How to Nail the Interview and Find Your Pot of Gold Written BY Kathi Miller-Miller

How to Nail the Interview and Find Your Pot of Gold

Written BY Kathi Miller-Miller

image: http://bullseyerecruiting.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/GoldRush.jpg

GoldRushDuring a recent trip to Alaska, I was intrigued by the long and rich stories of the “Gold Rush” expeditions. In the day treasure hunters went to extreme lengths, often risking personal injury to find a treasure that would literally transform their lives.And I started thinking that it’s really not much different than a job search. Sure you aren’t mining for real nuggets of gold, but nonetheless you are a treasure hunter going to great lengths and risking personal injury (albeit emotional!) as you look for job opportunities.

While you’re engaged in the hunt, chances are good that you pass by some finds dismissing them as either too small or not “pure” enough to reach your goals. But just when you start thinking you’re never going to find your “pot of gold,” you get a call for an interview for the job of your dreams! At last the chance to claim your treasure.

But before you get too carried away with interview prep, it’s important to understand that your ultimate goal in the interview isn’t to get the job. I know that’s crazy right?!? Instead your goal is to figure out if you WANT the job. And the best way to do this is by asking questions that help you determine if the position really is the “treasure” you think it may be.

In my years of coaching and candidate selection, I’ve told virtually every candidate the interview is as much about their opportunity to determine if we are a fit for them as it is about me. Yet when I ask what questions they have, most candidates either numbly reply “no” or maybe ask about a timeline for the decision. But that’s it.

Instead, ask a few of the questions below to determine if the opportunity is really your “pot of gold:”

Questions to Get Insights About the Boss:

questions1. QUESTON: Tell me about a top performer on your team. What does he/she do differently?
GOAL: To learn what skills/accomplishments are required to be a recognized team leader.

2. QUESTION: What did your team recently accomplish that made you proud?
GOAL: First, to let the hiring manager brag about a recent accomplishment which is never a bad move, but this question also provides insight about what it takes to impress them.

3. QUESTION: How would you describe your communication and management style?
GOAL: Here you’re looking to learn how much they will/won’t be in your business and how easily you can adapt to their style. For example if you are soft-spoken and concerned about hurting others feelings, working for someone with a direct communication style may not be a great move.

4. QUESTION: What will be your biggest challenge in the next 12 months?
GOAL: By learning their challenge, you should gain a pretty good idea of ways you may be able to add value to the team. And there is also a good chance you’ll learn a bit about enterprise efforts and company direction.

5. QUESTION: What will be the most important criteria in your candidate selection?
GOAL: Ideally after asking this question you want to find a way either immediately or during follow up to demonstrate your proficiency with the most important criteria…assuming the job is your “pot of gold!”

Questions to Ask to get Insights About the Job

1. QUESTION: If I was offered the job, what would be my biggest challenge?
GOAL: This question helps you spot difficulties such as work load; personality issues and skill gaps.

2. QUESTION: Would be possible to see some examples of the work I would be expected to complete?
GOAL: There’s no easier way to see if you will enjoy the work you’re expected to complete than seeing examples. It also allows you to be confident that you can perform at the expected level.

3. QUESTION: How much travel is expected?
GOAL: While some folks love travel on the company dime, others prefer a more traditional office environment. Asking this question ensures you know what you are/aren’t getting into.

4. QUESTION: What does a typical week look like here?
GOAL: This question allows you to gain a glimpse of life on the “inside.” For example if you learn that most of your days will be spent in meetings or team projects and both of those make your eyes glaze over, a “treasure” it’s not!

5. QUESTION: Would it be possible to meet the team members as a part of the screening process?
GOAL: A huge part of your work satisfaction is dependent upon co-workers and having the chance to meet the team allows you to see how comfortably you can/can’t work together. It also allows you to gauge the age, sex and experience of those you will be joining.

You see, the concept of finding a treasure (aka pot of gold) is something special. And finding a job where you are engaged (and maybe even LOVE!); co-workers who you enjoy; finding purpose in your life and maybe even the chance for further career growth doesn’t just happen. Asking a few of these types of questions during your interview helps you easily sort out the gold from a shiny new opportunity that quickly dulls.

As an added bonus, the recruiter will likely enjoy the dialogue, the chance to talk about themselves and their responsibilities and just maybe offer you that “pot of gold” with a job offer!

Best of luck and I’d love to hear from you. What is the best question you’ve asked during an interview?

KathiMillerKathi Miller-Miller is a sought after career specialist and author of “Your Journey from Fired to Hired.” Kathi draws on her 25+ years of success (and failures!) to offer her readers advice on topics ranging from dealing with a boss that drives you crazy to managing millennials…all in a light-hearted and easy to read style. Feel free to visit her at www.kathimillermiller.com where you can engage in the conversation, check out past posts and subscribe to her monthly newsletter. 

