Tax Accountant – Oil & Gas, Houston, Texas

Posted on April 28, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Must be able to independently prepare complex Excel spreadsheets, analyze source documents for book/tax differences, compute tax depletion and depreciation, maintain tax calendars, and maintain schedules of tangible property. Responsible for quarterly state and federal tax estimates. Prepare tax returns for state and federal partnerships, trusts, individual, and S corporation. Must possess a general knowledge of federal and state income, information, and sales and use tax.

BBA in accounting or comparable degree required, with some tax courses preferred. Prefer 5 years work experience in tax accounting, or 3 years with a Big Four firm. Oil & gas tax experience a plus. Should be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. CPA candidate preferred.

Current Openings!!! Accounting & Finance – Houston, TEXAS

Posted on April 22, 2010April 28, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Lead Financial Analyst (DT)
Financial Analyst Oil & Gas (DT)
Senior Tax Manager (FAS 109 – DT)
Accounting Manager (Southwest Houston) 100 – 120K
Accounting Supervisor (West Houston) Manufacturing
Credit & Collections Manager (Southwest Houston)
MLP Tax Lead (DT)
Senior Audit – Public Accounting (Southwest Houston)
Staff Audit – Public Accounting (Southwest Houston)
Internal Audit (60% travel) West Houston
JIB Accountant (DT)
JV Accountant (West Houston)
Assistant Controller (Downtown)
SEC Accountant (Galleria)
Senior Financial Analyst – Special Projects Accountant – West Houston
Senior Corporate Tax Accountant – Public Accounting (Oil & Gas Clients!!!!!)
Tax Supervisor (DT)
Non Profit Controller
FAS133 Accountant (West Houston)

NEW: Oil & Gas TAX Accountant (Federal & State) & Entry Level Staff Accountant

Tax, Tax, Tax – Houston, Texas – Senior, Supervisor, Manager Roles!!!

Posted on April 9, 2010April 9, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Our client, a regional CPA Firm, is looking for tax talent!!!!! This firm has less than 20 individual and 5 S-Corp Returns. Do you love corporate tax (Federal, State & Partnership Returns – Oil & Gas, Manufacturing & Distribution). This could be the place for you!!!!!

Tax Senior Staff

The Senior Tax Staff works independently and has direct client contact.

Essential duties include:

Demonstrates a senior level of technical knowledge in tax matters and related issues
Possesses the experience and judgment needed to make decisions in the day-to-day performance of an engagement
Demonstrates high level of teamwork with other team members
Establishes rapport with client contacts. Performs technical work on complex returns
Consults with Supervisor to advise clients about improvements to their systems and procedures

Education and Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a Master’s degree with an emphasis in accounting. CPA certification preferred or must be actively pursuing CPA certification by sitting for all scheduled exams. Two to three years of professional level tax experience in public accounting.

Tax Supervisor

The Tax Supervisor has demonstrated technical proficiency in tax matters and the ability to plan and supervise entire engagements.

Essential duties include:

Plans and supervises all components of tax engagements of varying complexities
Defines complex tax issues, including establishing the facts of the matter, performs or supervises related research and provides conclusions and recommendations based on the needs of the client
Mentors team members and writes performance evaluations
Develops client relationships as work is performed
Learns/understands the client’s business and related issues
Chooses practice specialty by industry or other area of focus, as supported by Firm policies
Develops prospective client and other professional contacts and relationships beneficial to the Firm
Recognizes the need to provide additional services to existing clients by teaming with the other practice areas of the Firm available from other departments

Education and Experience Required: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a Master’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or an MBA is required. CPA certification is preferred, or must be actively pursuing CPA certification by sitting for all scheduled exams. Four to five years of related experience, preferably in public accounting, with demonstrated progression in complexity of tax engagements and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Tax Manager

The Tax Manager is a CPA with more than seven years of experience, including two years’ experience as a Tax Supervisor. The Manager has responsibility for management of multiple engagements and serves as the primary contact with the client.

