Companies Make Switch to Accounting Automation

Companies Make Switch to Accounting AutomationCompanies Make Switch to Accounting AutomationDoes your company still rely on manual processes for accounts reconciliation? If so, youre parte of a diminishing group. As mora organizations make the transition to accounting automation, just over half (55 percent) perform their closing tasks manually - down three points from last year.Of the U.S. executives surveyed for Robert Halfs 2018 report, Benchmarking the Accounting and Finance Function, 22 percent said they use automation systems developed internally, and 23 percent are using third-party software for accounts reconciliation. The largest companies ($5 billion or more in revenue) are most likely to apply technology in accounting and finance tasks. Less than a quarter of them still manually reconcile.Accounts reconciliation takes a lot of time, one respondent said, and I could use the people working on that process in more high-value areas.GET THE BENCHMARKING REPORTExpanding automati onMost of the automation in accounting and finance functions, according to the report, are in the areas of invoicing, data collection, report generation, document storage and compliance. Many firms also expect to automate processes such as financial planning and forecasting.One outcome of accounting automation is increased efficiency. Companies are also consolidating accounts as a result of automation.The benchmarking report shows the number of active general ledger (GL) accounts at companies is trending down slightly, with the largest companies seeing a notable decline in their overall number of GL accounts. Thirty-one percent of firms with $5 billion or more in revenue have fewer than 100 active GL accounts, up from zero percent a year ago.Other technology findingsMicrosoft Excel is still widely used by companies of all sizes for budgeting, planning and analysis, according to the report. Sixty-three percent of U.S. companies rely on Excel, down from 69 percent in 2017.However, as more teams embrace enterprise resource planning (ERP) for budgeting and planning, fewer companies - especially the larger ones - identify Excel as their top tool. The other leading types of business management software include IBM/Cognos, Oracle/Hyperion, SAP Business Planning and Consolidation.Cloud financial solutions also continue to rise. Three-quarters (75 percent) of respondents said they are using either online-based software and services, or they plan to do so in the future. Last year, 72 percent made that claim, compared with 62 percent in 2016.Unlike previous reports, the financial executives interviewed for this years benchmarking survey cited few or no reservations about using cloud technology. For many, the decision to move to accounting automation and the cloud is tied to digital transformation initiatives at their companies.The need for different skillsWith the convergence of all this new technology associated with accounting automation, a demand for new skills is p resenting itself. Many executives cited a need to hire accounting and finance professionals with knowledge of cloud-based systems, experience with data analytics and ERP systems, and knowledge of artificial intelligence/robotic process automation.But the report also shows how much both hard and soft skills are desired in todays accounting and finance teams. For one thing, a broader range of communication skills enables them to participate effectively in cross-departmental collaboration, which is an integral part ofdigital transformation.Looking to hire professionals with accounting automation skills? Find out how we can help.