Read more at http://bullseyerecruiting.net/how-to-nail-the-interview-and-find-your-pot-of-gold/#XTXhQo8V7yso8Eh5.99

 

How to Beat Interview Nerves in 9 Ways Written by Ammiel Garrido

Two extra tips: Look at the interviewers eyebrows instead of their eyes if you get really nervous. They will never know the difference! Also, if you suffer from sweaty palms……find a bathroom before you go in for the interview and wash your hands with cold water. Works like a charm!

How to Beat Interview Nerves in 9 Ways

Written by Ammiel Garrido

http://www.interviewsuccessformula.com/interview-tips/how-to-beat-interview-nerves-in-9-ways.php

If your goal is to manage job interview anxiety, it’s important to know how to take control of your body language. Strive to communicate professionally and sound genuine. The more authentic you are, the better your chances of success.

Here are some tips to help you deal with interview apprehension:

1. Speak slowly and clearly.

Don’t feel obligated to rush your answers. Take slow, deep breaths during pauses to calm yourself and lower your heart rate. Careful, thoughtful breathing can consistently slow you down while you speak, helping prevent stuttering. It will also help you think clearly while you converse.

2. Stop your voice from shaking.

As an interview warm-up, stick out your tongue as far as you can and sing the Humpty Dumpty rhyme out loud. It may look and sound weird, but doing this helps open the back of your throat, allowing you to sound more confident with more authority. (Obviously, you should always do this before the interview and not in front of the recruiter.)

3. Stand up while waiting.

If you are offered a seat before an interview, don’t take it. Remaining standing as you wait to shake the interviewer’s hand can make you appear more confident. And if for some reason you struggle to get out of a chair, you can avoid a potentially awkward first impression.

4. Find your best sitting position.

Don’t trust the back of the interview chair; you may end up leaning too far back, which can lead to your throat tightening (or worse, a chair mishap). Slightly lean forward as you sit to appear more dynamic.

5. Show your hands.

Make your hands visible on the table in front of you rather than hiding them under the table. Showing your hands is a sign of honesty and respect.

6. Make the other person feel special.

Don’t try too hard in the interview. Be interested in what the interviewer has to say, and ask questions as much as you can. Doing this shows that you’re genuinely interested in the job you are applying for.

7. Listen.

To prevent answering the wrong question, listen. Listening will slow down any potential fight or flight response and make the recruiter feel special. Listening demonstrates that you value the recruiter’s questions and insights.

8. Use your own voice.

Don’t use your formal public speaking voice. Use your natural voice, as if you were talking with a group of friends. This is another element of authenticity, and will help you answer the questions confidently.

9. Be yourself.

Use the vocabulary you normally use when in conversation with the interviewer. This will help you come across as relaxed, real and confident during the interview.

All these tips should be a great help to those who struggle with interview anxiety.

Happy hunting!

Written by Ammiel Garrido

Senior Staff Accountant – Central Houston – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Prepare monthly financial statements for review with management.
  • Lead preparation of schedules with a focus on the balance sheet and reconcile system sub-modules to the General Ledger
  • Prepare and record various monthly entries including cash activity, inter company activity, non-consolidating company entries, and various allocations
  • Prepare quarterly and annual business property and rental tax returns
  • Manage transfer pricing invoices and settlement process
  • Review and approve expense reports
  • Assist with review of fixed asset submissions including construction in progress invoices
  • Assist staff and assistant accountants with various tasks including bank reconciliations, journal entries, and inter company invoicing as needed

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance
  • Three (3) plus years accounting experience
  • CPA certification or eligibility a plus
  • Proficient in MS Excel
  • Oracle experience a plus

Year In Review: One year after the crude oil price crash Via San Antonio Business Journal

Year In Review: One year after the crude oil price crash

It was last Thanksgiving that OPEC made a decision that would send economic shockwaves throughout the world.

Led by Saudi Arabia, the organization decided to keep oil production steady despite falling commodity prices. The resulting global supply gut and declining demand sent crude oil prices falling to where they are today around $40 per barrel.

Click the link to read more: 

Happy Friday!!!! Update on Accounting / Finance Openings December 4th

  • Accounting Analyst – Conroe
  • FP&A Manager – SE Houston – MBA A MUST
  • Division Assistant Controller – West – Must have 2 to 4 year of Public Accounting!
  • Accounting Supervisor – NW Houston 
  • Inventory and Operations Accounting Director – West
  • Senior Financial Analyst – Salt Lake City, UTAH – right hand person to VP/GM
  • Tax Accountant – West
  • Financial Analyst – CPA who wants to do fiance!
  • Bilingual Auditor!!!!!
  • Senior Auditor for Public Accounting
  • Tax Supervisor – CPA Firm – are you a senior ready for the next step?
  • Financial Analyst – Modeling experience – Senior Role
  • Division Controller – regional role…work with several locations and report to CFO of Americas…heavy operations focused
  • Sales & Use Tax Analyst
  • Associate Manager / Manager – Professional Services Firm – Consulting on high profile projects – full time role – need at least 2.5 year of public accounting and maybe a splash of industry to qualify! This is for those who want to build a resume that will get them to the next level quickly!
  • ONRR Manager – want to work for one of Houston’s best?
  • Sales & Use Tax Accountant – huge global company!
  • Credit & Collections Manager – Spanish!!!!!
  • Audit Senior – low travel
  • Senior IT Auditor – 2 openings!!!!!