The Tax Manager:

Supervises and verifies the technical research for multiple complete tax engagements
Serves as the primary contact with the client during the engagement; responsible for ensuring quality of work performed and satisfaction of client
Reviews the preparation of individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary and non-profit tax returns
Recruits, trains, mentors, motivates and evaluates team members
Deepens professional development in an industry and/or other specialty area, as supported by Firm policy
Actively participates in the Firm’s marketing program, member of sales team, prepares presentations to prospective clients
Actively builds and manages professional contacts through membership in professional and community organizations
Works with clients to deepen/strengthen relationship with the entire Firm. Actively seeks opportunities to provide additional services as dictated by the needs of the client
Takes an active role in AICPA activities and serves as an instructor in the Firm’s in-house CPE Program
Has knowledge of the Firm’s abilities and products and has the ability to provide solutions to clients based on the Firm’s resources

Education and Experience Required: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a Master’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or an MBA is required. CPA certification is also required. Seven to ten years of related experience, preferably in public accounting, with demonstrated progression in complexity of tax engagements and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Manufacturing Accounting Supervisor – West Houston – 75K

Posted on March 26, 2010March 26, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Our client, a leading manufacturing & wholesale distribution company, is looking to add an Accounting Supervisor to their team. This person will lead a team of ten throughout the US. We are looking for candidates with over 5 years of accounting experience with a manufacturing company.

Description

Manages the preparation of financial monthly closings for all locations
Supports the Accounting Manager on financial aspects
Supports the effective application of the credit policies
Prepares the financial analysis of the aging report
Forecasting and budgeting support
Perform profitability analysis
Perform analysis of variances (actual costs versus forecast)
Adheres to company and department policies, procedures, and standards

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors Degree in Business, Accounting or Finance
5 years or more of Accounting background
Must have supervisory experience
Must have knowledge of US GAAP
Knowledge of budgeting and forecasting techniques as well as proficiency with financial statement analysis and projection
Must have experience with Profit & Losses and Balance Sheet Statements
SAP preferred

Please email your resume to: dcd@fittsroberts.com

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Purchasing / AP Coordinator – Channelview – 40 t 45K

Posted on March 17, 2010March 17, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

We are looking for an energetic person who enjoys multitasking in a very busy environment. The right candidate would have at least 3 years of purchasing experience and some accounts payable experience.

Manages purchasing to ensure the timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments.
Manages company’s purchasing functions to provide accurate and timely processing and disbursement of vendor
obligations.
Conducts regular bid/RFP to obtain most competitive pricing
Ensures adherence to Purchasing policies and procedures.
Communicates regularly to internal and external customers
Interacts on a regular basis external customers as well as other internal departments to integrate solutions that meet the company’s goals both financially and operationally.
Supervise one AP Clerk
2+ years of Accounts Payable Processing experience.
3+years of Purchasing experience
Excel, Access, Word, Great Plains

http://cfstaffing.blogspot.com |www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com|www.twitter.com/CPARecruiterHOU|www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

PERFORMANCE SKILLS

Strong communication skills both verbal and written. The ability to multi-task and willingness to
learn new skills. Team oriented person
who can focus on the details. Proven
results oriented goal developed for staff. The ability to deal effectively with tight
month end closing process. The ability
to work effectively in a high growth environment and a rapidly changing
organization. Report writing skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend
simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in
one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other
employees of the organization.

Senior International Tax Accountant – Houston, Texas

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Overview:

Tax Accounting is responsible for income tax provisions and accounts. The analyst will support U.S and foreign effective tax rate calculations and analyze differences between forecast and actual provisions. The analyst will also participate in the Tax Department’s maintenance of tax basis balance sheets.