The Benefits of Working With a Staffing Firm as a Financial Consultant

The Benefits of Working With a Staffing Firm as a Financial ConsultantThe Benefits of Working With a Staffing Firm as a Financial ConsultantCurrent economic conditions and the persistent demand for finance and accounting skills have magnified the many benefits of working as a financial consultant. Organizations are working with consultants to access specialized expertise on-demand and to augment the abilities their full-time teams. This means opportunities are available for financial consultants with highly sought attributes who can work on a project basis. In particular, firms are looking for professionals whocan take on initiatives in accounting and finance and business systems.But leveraging the benefits of the current job market isnt always easy - especially if you decide to rely on your own network and resources. Working with a financial staffing firm to consistently find the right fit for your skills is a much more effective strategy.Finding more relevant assignmentsFinancial staffing firms have access to a vast network of employers looking for specific skills and talent. This gives you the opportunity to expand your job search to employers outside of your own list of contacts while looking for financial consulting work. The larger the network, the greater the chance of consistently finding assignments that are a good fit. Staffing firms also frequently hear about opportunities that arent advertised, and their representatives can serve as your advocate in the job market.They can relateConsultants who work with financial staffing firms are enlisting the help of experienced professionals who understand what theyregoing through. Its one thing to have a third-party organization help you look for relevant opportunities but a completely different story when that same firm also specializes in your industry. The people you work with at a financial staffing firm often have years of experience under their belts working in finance and accounting. This means that no t only will they be able to talk the industry talk and understand your objectives and challenges, but they can also provide valuable advice and expertise to help you find opportunities that highlight your strengthsand help you grow professionally.An advocate for your skillsStaffing firms do much more than simply help you search for job opportunities. They have a vested interest in your professional development, which means that in addition to offering expert career advice, many of these agencies also offer trainingservices that help you keep up with the rapidly changing finance and accounting fields.But more importantly, working with a financial staffing firm is like partnering with a third-party marketing organization to promote your professional brand. Going it alone can only lead to so many opportunities. A staffing firm is a way to enlist more people in your job search who care about matching you with the right projects.The advantage of specializationBecause of its focus and the experience of its professionals, a firm that specializes in your field can offer more opportunities than generalist firms. Once you register with a specialized financial staffing firm, you will gain access to an abundant swimmingpool of resources. In addition to extensive job list databases for senior accounting jobs, interim management roles and consulting work, you can also consult a variety of research materials and sign up for e-learning courses that help you improve your job search and maintain a strong set of in-demand skills.Staffing firms also help you manage the routine administrative aspects of working as a financial consultant, such as obtaining access to health insurance and other long-term benefits. Additionally, these firms take care of the billing and invoicing processes and ensure you get paid consistently and on time. These agencies will also be of huge help during tax seasonwhen it can be tricky to keep track of a years worth of consulting projects.Visit our Consu ltants page to learn more about what to expect when working with a financial staffing firm and start looking for opportunities today.Related PostsCFOs Most Likely to Tap Financial Consultants for Finance and Accounting, Business Systems ProjectsConsultant Jobs Is Now the Golden Age?

A Lesson for Hiring Managers Everywhere

A Lesson for Hiring Managers Everywhere A Lesson for Hiring Managers Everywhere Watch this video youll thank me, I promise you.Last week, I worked with a graphic designer client who expressed concern about her job prospects because I dont fit todays standards of beauty. That video made me think of her, and of all the snap decisions that are being made in interviews all over the country right now because the candidate doesnt look as if he or she fits the part. Any interviewer whos honest will admit to having done this at some time or another. Maybe the candidate is of a certain age and your is a young company. Maybe hes fat and that makes you uncomfortable. Or maybe she looks way too young to be able to do the job advertised, even though her resume shows that he has done it before.Susan Boyles performance on that TV show is a reminder to all of us. Maybe this week we can judge everyone we meet by what they do and not what they look like.

The number of cheaters using dating apps and sites right now is shocking

The number of cheaters using dating apps and sites right now is shockingThe number of cheaters using dating apps and sites right now is shockingLove is dead. Or at least a lot of people seem to think so.33% of Americans feel that verbunden dating has supposedly killed romance, according to research byYouGov Omnibus. And they may be onto something, based on some of the people using these services.YouGov found that 17% of people who are currently date-cruising on apps or websites are there partly to cheat on their significant others. Thats more than one in six. Statistically, if you swipe six times, one of those potential matches is going to be a cheater.Woof. Thats a lot to take in. It truly is a jungle out there.But wait, theres more.Credit YouGov7% of people who have ever used dating apps or sites did so to cheat. And particularly pervasive cheaters include millennials, parents of children under 18, and married people. So much for forever.Casual sex is another popular reason for usi ng such online tools. 33% of men say it was one of the reasons they logged on. And then 19% of users are on there to make platonic connections, so thats strange.Maybe all of these things are why online dating suffers from such a bad rep. Among Americans, dangerous is the word most associated with apps and websites. Other words include interesting, convenient and fun.Credit YouGovAmong the 32% of Americans who have used an app or website to date, 17% find them to be romantic. But among people who have not turned to the online space for love, that number plummets to 4%.And heres the real kicker 39% of Americans say online dating is for people who cant meet romantic partners offline or in-person, but 47% have met a partner or know someone who has via a dating app, YouGov found.So either were all hypocrites, or we have horrible self-esteem and really dont like our friends. Either way, heres the summary The Internet has murdered romance, youre probably swiping right on a cheater, and men really, really want to get lucky.

