly Financial Analysis Responsibilities

• Aggregate and maintain annual budget files including supporting documentation and

materials.

• Coordinate with field operations and corporate departments to prepare monthly analysis of budget, forecast and actual results by department for review by senior

management.

• Prepare monthly update report to be presented to the Board of Directors.

• Monitor, aggregate, and analyze competitor trends and identify business implications;

identify future events/scenarios that could trigger need for strategy revisions.

• Support accounting department with preparation of reports and analysis as required.

 

 

 

• Revenue Supervisor – West Houston

• Revenue Staff – West Houston

• JIB Accountant – West Houston

• Sr Revenue – Downtown

• Gas Plant Processing Specialist – Downtown

• MMS Reporting Specialist –  Downtown

• JV Accountant Specialist – Westchase

• MMS Reporting Supervisor – Sugar Land

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Reconciles general ledger accounts
• Assists in month-end closing process
• Analyzes general ledger accounts
• Ensures assets are correctly entered into the fixed assets sub-ledger.
• Codes invoices for fixed asset purchases with appropriate general ledger account
• Prepares journal entries with supporting documentation
• Monitors compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 control procedures

Position Summary
Manage, coordinate, and support Director of Tax with the Global tax function.
Essential Job Functions
General: Authority
• Assist in local jurisdictions tax health check reviews in order to proactively identify
issues prior to audits and for monitoring purposes.
• Monitor and progress tax audits globally.
• Prepare and compile documentation request from taxing authorities during examinations or reviews.
• Prepare summarized issues matrix to identify and alert management of tax risks and work with Director of Tax to mitigate risks.
• Coordinate and assist the Marketing and Finance Departments with bid information and tax summaries. To update memorandums on local country tax structures and prepare guidance on new jurisdictions tax structures.
• Maintain and review the Global tax compliance including the filing of tax returns and other statutory periodic filings.
• Work with other departments in order to obtain the information necessary to comply with local reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and monitor significant tax projects with external tax advisers.
• To review and compile tax information from regional finance managers on a continual basis with high emphasis on quarterly close, annual tax returns, tax audits, etc.
• Ensure compliance with Tax policies and procedures.
• Assist with the preparation of the Company’s tax disclosures for US GAAP reporting purposes.
• Supervise, train and monitor Tax Staff with ongoing tax projects.
• To manage the Global Transfer Pricing policies and procedures for the Group.
Key Performance Indicators
• Policy & Procedure – The ability to understand, comply with and promote all Company policies, procedures and processes.
• Communication – The extent to which he/she seeks guidance from and reports regularly to the Director of Tax as well as interaction with other departments within the Company.
• Quality of Work – The ability to meet deadlines. The ability to manage all sensitive data in a confidential and professional manner. Being able to provide accurate, quality information (reports, payroll, spreadsheets etc.) when requested, within specified timescales. The extent to which any work has to be redone. Accuracy of the maintenance of any computerized database and the hard copy filing system in relation to his/her area of responsibility.
• Teamwork – The willingness to provide support to others within the department thus promoting teamwork – and to those within the Company who seek Tax support or advice.
• Development – Uses his/her initiative in order to find ways to enhance existing processes documents etc. Open minded regarding improvements and suggestions.
• Cost Control – Demonstrates an effective cost control approach towards his/her work tasks (in accordance with budgeted figures where applicable).
Training & Qualifications
Education:
• Must have a bachelor degree, Masters in Tax, or LLM in Tax.
Professional Experience:
• Must have a strong attention to detail.
• Must have willingness to learn new skills.
• Must have willingness to perform necessary tasks hands on.
• Must possess strong working knowledge of all Global tax issues (direct taxes, service tax, withholding tax, individual tax, etc.).
• Must be able to provide accurate quality information and reports when requested and within specified timelines.
• Must be open minded regarding improvements and suggestions.
• Must be able to identify tax issues and develop a solution to minimize costs/exposure to Company.
• Must be familiar with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements.
• Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communications skills and computer skills.
• Must possess strong international tax experiences.
• Oilfield service experiences a significant plus.
• Public accounting experiences a plus.
• Minimum 6-8 years experience in tax, preferably a combination of Big Four Public Firm, public company, and oilfield services.
• Must possess ability to build relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Must possess a proven track record to work independently and with a team.
Licenses, Certificates, Credentials and Other Requirements:
• Certified Public Accountant or equivalent a significant plus.
• Medical Certificates needed as required by local regulations.
• Must pass Company Medical Examinations and random drug tests.
• References and background checks completed to the satisfaction of the company.
• Ability to travel approximately 30%.