Responsibilities:

Assist in the preparation of segment-level and overall corporate effective tax rate calculations. Provide support analysis for period-to-period tax rate variations.
Calculate and record monthly foreign and U.S. income tax provisions for assigned entities. Ensure accurate return to accrual adjustments for differences between booked provisions and filed tax returns.
Support the preparation of U.S. tax basis balance sheets. Interface with tax compliance and accounting personnel to ensure accurate measurements of book and tax bases. Perform tax basis balance sheet training and review functions. Consolidate entity level deferred tax calculations.
Prepare and review foreign tax basis balance sheets. Analyze the U.S. tax impacts of foreign deferred taxes.
Participate in the implementation of a tax provision software package (CorpTax AGP). 6. Ensure income tax provisions and accounts are compliant with FAS 109 and Sarbanes-Oxley. Provide supporting documentation and interact with internal and public auditors.
Provide back-up support for other tax accounting analysts.
Participate in Tax Department special projects and assignments.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
CPA preferred
Experience with public accounting or Oil and Gas preferred
Minimum 3 years of tax accounting experience
Prefer International tax accounting experience

March 2010 Newsletter for Accounting Professionals in Houston, Texas

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Industry News and Updates

So, I know everyone is very anxious to hear what is happening in Houston. Well, believe it or not it I have great news to report! Our Houston CFS office has been extremely busy this year. We had a great start in January and that has continued all the way into March. We have been placing accounting professionals in permanent and temporary jobs at a greater pace every week. A lot of companies cut pretty deep with layoffs in 2009 and are starting to see their volume of business pick up again. This is prompting them to first look to contractors and then eventually it will lead to more permanent positions. It may be time to dust off that old resume! Or just follow my blog at: www.dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com. I also accept all LinkedIn invitations: www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

Local Statistics

National / Houston Unemployment Rate: 9.7% / 8.3%
Price of Oil / Natural Gas: $81 / $4.42
Oil Rig Count: 1396
Industries hiring: Upstream Oil & Gas, CPA Firms, Non Profit, Healthcare, Business Services, Commercial & Residential Property Management
Positions in demand: Tax Staff, Tax Senior, Tax Manager (Public & Industry), Controller & CFO (coming back), Senior Accountant, Oil & Gas Revenue Accountant
Industries not hiring or flat: Manufacturing, Construction, Homebuilding

Great Article

http://www.accountingweb.com/topic/education-careers/hiring-outlook-good-accounting-pros

Below is a partial list of our local and national searches:

Revenue Accountant
West Houston, 80K, 10% Bonus Potential

Joint Venture Accountant
West Houston, SAP

Senior Auditor (Public Accounting)
Centra Houston, Work Life Balance, Paid Overtime

Corporate Accoutning Director
West Houston, 150K plus bonus

Bookkeeper
Houston, Great Plains & Job Costing

4 Senior Tax Accountants
Galleria, Public Accounting

IT Auditor (E&P)
Galleria, 110K

Tax Manager or Senior Tax Manger
Downtown and Galleria, Public Accounting

Tax Lead Partnership Accounting
Downtown

Accounts Payable / Purchasing Speciailst
Channelview, Great Plains, 40K

2 Senior Auditors Needed, Houston Texas – CPA Firm

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Do you really love working for a CPA firm, but need a little more WORK / LIFE balance????? We have the right opportunity waiting for you. One of clients is looking to add 2 senior auditors to their practice. The CPA Firm works with small and large organizations including high net wealth individuals, schools, foundations, musuems, agencies, small businesses and much more. The office is very casual and the hours are flexible. They offer paid overtime. The ideal candidate is a CPA (or eligible to sit for exam) with at least 2 to 6 years of Audit experience. They like team players! Please email your resume to dcd@fittsroberts.com to find out more information. https://dianedelgadolemaire.wordpress.com http://twitter.com /CPARecruiterHOU http://www.linkedin.com/in/dianedelgadolemaire

Credit Manager – Southwest Houston (Beltway & 59) 48 to 50K plus quarterly bonus!!!!