#jobs

#dianedelgadolemaire

#CPARecruiterhou

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager- Southeast Houston

 

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager- Southeast Houston

  • Perform due diligence and create business plans for expansion into new areas. Support acquisitions of business unit including financial/administrative due diligence and post merger integration;
  • Develop pricing strategy together with Vice President and Director;
  • Review, negotiate and approve customer and subcontractor contracts. Consult with legal department. Pre and post calculations of large contracts;
  • Act as liaison between the Company and headquarters. Interact with Accounting Director as necessary;
  • Be a proactive partner to the business and offer suggestions for operational and financial improvement
  • Analyze monthly financial statements and prepare and distribute monthly management package to VP’s and Managers including KPIs, Gross Profit Reports, P&L’s / accruals / PoC calculation;
  • Responsible for the monthly reporting and regular forecasting to Headquarters, including but not limited to backlog / order income, headcount / capacity, waterfalls, productivity, weekly flash reports, and operating reports as per timetable issued by Corporate departments.
  • Prepare and oversee annual planning process for the Company. Work closely with operations to ensure adequate understanding of where the business is headed over the next years.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Finance / Accounting/Business Administration and MBA;
  • 5-7 years of Financial Analysis and Business Partnering experience in the service industry or automotive industry, international experience a plus;
  • Previous merger & acquisition and post acquisition integration experience a plus
  • Strong analytical, quantitative and abstract reasoning skills;
  • Ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner with all levels of the organization;
  • Strong Excel skills required;
  • International experience is important;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Knowledge of financial software packages (SAP), financial modeling, expert in the use of advanced Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required.

Accounting Supervisor – NW Houston

80 to 85K 

dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Responsibilities:

• Compile and analyzing financial information to prepare and post entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts and documenting business transactions.
• Review and approve general ledger entries to assist with monthly activity and closings.
• Review and approve monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts to general ledger.
• May review daily bank account activity analysis and monthly bank statement reconciliations for various accounts.
• Provide guidance to assigned employees with the detection, research and resolution of reconciliation items.
• Prepare or review and approve various reports required for internal and external reporting according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Statutory Accounting Principles, Sarbanes Oxley and other relevant accounting regulations.
• Assist in and complete the preparation and approval of quarterly and annual filings.
• Analyze revenue and expenditure trends and recommend appropriate budget levels, and ensure expenditure control.
• Manage direct reports, including yearly performance evaluations and goals

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or the equivalent education and/or experience 
• CPA highly preferred
• Minimum of six years of
• Minimum of two years of leadership
• Advanced proficiency and experience using Microsoft Office Package (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Word) 

Salt Lake City, Utah – Senior Accounting / Financial Analyst

Job Description

New Year – New Job – New You!

Senior Accounting / Financial Analyst

Would you like to be the right hand person to the VP Regional Operations? Do you love to analyze data? Would you be willing to travel 25% of the time? Do you love to work at the division level? Well don’t stop now! Keep reading!!!!!

  • Evaluates operating results of assigned service delivery centers  against financial objectives.
  • Monitors proper execution of SOX and internal control structure for processes and procedures at assigned in compliance with the company’s internal control requirements.
  • Provides operational management support for the assigned region or locations budgeting, forecasting, accounting and financial reporting activities.
  • Responsible for delivery of accurate and timely data as required to corporate headquarters and Corporate Shared Service Center.
  • Responsible for assigned adherence to corporate accounting close schedule.
  • Prepare ad-hoc financial support as needed to help make operational and strategic decisions.
  • Works closely with executive leadership, managers of the business units, Corporate Shared Service Center, and corporate accounting.
  • Support assigned service delivery centers’  activities including, but not limited to, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, collections, WIP and inventory valuation, and general accounting functions.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Business, Finance or Accounting)
  • MBA a plus but not required
  • Minimum 5 years of experience working in an analytical role with a focus on operations, cost and margin control.
  • Skilled working knowledge of financial data systems ( Microsoft Dynamics SL 7/15 strongly preferred)
  • Experience working for a service company dealing with labor and equipment a plus.
  • Advanced proficiency in all Microsoft office applications specifically Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to travel overnight within your assigned region on regular basis as situations might require.
  • Additional to travel to the corporate headquarters in Houston, TX on occasion as situations might require.

#jobs

#dianedelgadolemaire

#CPARecruiterhou

5 big money mistakes to avoid in your 20s BY Trent Hamm

This is not career or interview related, but I think it is worth sharing! 

5 big money mistakes to avoid in your 20s

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/10/07/5-big-money-mistakes-to-avoid-in-your-20s/21246080/

For many people, their 20s is a decade spent learning the ropes of adult life during the final years of college and the first years of a career. Looking back, it’s a time of growth and wonderful opportunity, but it’s also a time when you can potentially make enormous mistakes for which the consequences last the rest of your life.