Job Title: Financial Planning Analyst
Department: Finance
Reports To: Chief Accounting Officer

Position Summary
An integral member of the management team and will have opportunities to participate in the development of the Company. The position will report directly to the Chief Accounting Officer.

Essential Job Functions
Project Related Responsibilities
• The qualified candidate will maintain and develop financial models and analyses to
support strategic initiatives and help review critical financial decisions.
• Participate in due diligence, valuation models, and strategic rationale for potential
acquisition deals, conduct financial evaluation of investments and preparation of pro
forma financial information and forecasts.
• Assist the CFO and CEO to translate strategic options into financial models, test the
scenarios and to simulate alternative options for financing and structuring scenarios.
• Prepare financial presentations to support investor relations function.
• Prepare financial presentations and analysis to support recommendations to the Board
of Directors.
• Respond to ad hoc request of CEO, CFO and COO to support strategic initiatives.

Monthly Financial Analysis Responsibilities
• Aggregate and maintain annual budget files including supporting documentation and
materials.
• Coordinate with field operations and corporate departments to prepare monthly analysis of budget, forecast and actual results by department for review by senior
management.
• Prepare monthly update report to be presented to the Board of Directors.
• Monitor, aggregate, and analyze competitor trends and identify business implications;
identify future events/scenarios that could trigger need for strategy revisions.
• Support accounting department with preparation of reports and analysis as required.PEOPLE

Key Performance Indicators
• Policy & Procedure – The ability to understand, comply with and promote all Company policies,
procedures and processes.
• Communication – The extent to which he/she seeks guidance from and reports regularly to the HR
Manager, Recruitment Coordinator and HR Coordinator regarding exceptional requests/incidents/issues.
• Quality of Work – The ability to meet deadlines. The ability to manage all sensitive data in a
confidential and professional manner. Being able to provide accurate, quality information (reports,
payroll, spreadsheets etc.) when requested, within specified timescales. The extent to which any work
has to be redone. Accuracy of the maintenance of any computerised database and the hard copy filing
system in relation to his/her area of responsibility.
• Teamwork – The willingness to provide support to others within the department thus promoting
teamwork – and to those within the Company who seek HR support or advice.
• Development – Uses his/her initiative in order to find ways to enhance existing processes, documents
etc. Open minded regarding improvements and suggestions.
• Cost Control – Demonstrates an effective cost control approach towards his/her work tasks (in
accordance with budgeted figures where applicable).

Training & Qualifications
• The ideal candidate will have five to seven years of experience with two years of corporate planning,
strategy, budgeting or related experience.
• The candidate must have excellent analytical and modelling skills, in-depth experience with financial
statement analysis and valuation modelling.
• Excellent written and communications skills with strict attention to detail.
• Extensive knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• Ability to collect the appropriate data from different functions within the organization
• Ability to work under time pressure and to prioritize work

Education:
• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance. MBA/CPA preferred

 

ABOUT THE COMPANY

80 to 100K plus bonus

Our client is a well-established Exploration & Production company in the San Antonio market.  The company is in a high growth mode and has an immediate opportunity for an Accounting Lead.  There is a significant opportunity for this individual to have an immediate impact and grow their own team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following.　