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

v Supervise five employees

¨ Previous management experience or supervisory role

¨ Basic knowledge of common accounts receivable work flow

¨ Basic knowledge of administrative work flow

v Credit Manager

Investigations of credit worthiness of potential customers
Decision Making
Action plans for collecting receivables
Knowledge of consumer and commercial credit law
Knowledge of our specific industry but not mandatory
Knowledge of lien laws and the process of securing our interest for both multi-housing and materialmans and mechanics.
Account Reconciliations
Account Negotiations
Understanding of Bankruptcy laws
Maintain customer relations
Work closely with outside collection sources; such as our Attorney or agencies
Process of documentation flow and procedures for collecting and extending credit.
Work closely with the sales staff for the multi-housing industry as well as the independent contractors.

¨ Should have a minimum of five years in a credit/collections field with a positive track record of large balance collections

¨ Degree, work history or credit and collections certificate

¨ Microsoft office proficient

v Cash Application

Data Entry
Keying without error and posting
Work closely with the accountant

¨ Entry level responsibility can be trained or nominal work experience

v Collections

Continuous collection calls incoming and outgoing
Research of items
Customer Service support
Knowledge of consumer and commercial credit laws
Knowledge of bankruptcy laws
Maintaining customer relationships
Basic understanding of accounting

¨ 1-2 years experience

v Administrative

Employee Management
Workflow within the department and outgoing to the branches
Reporting to the CFO and other Executive Management
Training and updates on software
Customer related issues
General clerical functions

Director of Corporate Accounting – 3.5 Billion Dollar Company

Posted on February 24, 2010February 24, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

(MUST HAVE CPA, PUBLIC ACCOUNTING, CORPORATE ACCOUNTING & BUDGETING EXPERIENCE)

Job Description

Responsible for maintaining the general ledger for Corporate as well as subsidiary company ledgers
Manage the monthly balance sheet accounts reconciliation and adjustments for certain accounts including cash, accounts payable, certain prepaid assets, certain accrued liabilities, inter-company accounts, vacation, and employee benefit accounts
Responsible for the preparation of the Corporate budget and quarterly forecasts
Manage the monthly close process for Corporate
Reporting monthly Corporate results and explaining variances from budget and forecast
Providing schedules and other support to the Controller and CFO for Board of Directors; other management reports as needed
Providing schedules and other support for SEC reports (10Q, 10K) Proxy, etc.
Provide certain disclosures or analytics used for MD&A purposes
Reviewing the calculation of the average shares outstanding (basic and diluted)
Reviewing appropriateness of accounting classification of corporate payables and accruals
Providing accounting assistance to department heads
Performing and/or directing Sox controls in Corporate accounting processes
Take a leadership role in intercompany reconciliation process.
Work with Treasury on developing streamlined bank reconciliation process
Oversight responsibility for accounting for benefit plans
Manages group responsible for Ledger to sub-ledger reconciliations and the process to ensure we have Segregation of Duties regarding various systems access.
Assist in coordinating the quarterly review and annual audit by companies external auditors of “Corporate.”
Assist the Corporate Controller in directing other accounting functions. These functions may include: financial analysis, formulation, implementation and maintenance of Company accounting practices, procedures and policies

Requirements:

Bachelor degree in Accounting
Minimum of seven (7) years of accounting/audit experience, including at least three (3) years of public accounting experience.
Big 4 experience helpful
Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) experience required
General ledger and pulling data from systems experience required
SEC reporting background a plus
Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Effective interpersonal skills to interface with all levels of employees
Effective organizational, presentation and project management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.)
CPA
Effective organizational, presentation and project management skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills

dcd@fittsroberts.com

Director of Credit & Collections – Houston

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Experienced collections professional with significant experience in managing a team of collectors, coordinating with attorneys and interacting at a senior management level both internally and with our customers.