Many of those mistakes are financial in nature. Most of them have to do with digging a financial hole, one that at the time you thought would be easily fixable by your high-earning future self, but later you discover wasn’t quite as easy as you thought.

Here are five big financial mistakes that people in their 20s often make, and you should avoid.

Mistake No. 1 – You added extra debt to your student loans. Many students end up making big changes to their college plans in the middle of their studies, migrating from one major to another and often adding another semester or a year to their schooling. Other students simply choose to take out the largest student loans that they can in order to enjoy a large apartment or a MacBook Pro.

Such choices are mistakes that will cost you for many years after college. Those kinds of choices will increase your student loan payments every single month for as many as 20 years after college. Those kinds of choices will handcuff you to jobs based solely on salary and will limit the career choices – and thus the personal choices – available to you.

A better route is to find ways to minimize your college expenses. Live as inexpensively as you can with multiple roommates, and get a smaller loan. Take on as many credits as possible each semester, and buckle down when it comes to studying. Look into work-study programs and other opportunities to reduce your tuition.

Mistake No. 2 – You didn’t sign up immediately for the 401(k) plan at your first “real” job.One of the things that will be offered the first time you take a job with good benefits is a 401(k) plan or some variation thereof. Often, a good employer will offer matching funds for that 401(k) plan, which basically means free money. Still, people often don’t sign up for those plans. Why? They’re afraid of receiving a slightly smaller paycheck.

The truth is there will never be another time in your life as effective as right now in terms of signing up for a 401(k). The more years between right now and retirement, the better, because that means more years for compound interest to work in your favor. Sign up for a 401(k) plan as soon as possible to start building a secure retirement.

Mistake No. 3 – You spent to bring happiness into your life. It’s often tempting during those post-college years to open up the wallet and start spending on things you didn’t have when you were in college or to continue an inflated parent-funded lifestyle. A big television. A brand new cellphone. A brand new computer. Video games. Clothing. Expensive meals. It goes on and on.

The catch is that buying stuff doesn’t bring any lasting happiness into your life. The joy that comes from purchases is a fleeting burst of pleasure, one that fades quickly and is often forgotten, leaving you back where you started. Not only that, you’re in a worse position than before because you don’t have as much money, and you feel the need to have another burst of happiness.

Just avoid it entirely. Live cheaply and upgrade from there based on things you actually use or actually need. Keep your spending within your means, and seek out non-monetary ways to find lasting happiness. It’s a lifelong journey, but it’s a journey that will have far more rewards than just spending money.

Mistake No. 4 – You didn’t have an emergency fund. Many people overlook the basic step of having an emergency fund for life’s little crises. They’ll tell themselves that their credit card will handle it or convince themselves that an emergency won’t happen to them.

Then, you lose that credit card or have it cancelled. Then, the car breaks down. Then, the company fires you. Then, you find yourself with an unexpected dependent. Then, you get very ill and can’t earn any money for a while.

These things happen, and that’s why having a cash emergency fund is so important. Tell your bank to start automatically moving a small amount from your checking to your savings every week, and don’t ever look at the savings balance until you need it in a true emergency. You will be so glad that the cash is waiting for you.

Mistake No. 5 – You maintained credit card debt. Credit card debt, carried over from month to month, is the bane of financial progress. It represents the power of compound interest working against you, except the interest rate is ludicrously high so it feels like a steamroller.

Credit cards make purchasing so easy that people often forget the connection between using the card and the resulting bills and then find themselves crushed under the weight of the debt.

Avoid it entirely. Never get into credit card debt. That means learning how to live within your means, which can be a challenging lesson, but it creates a brighter future with every smart choice you make to leave your credit card in your pocket. If you do have credit card debt, pay it down as fast as humanly possible.

These steps, taken together, will get you going in a great financial direction in your 20s and set the right tone for the rest of your life.

BY Trent Hamm

 

3 Things You Should Look For In Your Next Job (If You Expect To Get To The Top) BY LEONARD KIM

Things You Should Look For In Your Next Job
(If You Expect To Get To The Top)
BY LEONARD KIM
Want to one day lead the company you work for?  A flat, non-hierarchical organization may be just what you need.

Big conglomerates tend to be companies filled with rules, regulations and office politics. But flat organizations strive to empower and coach their employees.

For years, I have worked at a Fortune 100 company. One that did billions of dollars in sales each year. It was surprising to see how they could survive for so long, especially with how broken their internal communication systems were. Marketing had no idea what PR was doing. PR had no idea what products were being worked on by engineering. Product planning made up projections instead of looking at sales numbers. Customer service was completely oblivious to everything.

In a typical organization, the room for growth is slim. Innovators are usually shut down while ‘yes men’ are promoted. Then the hierarchy tilts to where there is no true leadership at the top. In this type of environment, the chances of moving to the top are nearly impossible, unless you’re appointed by the board of directors.

In flat organizations, things don’t work that way. In fact, innovation and creativity are the driving forces behind these companies.

I had a chance to talk to Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, President of the leading Finnishfashion and design house Marimekko. She started her career with Marimekko in International PR. In the course of ten years, she became one of only three women and one of the youngest Presidents leading a listed company in Finland.