• Serve as Finance & Accounting point of contact for the South Texas business unit; actively pursue improved communication and collaboration with the business unit members.
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of ongoing activities within the business unit in order to ensure accurate reporting of business transactions, appropriate classification for budget and internal/external financial reporting purposes 
• Review results of operations and operating statistics for the South Texas business unit for accuracy and consistency. Prepare Actual to Plan variance reporting and other analytical reports to review with Operations personnel on a monthly basis 
• Ad hoc reporting as requested by Operations personnel for asset management or budget preparations 
• Oversee revenue and project accruals performed by Staff Accountants 
• Provide training on accounting policies and procedures to business unit members 
• Visit the field offices as requested to improve understanding of business needs / improve communication.
• Conduct periodic physical inventories of the South Texas Materials & Supplies
• Participate in any process review initiatives that fit into roles and responsibilities.
• Review Joint Venture audit responses for area of responsibility and assist with resolution, as necessary.
• Assist Domestic Financial Accounting management team in the identification, prioritization and resolution of accounting and financial reporting issues.
• Other special projects as needed

 

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, CPA a plus
• 8+ years experience in E&P
• Must have strong technical skills with MS Office Suite
• Possess a positive management style and excellent communication skills
• Ability to improve processes and increase departmental efficiencies
• Hands on experience with accounting software             
• Excel – Intermediate to advanced
• Must possess a strong work ethic 
• Ability to work across all levels of the organization required
• Local travel required (10%)

 

Description
Summary: Responsible for the integrity of the general ledger through accurate processing of journal entries and reconciliation of general ledger accounts and banking records by performing the following duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned.)
Verifies, participates, and controls the posting, balancing, and reconciliation of the general ledger. Reviews entries to the ledger to assure accuracy.
Performs bank reconciliation monthly. Verifies all deposits, withdrawals, and wire transfers. Addresses questions and problems from banking institutions.
Performs account analysis and reconciliation, and sets up new accounts.
Reconciles daily cash flow to monthly bank statements. Reviews daily cash bank reports and analyzes as required.
Verifies, posts, and reconciles payroll.
Assists General Accounting Manager with year-end audit.
Maintains control over and distributes sales force incentive spreadsheets for all sales divisions.
Prepares financial and statistical reports as required. Assumes other special activities and responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from a four year college or university or equivalent preferred;
One to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Been waiting for the right oil and gas opportunity?  Do you have a CPA and 4+ years of Big 4 experience?  This is the one you’ve been waiting for.  This company is on the cutting edge of technology and poised for huge growth. 

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

This position reports directly to the Manager of Financial Reporting and has responsibility for supporting the Corporate Accounting Team as well as providing support in regards to the preparation of financial reports.

Major Responsibilities

• Managing the monthly and year-end closing processes for the General Ledger which includes preparation of journal entries.
• Reviewing and reconciling the General Ledger accounts.
• Preparation of the monthly financial statements such as, balance sheet, statement of operations, statement of equity and statement of cash flows.
• Performing monthly analysis in regards to financial statements and report on variances.
• Working closely with external auditors in regards to schedule preparation and the auditing process.
• Providing assistance in the drafting and finalization of the required SEC reports.
• Providing assistance with documenting, implementing and maintaining internal controls.
• Assisting with various other projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Competencies

• Bachelors degree or higher in Accounting.
• CPA Certification is required.
• 4+ years experience in a Big Four Accounting Firm.
• Demonstrated ability to organize the work while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Good working knowledge of US GAAP with willingness to research and resolve accounting issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment and meet deadlines as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and resolve issues in the early stages.
• Must be able to work independently or in a team environment to meet the required objectives.
• Must be flexible in regards to work assignments while maintaining an enthusiastic outlook.

This job is open due to an internal promotion. 　This company is renowned for promoting from within, and with a strong balance sheet and growth plan, there should be pelnty of opportunities to move up within!