Essential Responsibilities:

Review, direct and guide a staff of 12 onshore (including one senior collections manager) and 12 offshore collectors
Works closely with Lease Administration staff (Accounting) to understand tenant billing issues
Coordinates with in-house legal team on tenants where legal action is required
Establishes relationships with appropriate management level personnel at most significant tenants in order to facilitate efficient handling of disputes/issues
Updates accounting platform (CTI) with all relevant information related to the eviction case / process
Reviews and makes recommendations to Leasing, and Property Management on terminated accounts
Responsible for accuracy and adequacy of bad debt reserves and bad debt expense
Coordinate the process of determining whether to pursue with internal legal resources, or outsource the process to third party Collection Agency.
Prepares information for Collection Agency and in-house Legal team
Handles all dark tenants ~ abandonment, lockouts, eviction ~ preparing the file for litigation determination
Reviews and approves the vacancy notices
Preparation of notice of abandonment
Prepares termination of possession letters for tenants residing in Texas
Assists in the review of credit reports to determine whether to pursue legally
Communicates with internal clients to insure accuracy, and company’s objectives are met
Designing effective and efficient procedures
Other tasks on an as needed basis

Education and Experience:

Must have 5-10 years of experience in collections with 2-3 years experience in a managerial role

Current Job Openings!!!!! Accounting & Finance – Houston, Texas

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Assistant VP SOX Compliance
Audit Manger (Government & Benefits)
Tax Director (Multinational Company)
Senior Tax Manager (Multinational Company)
Tax Accountant (1 to 3 years of corp. tax experience)
Tax Manager (FAS 109, Federal & State)
Controller, Odessa, Texas
Revenue Accountant (7 Openings!!!!!)
Gas Plant Accountant
Director of Credit & Collections
Tenured Bookkeeper
Property Accountant
Senior Property Accountant
Senior Manager Public Accounting (2)
Tax Supervisor (Public Accounting)
Senior Financial Analyst (Modeling – Energy)
Credit Manager
Senior Credit Analyst (at least 5 years of experience – large energy company)

AVP – SOX Compliance, Houston, Texas

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Job Title: Assistant Vice President – Director – SOX Compliance

Department: Internal Audit

Reports To: Vice President Corporate Internal Audit

Summary: Directs, manages and coordinates the development and maintenance of companies documentation, analysis, evaluation and testing of internal controls, and reports to senior management on the status of companies system of internal control for Sarbanes Oxley compliance. Works closely with financial officers at multiple locations and related business process owners to ensure internal controls are designed and operating effectively.

Responsibilities:

Consults, analyses, recommends and implements improvements in the alignment of companies financial, operational and administrative business processes in order to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
Provide consulting services to organizational management and staff.
Assist with the development of the annual audit plan.
Provide training, coaching and supervision to staff.
Maintains all organization and professional ethical standards.

Has direct responsibility for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in matters of financial and operational controls and disclosure requirements as mandated by the Act. This includes strict adherence to the company’s Business Conduct Statement and Code of Ethics. The emphasis will be on compliance with financial procedures and protocol, internal controls, and maintaining the highest level of workplace behavior.

Qualifications:

Strong project management and analytical skills.
Strong knowledge of Sarbanes Oxley compliance and reporting requirements.
Considerable knowledge of the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and Code of Ethics developed by the Institute of Internal Audit

Experienced Required:

8+ years of auditing, accounting and reporting experience, preferably with 2+ years of experience in the insurance industry.

Skills:

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work closely with people at al levels of the organization and facilitate the implementation of corrective action.
Works independently under general direction with excessive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
Significant experience with Excel and with audit and financial software systems.
Working knowledge of ACCESS and SQL databases.
Strong written, verbal and presentation skills.

Education/Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field with CPA/CIA credentials.
Prefer CPA with 5+ years of public accounting experience or CIA with 6+ years of internal audit experience.
A graduate degree in businesses administration, accounting or a related field is desirable.