When You Miss a Deadline - Next Steps - The Muse

When You Miss a Deadline - Next Steps - The MuseWhen You Miss a Deadline - Next Steps It happens to the best of us. Maybe accounting didnt get you the numbers on time. Maybe the design work you thought would take you four hours is taking more like 14. Maybe Taco Tuesday turned into Food Poisoning Tuesday, and theres just no way you can drag yourself to the office to finish Wednesdays client report. In any case, youre going to miss a deadline, and you know your boss, your customer, or whoever else you owe your work to is not going to be excited. As a writer and an editor, Ive unfortunately been on both sides of the missed deadline dilemma. And here are a few things Ive tried and seen that will help you get the extension you need while keeping your relationships intact. Give as Much Advance Notice as PossibleTheres nothing more infuriating (not to mention unprofessional) than, Oops, I missed todays deadline. Can I turn it in next week?Obviously, there are exceptions (see food poisoning ), but for the most part, you should try to give as much notice as possible if you think youre going to be delivering something late. Its much easier for the other party to plan around you if you say something like, Im just digging into the project, and it looks like the data collection is going to take a few days longer than I originally anticipated. Can I extend the deadline from next Friday to the following? In fact, most people will be perfectly happy to extend a deadline when given a good reason. Well in advance. Explain Yourself- BrieflyOn that note, its always professional to explain why youre going to be turning something in late. Of course, not all deadlines are created equal- a client deliverable set in stone in a contract is a little different than a progress report you mentioned youd get to your co-worker sometime next week- and a different level of explanation will be required for each. But a good rule of thumb is to succinctly explain why things arent going according t o plan, without blaming anyone or going on and on about your sick dog, broken computer, or mounting to-do list.A simple outline of the facts (unfortunately, Ive run into some snags with the reporting software) is typically sufficient. That said, you can do yourself a serious favor if youGive an Option or a BonusOne of my all-time favorite writers also has one of my all-time favorite Im-going-to-miss-a-deadline strategies She gives me the option of whether to have her bust her you-know-what to turn it in on time or to give her an extension. Think Im in the middle of a project thats taking quite a bit longer than expected. Will it screw up your zeiteinteilung if I deliver the draft tomorrow? If so, Ill crank it out tonight. If not, Id so appreciate an extension and will have to you tomorrow A vast majority of the time, Im happy to oblige. Similarly, you can always offer to deliver the finished portion of the work. Think I can definitely have pages 1-6 of the report to you by tonight- or I can deliver all 10 pages by tomorrow at noon.If youre really putting someone in a tough place by missing a deadline, think about what you could offer that would make up for the inconvenience. Ive had writers offer to send me two articles instead of one to make up for a missed deadline- or if youre working with a client, you can offer to deliver an add-on to your product or service or a slight reduction in fee. You may be putting someone out once- but if you help him or her out in another way, thats bound to leave a positive impression.Show Professionalism and AppreciationIf youve ever been on the receiving end of late work, you know what a pain it is, so make koranvers you show your appreciation when youre asking for an extension. No need to wax poetic, but a simple, I really appreciate you making this exception. It wont happen again goes a long way.Also, pick a new deadline and stick to it. People are more apt to keep seeing you as professional and reliable you if they know ex actly when they can expect the late work. Instead of a vague, Can I have an extension? try, Could I get the report to you by Tuesday instead? Itll be in your inbox by 5 PM- hopefully sooner. And then, you know, make sure it happens. Make Sure Its RarePerhaps the best advice of all is to make sure youre not in the habit of missing deadlines. When my always-reliable writer asks for a one-time extension, Im more than happy to rearrange things. When people turn things in late on the reg, it gets harder and harder to give them a pass. My favorite tip for making sure youre always prompt is to set a faux deadline for yourself a day or two before your actual deadline- even put it in your calendar, which tricks your brain into thinking its due a few days before. Stick to that date, and youll always be safe. Even if you, you know, come down with food poisoning. What tips do you have for asking for a deadline extension?Photo of calendar courtesy of Shutterstock.