Objective: To perform general ledger accounting and financial analysis

The Senior Accountant fills an integral role with responsibilities for the monthly financial Close process, GAAP compliance, internal controls monitoring and compliance and systems management. The position requires a technically experienced financial professional. The successful candidate will have strong analytical, computer, and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the monthly Close process – preparing journal entries and analyzing accounts
• Analyze financial results and provide variance explanations and account reconciliations
• Maintain strong internal controls and SOX compliance. Ensure all work is appropriately documented and supported.
• Research accounting issues and develop accounting policies and procedures.
• Work closely with other Finance areas and throughout the Company to ensure appropriate accounting.
• Assist with the activities of internal and external auditors.

 

Skills Required:

• Bachelors degree in accounting
• Public accounting experience a plus
• Certified Public Accountant a plus
• Three + years of accounting experience
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Solid Excel computer skills

 

 http://www.houston.org/pdf/research/eag.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Economy+at+a+Glance&utm_content=Economy+at+a+Glance+CID_2a93ddc2033b4733a137f368ce10616c&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=View%20the%20March%20issue%20of%20Houston%20The%20Economy%20at%20a%20Glance

View the March issue of
Houston: The Economy at a Glance

Industry News and Updates

Houston has done it again! According to the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), we have led the state in job growth. We are also projected to grow faster than any other metro area in Texas. Personally, I would like to share that　I just experienced the best January I have ever had in 11 years of recruiting. 2013 has started off with a bang for demand in direct hires. Fifty percent of the orders we have filled have been at the entry & staff level. The other fifty percent of the orders have been at the Senior Accountant and Accounting Manager level. We have also seen a lot of AP direct hire positions. Typically, AP Specialists are hired on a temp to hire basis. 　CFS Houston has experienced a very busy start to 2013. I am very excited about the employment market in Houston. I only see it getting better.

 Other great news from the GHP Economy At A Glance:

• Houston sold over 74,000 homes in 2012 (17.4% increase) – with homes above $150,000 being the strongest
•  Houston has gained more than 250,000 new net jobs since the bottom of the recession
•  Interest rates are down from 6.5% in 2008 to 3.35% the end of 2012
•  Auto dealers sold over 325,000 cars. That is a 27.5% increase over 2011.
• Houston led the nation in home construction in 2012　

Please reach out to me with any questions and stay tuned for the next newsletter in　April　2013. 　

By the way.our recruiting team in Houston is hiring. I would love to hear who your “other” favorite recruiter is, so that I can possibly approach them about coming to work with us.  Thanks for any referrals in advance!

Local Statistics:

• National / Houston Unemployment rate: 7.2/6.0
• Price of Oil: $94 (last year $99) 　
• Oil Rig Count: 1756(last year 2003) 　
• Industries hiring: Construction, Oil & Gas, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing
• Positions in demand: STAFF, STAFF,STAFF ACCOUNTANTS, Cost Accountants, Revenue Accountants
• Industries not hiring or flat: Government

Local Searches:

• SEC Reporting Senior – SAP helpful – 3 yrs experience – 85K plus bonus
• Cost Analyst -　Standard Cost, Consolidations & Analysis – 65K
• Staff & Senior Accountant – heavy cash apps, 55 to 70K
• Controller – Residential Property Management – 100 to 150K　　
• Senior Accountant – 75k – need public accounting exp, with real estate
• Midstream Operations Accountant – Downtown – 75k + bonus and stock options
• Internal Auditor – 50% Intl Travel – Oil and Gas – rotational role – 75-85k – Galleria
• REIT Accountant – Big 4 required　 – 80K
• Cost Analyst – sap, IFRC, accounting degree – 65k – Galleria
• AP Supervisor – oil & gas – 65K
• Revenue Senior – Offshore – 105 -115K – DT
• Entry Level – Regulatory Accountant – Oil and Gas – 55K – Downtown
• Operations Staff – 64k – Northwest Houston – Oil and Gas
• Accounting Manager – Heavy　intercompany & reconciliations　- 95K – Galleria
• Joint Venture Audit – Oil and Gas – 65 to 110K – Galleria
• Dir Inv. Accounting – Retail accounting – 125 to 130K
• Tax Director – Need public acct experience – 145K
• Staff Accountant – entry level – Must have Accounting Degree – 45K -Southwest
• AP Specialist – 35 to 38K – SW
• Associate Manager Consolidations & Analysis – 50 to 65K +20% –
• Staff accountant, cash apps – 45 to 48K – NW
• Staff accountant, acct or finance degree, month end close – to 55K -Greenway
• Revenue Accountant – 5 years – 65 to 91K – Downtown
• Lease Accountant – set up leases, review contracts, rev recognition 65 to 75K Galleria
• FP&A Manager,multi location – 75 to 85K – Galleria Controller, SEC and SOX, multi location – 120 to 140K – Galleria
• Sr. Accountant – Accounting services – Galleria
• Revenue Accountant –
  • 　SAP PRA – 80K – West Senior Accountant, GL , Reconciliations, supervisory – 75 to 85K – West
• Cost Analyst 75K
• Public Accounting – Tax and Audit – any level tax or audit 50 to 120K
• IT Audit – 100K plus – West
• Staff – 55K – Downtown
• AP Supervisor – 70K – Downtown

 

MUST HAVE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Responsibilities:

• Frequent valuations of potential deals as well as the existing portfolio.
• Assist with presentations for banks and investors.
• Calculate risk and return of decisions from purchases to how and when to allocate resources.
• Manage monthly budget of individual properties and the overall portfolio.
• Value, manage and replenish inventory from purchase to warehouse to final use.
• Understand changes in competitors’ accounting systems, methods and operations.
• Review all bills and invoices, resolve any issues or differences, and authorize payments.
• Work with employees to categorize expenses by property and by type (capital or operating).
• Account for the internal management fee (how much, which bank account covers what expenses).
• Review, negotiate and maintain a vendor database with existing contracts, rates and expirations.
• Oversee the creation of financial reports to owners and banks, on monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
• Develop internal controls and regularly audit everything.
• Formally sign off on all payments.

Manage two accountants who are responsible for treasury and reconciliations including:

• Depositing over $500k of rents per month,
• Updating the accounting systems,
• Daily reconciliations with banks,
• Work with property managers to review and correct late fees, market rents, delinquency, and types of turnover (vacancy, pre-leased, notices to vacate).
• Manage the biweekly payroll process through Paychex,
• Maintain historical and current files and records.

Qualifications:

• MBA from top-tier school, with focus on finance and accounting.
• Minimum 2 years of real estate experience.
• Familiarity with Houston.
• Excellent with Excel.
• Excellent integrity in dealing with money, and care in calculations involving it.
• Flexibility in schedule and hours when needed.
• Optimally able to speak and understand Spanish.

 

Plant Controller: North Houston, Standard Cost, Reports to Plant Mgr

Cost Analyst: North Houston, Consolidations & Analysis

Cost Accountant: North Houston, Average Costing, Variance Analysis

Consolidations Analysis: West Houston, prepare financials, consolidate, trend & financial analysis

 