I asked her how she was able to move up the ladder so quickly.

Tiina shared these 3 key things to look for with me:

1. Find a company that fits into your passion.

Tiina’s motto for success is to always be yourself.

Since a very early age, Tiina became interested in international business and branding. She also had known that she wanted to work with design, so when it came time to think about embarking on her career, it was very clear to her that her dreamjob would be at Marimekko.

Marimekko’s values and philosophy resonated with her own and she had always been inspired about the bold and unique design language of the brand encouraging people to express themselves freely.

2. Company history matters

Before working for Marimekko, Tiina looked at the company history. During her audit, she saw that women have equal opportunity to succeed and the brand has a very strong history of female leadership.

On top of that, Tiina saw that:

  • 91% of their employees worldwide are women
  • 95% of senior leadership at Marimekko are women

This showed her that she had opportunity to grow at the company.

3. Find a company culture that suits you.

Tiina has an impressive educational background with Masters degrees in multiple areas. She has always been eager to grasp the challenges and opportunities she is given. Her first job at Marimekko was a summer job. While she was there, she was able to notice that:

  • Marimekko is a flat, non-hierarchical organization
  • They strive to empower and coach their employees

By taking notice of these components, Tiina understood that this company could give her room for personal development, organizational learning and creative thinking.

Since Tiina was able to find a company culture that suited her appetite to constantly grow and apply her creative skills, she was able to work in many departments throughout the company. She has taken on many different roles and experiences that have lead her towards where she is now.

Tiina says that has not been a consciously thought out path-She has just always enjoyed the work and roles that she has had along the way.

But what is it really like to work in a flat organization?

Every day in the life of Tiina’s job is different, which is why she loves it so much. However, she always has an hour each day without any plans or meetings just to walk around and catch up with people in the organization to coach, listen, learn and laugh together. It is important to enjoy and have fun at work together, while working hard. Getting things done together is one of the key values at Marimekko.

Tiina feels that you should always stay true to your values by letting others know that you respect and appreciate them.

Tiina says that she feels she has been lucky throughout her career. Me on the other hand, I feel her success has not resulted from competitiveness or bringing down others but instead, she respects and appreciates everyone in her company regardless of their difference since the beginning of her career. People truly like her and look up to her. When you combine that with her passion for the business, her willingness to learn increased as well. For her, that opens up new development opportunities.

It isn’t all easy being in a flat organization though.

Back in 2014, Tiina was acting as interim creative director for a few months while in search of a replacement.. This was one of the most challenging experiences of her career, but the one that also taught her the most: to learn a whole new area of business very quickly and handle matters that were not previously so familiar to her. This experience offered her a chance to understand her company’s creative design and product development functions and processes from a new perspective and on a much deeper level than before.

Tiina realized over the years that intentionally working with people from various fields, backgrounds,and in multiple facets of business was an extremely useful way to develop a holistic perspective.

Being curious, open-minded and treating people with respect creates a good starting point for personal development.

As President, Tiina is proud that the work of her teams has led Marimekko to growinternationally. Her focus now is to create even more interesting products and collections to her global clientele as well as strengthen the customer experience in brick and click to inspire her customers even more about beautiful everyday life.

Have you risen at a flat, non-hierarchical organization? I’d love to learn more. Comment below!

Hot Accounting & Finance Job Openings Houston – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

  • Director of Inventory Accounting – Manufacturing / Distribution Background – must love to mentor / train / process improvements
  • Financial Analyst – Modeling experience – Staff Role
  • Senior Financial Analyst – Salt Lake City, UTAH – right hand person to VP/GM
  • Real Estate Accountant – Senior – Work closely with Operations!
  • Accounting Supervisor – SEC
  • Senior Staff Accountant – SEC – 1 year of big 4 or large regional firm exp
  • Bilingual Spanish Auditor – travel all over Latin America!!!!!
  • Division Controller – regional role…work with several locations and report to CFO of Americas…heavy operations focused
  • Sales & Use Tax Analyst
  • Public Accounting – I don’t think I have a firm that is not hiring!!!! Ask about who we work with….we only work with the BEST!
  • Associate Manager / Manager – Professional Services Firm – Consulting on high profile projects – full time role – need at least 2.5 year of public accounting and maybe a splash of industry to qualify! This is for those who want to build a resume that will get them to the next level quickly!
  • Financial Analyst – Senior – Modeling experience required (be able to create and maintain!)
  • ONRR Manager – want to work for one of Houston’s best?
  • Sales & Use Tax Accountant – huge global company!
  • Credit & Collections Manager – Spanish!!!!!
  • Audit Senior – low travel
  • Audit Manager – SOX/ Ops Audits / CPA required
  • Senior IT Auditor – 2 openings!!!!!

 

 

 

 

5 Critical Observations to Make Before the Interview Written by Ammiel Garrido

This is a great article to read – BUT don’t forget the employer is watching you too! 