Travel Required:

20% travel required to perform SOX walkthroughs and audits at other locations.

Accounting Manager, Atlanta, GA

Posted on February 2, 2010February 2, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

ACCOUNTING MANAGER – INSURANCE

JOB SUMMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position is initially a non-supervisory one requiring advanced accounting skills and strong self-discipline for managing own time and deadlines.

Work closely with Senior Executives within Corporate Center Departments to assist them in analyzing their monthly/quarterly results and assist them in providing appropriate quarterly forecast. Also provide direct assistance to Dept Heads in the development of the annual budgets.

Provide quality summaries of performance against budget/prior year. Highlight areas of concern, etc. for Director of Insurance Accounting.

Prepare balance sheet account analyses and adjustments.

Analyze B/S and Income Statement accounts against prior year and budget.

Prepare certain journal entries for posting.

Review department P&L prior to finalizing the Corporate P&L.

Ensuring that insurance and claims invoices are properly coded to the correct accounts/depts.

Monitor insurance policy installment and renewal dates to ensure there are no gaps in coverage.

Responsible for intercompany reconciliations between Corporate and Divisions

Work on certain technical areas and special projects as assigned.

Report directly to Director– Insurance Accounting

Supervise staff (possible in the future).

Other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Accounting required

Minimum of seven years of accounting/audit experience.
OneSource Accounting Experience a Big Plus

Insurance Accounting or SEC Reporting are desirable.

CPA preferred

Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.)

Valuation and Litigation Manager – Chicago

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Dianedelgadolemaire

Valuation and Litigation Manager

The ideal candidate will be a CPA who will manage all aspects of litigation and business valuation engagements. This is a fantastic opportunity for a financial expert with experience working with a team of professionals to identify, organize and analyze data on all different kinds of engagements including shareholder disputes, matrimonial disputes, forensic accounting, damage calculations, and estate and gift tax issues.

Education/Experience:

Bachelors degree in Accounting or related field.
Active CPA license required.
3-5 years accounting experience in a consulting, financial services or public accounting company.
Minimum 2 years business valuation experience with a public accounting or consulting environment.
Expertise in broad based business and financial valuations, multi-discipline appraisals, and fairness opinions, especially those of closely held companies, focusing on federal and state tax, financial report, and estate planning, as well as for tangible and intangible assets including purchase price allocations, intellectual property, ESOPs, and estate and gift and other non litigation valuations.
Understanding of financial theory, general accounting issues, and GAAP.
Experience in corporate and individual income taxes.

Litigation Support:

Consult on large and complex litigated disputes and provide financial insight and clarity to counsel during all stages of a business dispute, from case theory development and discovery to expert witness testimony.
Serve as consultant to attorneys, assist in preparing questions for discovery and deposition of potential witnesses, serve as an expert witness, assist in reviewing and refuting the testimony and analysis of other expert witnesses, design court exhibits, and participate in depositions and court as necessary.

Valuation Support:

Manage and apply business valuation approaches and methods to a variety of tangible and non tangible assets, including equity valuations, option analysis, and purchase allocations.
Manage the assembly, maintenance, and finalization of working papers that support valuations.
Perform valuations for privately held companies and/or high wealth individuals for purposes of damages litigation, marital dissolution, estate and gift taxes, stockholder disputes and other business dispute cases.
Help companies and individuals define, measure and articulate the value of their assets by providing independent and well-supported valuation reports based on economic and industry research and financial appraisal analysis and modeling.

Other:

Manage and perform data and document intensive financial analysis and modeling / projections, strategic analysis, economic and statistical analysis, due diligence, valuation analysis, damage calculations and analysis, GAAP, litigation support, industry research, and related investigative assignments.
Assist in selling a business pursuant to a settlement.
Assist in compiling “Tax Affected” marital estates.
Financial analysis to determine separate property interests.
Write business valuation and litigation support reports.
Perform company, industry and economic research.
Assess operational profitability and financial condition.
Develop and review cash flow forecasts.
Navigate public company databases and filings.
Write narrative reports to support valuation appraisal analysis.