EMAIL: dcd@fittsroberts.com

• SEC Reporting Senior – SAP helpful – 3 yrs experience – 85K plus bonus
• Admin Assistant – need payroll, quickbooks, invoicing – oil and gas – 40k
• Senior Accountant – 75k – need public accounting exp, with real estate
• Midstream Operations Accountant – Downtown – 75k + bonus and stock options
• Internal Auditor – 50% Intl Travel – Oil and Gas – rotational role – 75-85k – Galleria
• Cost Analyst – sap, ifrs, accounting degree – 65k – Galleria
• AP Supervisor – oil & gas – 65K　
• Revenue Senior – Offshore – 105 -115K – DT
• Entry Level – Regulatory Accountant – Oil and Gas – 55K – Downtown
• Operations Staff – 64k – Northwest Houston – Oil and Gas
• Accounting Manager – Heavy Corp. consolidations – 85K – Galleria
• Joint Venture Audit – Oil and Gas – 65 to 110K – Galleria
• Dir Inv. Accounting – Retail accounting – 125 to 130K
• Tax Director – Need public acct experience – 145K
• Staff Accountant – entry level – Must have Accounting Degree – 45K -Southwest
• AP Specialist – 35 to 38K – SW
• Associate Manager Consolidations & Analysis – 50 to 65K +20% – 　West
• Staff accountant, cash apps – 45 to 48K – NW
• Staff accountant, acct or finance degree, month end close – to 55K -Greenway
• Revenue Accountant – 5 years – 65 to 91K – Downtown
• Lease Accountant – set up leases, review contracts, rev recognition 65 to 75K Galleria
• FP&A Manager, 　multi location – 75 to 85K – Galleria
• Controller, SEC and SOX, multi location – 120 to 140K – Galleria
• Sr. Accountant – Accounting services – Galleria
• Revenue Accountant – 　SAP PRA – 80K – West
• Senior Accountant, gl, recs, supervisory – 75 to 85K – West
• Cost Analyst 75K　
• Public Accounting – Tax and Audit – any level tax or audit 50 to 120K
• IT Audit – 100K plus – West
• Staff – 55K – Downtown
• AP Supervisor – 70K – Downtown

 

Record revenue and remit royalties for gas, oil & condensate sales associated with properties in Texas.

Record revenue associated with outside operated properties and monitor gas balancing statements.

Review and process division of interest changes received from Land Administration.

Analyze and reconcile account receivables and other revenue associated general ledger accounts and prepare accounting entries.

Process monthly Texas gas severance tax reporting entries for assigned properties.

How to stop young CPAs from leaving public accounting Firms can take steps to lessen the migration of top talent, and avoid the costs related to such departures. January 14, 2013 By Daniel Griffiths, CPA

Partner: “You’re leaving! A couple of weeks ago we were talking about the big future you have here at the firm. What changed?”
　
Soon-to-be-former manager: “I got an offer I just couldn’t refuse. Not only are the pay and benefits great, but I’ll also weigh in on decision-making. The company develops lifesaving malaria therapies, and it will be rewarding to be part of an organization that helps save lives. Plus, I’ll actually be able to take my wife out to dinner on Valentine’s Day and attend some of my son’s ice hockey games this winter. It’s been a great ride, and I appreciate everything I have learned here at the firm, but it’s time to move on.”

Does this sound familiar? The public accounting world has always been a demanding one. Today we see leadership at public accounting firms confronting the challenge of top talent leaving for greener pastures just as Baby Boomers are preparing for retirement. The challenge is made even more difficult by the fact that there are more Baby Boomers in the workforce than Generation Xers. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in 2012 show there are nearly 60 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. labor force compared with fewer than 50 million Generation Xers. Who is going to lead the profession in the coming decades? Who is going to fund partner retirements?

How do we keep them?

First, many younger professionals place significant value on personal time and flexible work arrangements. Do we even need an office? At the AICPA Practitioners Symposium and Tech+ Conference in June, it was stated that 8% of CPA firms are virtual, up from just 4% the prior year. This is a trend to watch. While the lack of physical office space comes with a set of challenges, it also creates opportunity.

For example, do we want to allow or even encourage part-time or flexible-time arrangements with staff? Would that be easier with a virtual office or partially virtual office? How many staff have we lost because they had a baby or some other life event where they chose to focus on other priorities? How much money, in training dollars alone, walked out the door when they left? Even for our full-time staff, how many of them would see virtual office options as a major perk?