5 Critical Observations to Make Before the Interview

Written by Ammiel Garrido

http://interviewsuccessformula.com/job-search-advice/5-critical-observations-to-make-before-the-interview.php?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite

Practically every career advisor will say that you should arrive 10 to 20 minutes earlier than the expected time of the interview. This will prove that you can keep an appointment, and should give you enough time to complete any paperwork, fix your hair, and do anything else that needs to be done.

 

Still, it’s a good idea to use some of that pre-interview time to observe your surroundings; this can help you determine whether it’s the right company for you. With that in mind, here is a list of observations you can make in those precious few moments before entering the interview room:

1. Acceptance and greeting.

Just like the moment you lay your eyes on someone and acknowledge what type of person he or she is, you can learn a lot about a company the moment you walk through the door. Even if some companies don’t have reception areas, they should at least put some effort into welcoming guests and clients. Simple greeting protocols are signs that the company gives importance to guests, clients, and employees.

2. Information from the receptionist.

With the help of a receptionist, you can gather a great deal of information about the company. Interact with the receptionist, and make some observations based on his or her responses. If a receptionist greets you warmly and enthusiastically, this could mean that the company is a good place to work. If you manage to find out how long has he or she been working at the company, that could also be an indicator.

3. Technological features.

While you’re waiting, you can take a look at the kinds of technology the company has – their desktops, mobile gadgets, and video/projection equipment being used around the office. They don’t have to have the fanciest or flashiest equipment, but they should be up to date. A firm with antiquated technology could prevent you from doing your job efficiently and effectively.

4. Overall physical layout.

Whether the employees are boxed into cubicles or provided with separate desks, observing the physical layout will provide you information about the culture into which you’d be integrated. Observe how flexible the environment in the workplace is – the walls, the chairs, the tables, the distance between tables, and how the employees react to their work environment. Can you manage to work innovatively and creatively in that type of situation? Does it fit your idea of a good place to work? If it does, then this might be the right company for you.

5. Employees’ overall demeanor.

While the physical appearance of the workplace can provide great insights, the company’s employees are a far better source of information. Feel the vibe – do they smile often? Is there a warm atmosphere in the office? Do they joke around while working to lessen the pressure of work? Or, is it dull or tense? Look around to see whether the employees are all wearing headphones/headsets and are glued to their screens, or are interacting with each other and actually having a great time at work.

Additionally, you can look at their personal style; check out the office attire. This may help you to adjust if you have plans to add some flair to the office uniform.

Lastly, be aware that some hiring firms may ask you to wait in an area where you can’t make these observations. In that case, consider making a request to use the restroom. On the way there and back, you can make a number of crucial observations before you finally focus your attention on the interview.

10 Reasons Why People Quit Their Jobs Via http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/

10 Reasons Why People Quit Their Jobs

http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/why-people-quit/

Not everyone will be happy in their job – some will be living out their dream position, and be enjoying every moment, but others may want to take a break or leave completely.

If an employee leaves, sometimes it can be inevitable, but if you’re constantly losing your best players and turnover is turning dirty, then you have a real problem. It’s also time to take a look at the ten reasons listed below (by redii.com) and see how you are treating your employees.

1) They aren’t valued:

Do you feel dissatisfied with your job? 58% of employees who are not happy with the way they’re treated plan to change jobs within a year – but what are the main reasons for this unhappiness?

66% of employees state that salary is a real problem, with the same number explaining that they don’t feel valued – so make sure your employees are appreciated for everything they do, and respected for their values and commitments outside of the workplace too.

2) Bad managers:

A highly skilled, intelligent and productive employee doesn’t always make a good manager. You need to invest time, money and resources in training your leaders and emphasising the crucial role they play.

37% of workers reportedly have a poor opinion on their boss – so communicate the goals to each employee clearly, and get to know them properly.

3) Poor communication:

In a survey of 210,000 employees, less than half were satisfied with the information they received from management. Communication is a two-way process, so assess the channels through which people can give and receive this information.

4) Their efforts don’t get recognised:

Just over half of Australians feel they get recognised enough at work – and 93.3% who are regularly recognised feel satisfied in their current job. Effective recognition is SMART:

  • Specific: Link it to a company value or behaviour you want to see repeated.
  • Measurable: Track who is giving and receiving recognition within the company.
  • Authentic: Never lie – always mean what you say and say what you mean.
  • Regular: 8 times a year for recognition has the most impact.
  • Timely: Recognise immediately, and amplify the good feeling of that very moment.

5) They didn’t get the promotion:

36% of employees feel they have been overlooked for a promotion, and although you should never ask for one – so don’t just depend on giving them more money. Support and train them to ensure they move up with the right skills too.

6) Lack of training:

This point follows on from the last – a lack of training leads to stagnation. If you cut your training budgets, you will see a company which is less productive and less efficient.

7) There’s no way up:

People like to achieve through a journey – they don’t want to go straight to the top, or stay in the position they’re in. 45% of workers have stated that they’re dissatisfied with advancement opportunities, and 22% who can’t see opportunities will look at other companies.

8) Too much work:

With 39% of employees dissatisfied with their work/life balance, and 80% wanting to work fewer hours, it’s not surprising to see that work commitments outside of hours is an important reason for some people to leave – as it can cause burn out.