Interview Preparation

Posted on October 27, 2009December 4, 2009 by Dianedelgadolemaire

The more prepared you are the more confident you will be.

Read the Interview Preparation Packet
Buy a Portfolio if you do not have one
Make copies of your resume
Make sure your suit is dry-cleaned and ready!!!!
Do your research! Go to the company website, Yahoo Finance, Hoovers and MSN Money. Look for goals and objectives, corporate culture and any new press releases. This information will be imperative for the interview.
Google the company name and the interviewer’s name.
Compare your resume to the job description. Think about accomplishments you can point out. Make sure you can explain all reasons for leaving. Make the responses short and to the point. Never, ever say anything negative about an employer in an interview. Believe it or not, it IS a very small world.
Prepare a list of at least 5 questions per interviewer and have them ready in your portfolio.
Make sure you have the directions.
Role-play with anyone!!! Interviewing is not your profession. You have to practice!!!! Practice the hard to answer questions. You never want to sound scripted or that you are fishing for an answer. If you do not know how to answer specific questions, ask your recruiter for advice!!!!

The Day of the Interview:

Don’t forget to smile and have a positive attitude. First impressions can make or break an interview!

Arrive Early (if you do not know the location drive by the night before)
Review your notes before you go in.
Give yourself a prep talk (you should be a little bit nervous, this is normal).
Walk in with confidence and tell the receptionist whom you are there to see.
Make sure you are looking for your interviewer. Do not sit and read. Sit with confidence and a smile on your face!!!!
Don’t forget a firm handshake. If you have a tendency to have sweaty palms, wash your hands with really cold water before you enter the reception area.
If you have a problem with direct eye contact, look at their eyebrows. They will never know the difference.

The Interview:

Don’t worry if you have done your homework you are well on your way.

Rule number 1…People love to talk about themselves. Don’t forget to ask about the interviewer’s background and why they like working for their employer.

It is very important to establish rapport. Look for commonalities.
Ask to have a typical day described to you; ask about projects and how you can make an immediate impact. Remember: The employer is probably doing his job and the one you are interviewing for as well. The more you can help, the more likely they are to hire you.
Talk about your accomplishment and goals. Be prepared to talk about challenges and how you met them.
Always know the answer to strength and weakness question. Don’t forget about your 5-year goal.
Make sure you ask the questions you prepared. Don’t forget to include questions to better understand the job and what it would take to be successful.
Don’t ask about benefits or money. This is about the job and the company. Your recruiter can get you that information.
If the money question comes up tell them it is more about the opportunity and you are sure they would make you a fair and competitive offer. If they press you tell them what you are making. If they keep pushing you give them a range. Never, ever give them a number!!! And do not put a number on their application.
Don’t forget to ask a lot of questions and show enthusiasm. Most candidates are cut from the process simply because the manager does not think the candidate is interested.

The Close:

This is your chance to bring it all together.

Tell them you are interested.
Ask if there are any concerns about your ability to do the job. This is your last chance to sell yourself!!!!
Explain that after learning more about the company and the position you are even more excited about this opportunity. Review the experience you can contribute and ask for the job or the next step in the process.

The Follow up:

Call your recruiter immediately. It is essential that we speak to you before we speak to the client to gage your interest level.

Very few candidates actually write a thank you note. I recommend an email immediately after and a hand written note as well.

Diane Delgado LeMaire

Managing Director, Accounting & Finance Recruiting

Creative Financial Staffing, a division of Fitts, Roberts CPA Firm

713-260-5238

dcd@fittsroberts.com

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Houston's F&A Recruiter and Talent Connector

Career & Job Information for Houston Accounting & Finance Professionals

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