Second, where’s the meaning? Younger professionals are hungry for it. When we hand them a compliance project and tell them to put their head down and get their work done, they can be left feeling that there isn’t much meaning in our profession. We have a tremendous opportunity to anchor young CPAs to the values of our profession. We need to help them see how their work and their profession make a real difference in the world.　

How do we do this when compliance happens to be a big part of what we do? When handing off standard compliance projects to staff, take a moment to tell them a little about who the client is. Why do they need this work done, and how will this help them? Why is this client relationship important to the firm? It may sound silly, but this can make a big difference in the way that staff approaches their work.

Where possible, look for ways to involve younger CPAs on noncompliance projects where they will have opportunities to see the impact of their work. Invite them to client meetings. Where that isn’t practical, take a few minutes to share what happened at those meetings and to express appreciation for their part in maintaining an important client relationship.

Many seasoned members of the profession might think that suggestions like this amount to hand holding. “Why should I have to baby these kids? Can’t they just do their work and pay their dues the way that I did?”

You don’t have to “baby” any of these kids; just don’t be surprised when they leave the firm. Call it what you want—this is the way to engage newer members of the profession. This is how to connect with things that they value and help them find the meaning that will inspire them to do their best work.

Our professional associations have a role to play here as well. If young CPAs can get a taste of what the profession is all about, they won’t want to leave. Help them see how the profession is leading the way on matters of integrity. Share with them the AICPA initiative on government fiscal responsibility. If you are active with a state society committee or nonprofit board, invite a younger CPA to tag along to a meeting. What are we doing as firms to encourage our younger members to get active and participate? We belong to one of the greatest and most trusted professions in the world. Do we believe that? Does our staff believe it? They’ll have to if we want to keep the next generation’s top talent engaged and committed for the long term.

 

　

Diane Delgado LeMaire |　Area Director, Executive Search & Branch Manager | Creative Financial Staffing, a division of Fitts, Roberts CPA Firm | 5718 Westheimer Suite 800 | Houston, TX 77057 |713-490-6003 | dcd@fittsroberts.com| Blog| Twitter| LinkedIn

Soon-to-be-former manager: “I got an offer I just couldn’t refuse. Not only are the pay and benefits great, but I’ll also weigh in on decision-making. The company develops lifesaving malaria therapies, and it will be rewarding to be part of an organization that helps save lives. Plus, I’ll actually be able to take my wife out to dinner on Valentine’s Day and attend some of my son’s ice hockey games this winter. It’s been a great ride, and I appreciate everything I have learned here at the firm, but it’s time to move on.”

Does this sound familiar? The public accounting world has always been a demanding one. Today we see leadership at public accounting firms confronting the challenge of top talent leaving for greener pastures just as Baby Boomers are preparing for retirement. The challenge is made even more difficult by the fact that there are more Baby Boomers in the workforce than Generation Xers. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in 2012 show there are nearly 60 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. labor force compared with fewer than 50 million Generation Xers. Who is going to lead the profession in the coming decades? Who is going to fund partner retirements?

How do we keep them?

First, many younger professionals place significant value on personal time and flexible work arrangements. Do we even need an office? At the AICPA Practitioners Symposium and Tech+ Conference in June, it was stated that 8% of CPA firms are virtual, up from just 4% the prior year. This is a trend to watch. While the lack of physical office space comes with a set of challenges, it also creates opportunity.

For example, do we want to allow or even encourage part-time or flexible-time arrangements with staff? Would that be easier with a virtual office or partially virtual office? How many staff have we lost because they had a baby or some other life event where they chose to focus on other priorities? How much money, in training dollars alone, walked out the door when they left? Even for our full-time staff, how many of them would see virtual office options as a major perk?

Second, where’s the meaning? Younger professionals are hungry for it. When we hand them a compliance project and tell them to put their head down and get their work done, they can be left feeling that there isn’t much meaning in our profession. We have a tremendous opportunity to anchor young CPAs to the values of our profession. We need to help them see how their work and their profession make a real difference in the world.