Always make sure you check in with your workers, to help them manage their goals and keep their to-do lists to a minimum.

9) Lack of trust or autonomy:

The most valued attributes at work include trust, honesty and fairness, according to 90% of employees. 80% say that a lack of trust is enough to make them leave.

10) They didn’t know or connect to your purpose:

Do you have a purpose for your country? 68% of employees believe that business aren’t doing enough to create a sense of purpose – there should be something bigger, to which everyone is making a contribution.

Every time someone new joins, ensure you communicate to them clearly what your company stands for and the role they play in getting to the team goal.

 

 

Success Monday!

Check out these articles: 

  1. Bill Gates Says These 5 Traits Guarantee Success

http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/5-success-mindsets-bill-gates-wants-you-to-learn.html?cid=sf0100

  1. The most important, yet overlooked management skill

https://getlighthouse.com/blog/management-skill

  1. A Navy SEAL’s Secret for Pushing Yourself Way Beyond Your (Supposed) Limits

http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/a-navy-seal-s-secret-for-pushing-yourself-way-beyond-your-supposed-limits.html?cid=sf01001&sr_share=twitter

  1. 5 Ways Learning Sales Can Help You Reach Success

http://addicted2success.com/success-advice/5-ways-learning-sales-can-help-you-reach-success/

Senior Accountant / Cost Analyst – Conroe

Do you live in north Houston? Do you hate commuting downtown?  Do you have 4 to 8 years of Accounting experience? Would you be interested in hearing more? Then email me: dlemaire@cfstaffing.com!!!!!

 

  • Month End, Quarter End and Year End Close
  • Assist with Financial Statement preparation
  • Assist with Budgeting process
  • Enhance Profitability & Cost Analysis
    • Continue efforts to further improve cost standards for services performed and utilized equipment leveraging key metrics
    • Develop pricing analysis to better identify price versus volume impact
    • Conduct project proposal and project performance reviews implementing process where necessary
    • Improve product line financial results through analysis, monitoring variances, identifying trends and recommending actions in partnership with the operating leaders
    • Identify, develop and implement processes and system solutions to achieve the prior
  • Perform Capital Expenditures analysis, budgeting and monitor variances to actual
  • Conduct acquisition evaluation analysis and integration where successful
  • Act as the financial focal point for the completion fluids business

Diane Delgado LeMaire | Senior Managing Director, Executive Search & Branch Manager | Creative Financial Staffing (CFS)| dlemaire@cfstaffing.com | www.cfstaffing.com | LinkedIn

 

#jobs

#dianedelgadolemaire

#cparecruiterhou

 

15 ways to make sure I will NOT hire you by Greg Savage

15 ways to make sure I will NOT hire you

This is not ‘career advice’. I am no ‘job search guru’. This is not scientific, empirical or out of your latest HR manual.

But I have interviewed more people for jobs than you have*, and I am acutely aware of what annoys me, frustrates me, and inclines me to think negatively about a candidate.

This is simply a list of what ticks me off. And I like to hire people who do not tick me off. So, in that sense, these are facts. I suspect it is a very similar list for most interviewers.

  • Arrive late.
  • Dress like you going to a rave, the beach, or the cricket.
  • Bring your coffee, diet coke, or whatever else into the interview room.
  • Put your phone, your folder, or your keys on my desk, without asking.
  • Call me ‘mate’, ‘buddy’.. or… no… I can’t write this… but I must… ‘dude’!
  • Talk, and talk, and talk… and talk.
  • Not answer the question put to you.
  • Have no questions for me.
  • Interrupt me and second-guess what I am about to say.
  • Answer a question with “It’s in my résumé”.
  • Answer your phone. In fact don’t touch it or even look at it. Actually, I don’t want to see it.
  • Tell me what an idiot your previous boss was.
  • Swear.
  • Not laugh at my jokes. (That one was a joke. But, just checking, are you laughing?)
  • Not thank me for my time. Especially as I will have thanked you for yours.

Now before anyone gets overexcited about the outrage of not hiring someone just because of just one minor misdemeanour, take a chill pill. I know better than most how to overcome the inbuilt discrimination we all bring to every assessment situation. I would never really disqualify someone on the basis of one random irritation. Or even two. I know how to assess and hire. But it won’t help you if you do these things. Not with me, not with most interviewers.

About Greg Savage

Over a career spanning thirty years, Greg Savage has established himself as a global recruitment leader. Greg is a regular keynote speaker at staffing and recruitment conferences around the world.

4 Things Exceptionally Driven People Do Every Day By Stepahnie Vozza

4 Things Exceptionally Driven People Do Every Day

Want to get ahead? Adopt these 4 habits of exceptionally driven people.

No matter what industry you’re in, to be successful and a leader you need one thing: inner drive. It’s the spark that keeps your passion alive, the reason you do what you do, and the motivation that keeps you going when you want to quit.

“There might be a ton of things that distinguish those who are successful and those who miss the boat, but the common denominator among them all is drive – a willingness to succeed and to fail,” says Eric Lofholm, author of Bulls Eye: The Step-by-Step Process for Achieving Any Goal.