How do we do this when compliance happens to be a big part of what we do? When handing off standard compliance projects to staff, take a moment to tell them a little about who the client is. Why do they need this work done, and how will this help them? Why is this client relationship important to the firm? It may sound silly, but this can make a big difference in the way that staff approaches their work.

Where possible, look for ways to involve younger CPAs on noncompliance projects where they will have opportunities to see the impact of their work. Invite them to client meetings. Where that isn’t practical, take a few minutes to share what happened at those meetings and to express appreciation for their part in maintaining an important client relationship.

Many seasoned members of the profession might think that suggestions like this amount to hand holding. “Why should I have to baby these kids? Can’t they just do their work and pay their dues the way that I did?”

You don’t have to “baby” any of these kids; just don’t be surprised when they leave the firm. Call it what you want—this is the way to engage newer members of the profession. This is how to connect with things that they value and help them find the meaning that will inspire them to do their best work.

Our professional associations have a role to play here as well. If young CPAs can get a taste of what the profession is all about, they won’t want to leave. Help them see how the profession is leading the way on matters of integrity. Share with them the AICPA initiative on government fiscal responsibility. If you are active with a state society committee or nonprofit board, invite a younger CPA to tag along to a meeting. What are we doing as firms to encourage our younger members to get active and participate? We belong to one of the greatest and most trusted professions in the world. Do we believe that? Does our staff believe it? They’ll have to if we want to keep the next generation’s top talent engaged and committed for the long term.

 

 

http://www.theworkbuzz.com/news/job-surveys/top-5-industries-hiring-the-most-2012-bachelors-degree-grads/

A college major gives a student direction and builds a foundation of knowledge for his future career. Yet it doesn’t always define what industry he’ll work in post-college. For instance, a journalism major may end up working as a communications director in the health-care industry, or a business major one day may run an art gallery.

As the economy continues to improve, certain industries are bouncing back more quickly than others. Students whose majors give them the flexibility to work in different industries should pay attention to industries that are hiring, especially those that are hiring new college graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ January 2013 Salary Survey, certain industries are hiring more 2012 bachelor’s degree grads than others.

Below are the top five industries that reported the highest number of new graduate entrants for 2012 bachelor’s degree grads, along with the number of new entrants, the average starting pay for those workers and the top major that’s being hired into the industry.

1.

Educational services: This sector includes establishments, such as schools, colleges, universities and training centers, which provide instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects.*
Number of new grad entrants: 444,500
Average starting pay: $39,879
Top major hired into the industry: Biological sciences/life sciences

2.

Professional, scientific and technical services: These activities require a high degree of expertise and training. Examples of activities performed in this sector include accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, architectural, engineering and computer services.
Number of new grad entrants: 289,400
Average starting pay: $48,035
Top major hired into the industry: Business administration/management

3.

Health care and social assistance: This industry comprises establishments providing health care and social assistance for individuals. It includes both health care and social assistance, because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the boundaries of these activities.
Number of new grad entrants: 269,100
Average starting pay: $42,309
Top major hired into the industry: Nursing

4.

Federal, state and local government: This sector consists of establishments of federal, state and local government agencies that administer, oversee and manage public programs and have executive, legislative or judicial authority over other institutions within a given area. It excludes state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. postal service.
Number of new grad entrants: 191,900
Average starting pay: $44,863
Top major hired into the industry: Criminal justice and corrections

5.

Finance and insurance: This industry includes establishments primarily engaged in financial transactions — transactions involving the creation, liquidation or change in ownership of financial assets — and/or in facilitating financial transactions.
Number of new grad entrants: 96,700
Average starting pay: $52,741
Top major hired into the industry: Business administration/management

*Information from the NACE January 2013 Salary Survey and the Census Bureau’s North American Industry Classification System