Drive isn’t something you’re born with; it takes a concerted, tactical and strategy-driven process that nearly anyone can learn and continue to develop, says Lofholm.

“In my opinion, successful people become successful by establishing the habit of tackling things unsuccessful people don’t like or want to do,” he says. “Successful people don’t always like these things themselves; they just hunker down and do it.”

Lofholm believes success doesn’t have a lot to do with education, experience, dysfunctions, religion, childhood, social standing, career or economic status. “The key component is mindset, that is, what successful people believe and understand to be true,” he says. “And in my experience, that mindset is usually as far away from the status quo as you can get.”

Transitioning from novice to a superstar requires the application of key habits that fuel your drive. Lofholm shares four things exceptionally driven people do every day:

1. They are willing to fall on their faces. Success comes from risk, and that usually requires failures before you can get to where you want to be.

“Successful people taking risks every time they’re faced with a tough decision,” says Lofholm. “These folks go for it. They put themselves out there and never play it safe.”

Overcoming the fear of failing puts you in a position to win. “As they say, behind every mistake is an opportunity to learn,” he says.

2. They create daily goals and achieve them. Successful people are always focused on success, and this requires daily, achievable goals.

“A bunch of daily goals equals lifetime accomplishments,” he says. “Successful people stay focused on what they want every day, and do the things they need to do each day to get to the finish line. Less successful people usually drift, remain unfocused and usually aren’t controlling any outcome.”

3. They work to succeed. While this sounds like a given, Lofholm says many people go to work for reasons other than to succeed.

“They work because they think that’s what you’re supposed to do,” he says. “They put their hours in, with really no focus on what they’re doing or why they’re doing it.

Successful people, on the other hand, don’t work to work; they work to succeed.

“They are passionate about creating, contributing and learning,” says Lofholm. “This is what leads to goals being met, success being achieved, and ultimately, dreams becoming reality.”

4. They don’t play the victim. Successful people know that excuses, situations and circumstances don’t really change outcomes.

“When things go awry, the successful person treats it as an opportunity, not an impossible situation,” says Lofholm. “They take on the circumstances, and don’t apologize or make excuses. Unsuccessful people, however, spend too much time blaming

Bilingual Credit & Collections Manager – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Bilingual Credit & Collections Manager – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Spanish Speaker

Responsibilities:

  • Manage and follow a number of customer accounts, resolve customer disputes, send collection letters, and interact with internal/external customers, providing assistance with invoices and statements, and requesting money from customers.
  • Evaluate customer credit risk.
  • Enforce Company credit and collections policies and procedures.
  • Manage the product insurance/bond arrangements/LC’s/bank guarantees
  • Provide status update reports on outstanding customer accounts to management.
  • Review terms of credit contracts with customers and negotiate payment plans for customers with financial difficulties.
  • Determine need for legal action for nonpayment of accounts.
  • Obtain and review credit applications and financial data.
  • Call credit bureaus, banks and references to check credit. Approve and establish credit limits.
  • Review letters of credit and present proper documentation to the banks for payment.
  • File liens with proper authorities to protect Company assets.
  • Track and recommend allowance requirements for outstanding A/R.
  • Create A/R and Analytical related reports.
  • Work with other functions to build an effective team environment to effectively pursue collections.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Management.
  • Five (5) years’ experience in credit and collections, manufacturing environment or construction industry, preferred.
  • Bilingual Spanish – English, required.
  • Experience in lien filing and letters-of-credit negotiation.
  • Knowledge of bond and lien filing notice requirements, including at least one year working experience in this area.
  • Proficiency in preparing and/or reviewing A/R and A/R Allowance balance sheet reconciliations.

#jobs

#dianedelgadolemaire

Healthcare Collections & Billing Manager – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

Healthcare Collections & Billing Manager – dlemaire@cfstaffing.com

#jobs

JOB SUMMARY
Supervises billing and collection staff and oversees the day-to-day operations of billing and collection departments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
  • Supervises billing and collection staff and expedites the day-to-day operations of both departments.
  • Continuously evaluates workflows for billing and collection departments. Recommends and initiates improvements as identified.
  • Develops and maintains policy and procedure documents for billing and collection functions.
  • Works with operations to collaborate on business policies, procedure, objectives, and problem solving.
  • Monitors, documents, and provides feedback to staff on performance and contribution. Administer performance plan and/or disciplinary action as needed.
  • Motivates staff to perform at optimum levels and creates a positive and productive work environment.
  • Ensures practices are in compliance with HIPAA and all other regulatory rules and regulations.
  • Responsible for staffing processes to include recruiting, interviewing, hiring, new employee orientation, and training for billing and collection departments.
  • Prepares, analyzes and interprets daily, weekly, and monthly billing reports for management use. Makes recommendations for group performance improvements based on information from reports.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Undergraduate degree preferred but will substitute experience in lieu of degree.
Experience:
  • Required: Two or more years of accounts receivable leadership experience in healthcare industry.