Why Everybody Is Wrong About Keywords for Resume

Why Everybody Is Wrong About Keywords for Resume Get the Scoop on Keywords for Resume Before Youre Too Late Use adverbs very sparingly, because they may be seen as trying to fluff up a resume if theyre overused. Employing both permits you to be covered either manner. New Ideas Into Keywords for Resume Never Before Revealed Another suggestion is to use the exact key phrases that are employed in the work description and align your goal to the businesss core value. A great Help desk technician should have good technical knowledge and be in a position to communicate effectively to understand the issue and explain its solution. So you have to understand how to generate the very best letter as possible deliver to the organization and provide good first impact about yourself. Do not neglect to demonstrate that you currently knowledgeable in regards to the position for the precise company and tell your talent that will aid you and the enterprise to thrive. Use keywords that the busine ss uses to describe itself to demonstrate that youre a superior fit for the business. If you do work for a number of clients, the company name may be your own especially if youre already incorporated. Your transactional attorney resume writing should focus in writing by means of keywords to highlight your abilities and experience for a certain job. Obviously, the possible employees with the greatest scores move on, while some are left in the dust. 3 First, you must pick the best skills for your resume. For instance, if the job necessitates RHIA certification and youre eligible but havent yet taken the RHIA exam, make certain you note on your resume or cover letter that you are RHIA eligible. Using Keywords for Resume If you genuinely wish to have an opportunity at landing the job, then you certainly will need to learn which keywords employers search for. To submit an application for a position for a phlebotomist, you have to have a resume that gives employers an insight on how they wont regret hiring you. Think as a recruiter filling the job which you want next. Youre so ready for your very first job for a phelbotomist If youre a work seeker maybe you may chat about the job or career youre targeting and include a URL to your Linkedin account. If you find a job on the internet that interests you, apply promptly. Otherwise, candidates wont have the ability to find you and they wont have the ability to apply. As a work seeker, theres mora competition for a single job than ever before largely as a result of technology which makes it so simple for organizations to post their job openings to a mass audience. To put it differently, instead of saying youre results-driven, show the results that youve achieved. Each industry has its own lingo, so should you learn which words are normally utilised in that particular industry, youve got a chance to acquire past the computer and into the recruiters hands. Its never been more important your job post posse ss the perfect words and phrases. To begin with, you might have already included all the needed words throughout your resume and may not own a need to put in a distinct section to the resume. The Nuiances of Keywords for Resume These keywords are usually the crucial abilities, experience, credentials and knowledge needed to carry out the job. Dont forget, your keywords are the experience and abilities that come from the particular terminology employed in your work. If you believe you dont have the skills to create a keyword rich resume, you can discover expert help. Whispered Keywords for Resume Secrets An applicant which has a close match of keywords utilized in their job application with the ones utilized in the work ad is going to have greater prospect of being hired. For instance, if you type the term retail into a search engine, you are going to become literally thousands of job descriptions. If you wish to know how, here are a few tips from your resume writing service s. Although an intuitive search would identify that you could be a skilled candidate, youre not likely to appear at the peak of the search outcomes. Keywords for Resume at a Glance To reiterate, should you not understand the way to use keywords in your interview, get the assistance of competent professionals. You want to make sure that the HR specialist can clearly observe the one-year specialized work experience thats near the announcement. Marketers with the best selection of skills are frequently the best performers. Take a look at the descriptions of their jobs in plus-rechnen to the businesss description. Instead, take some time to reassess the particular job description keywords youre applying for. For instance, if you concentrate on a couple of your skills within the body of your letter, be sure your abilities and the keywords match the keywords and description from the work listing. If your resume contains all the perfect key terms, then you might be among the initi al candidates whose resumes are reviewed. Begin a work search to get the key phrases you will need, then upload your new resume to Monster.There are various types of keywords. Use job-related keywords you do not posses. Naturally, the search phrases you use will be dependent on the work description and the role youre applying for. So be certain that your resume has all of the correct key terms, but is also readable.

4 Traits to Look for When Hiring New Employees - Spark Hire

4 Traits to Look for When Hiring New Employees - Spark HireIn April, TIME identified four qualities that all great employees possess. When it came to these four traits, employers admitted that a majority of their employees exhibited only average performance.However, each of these characteristics are the type that can be introduced and developed in current employees through mentorships and training seminars. And while thats great for your small business, hiring employees who already possess these qualities is even better.1. Critical thinking. Perhaps the most important, many employees and job candidates are lacking in critical thinking. Do they know how to write business proposals? Yes. Can they give a presentation? Of course. However, when it comes to thinking on their feet, its oftentimes a skill that must be crafted.You can see if a job candidate is already well versed in this skill by asking these questions during an bewerbungsinterviewCan you tell me about a problem that came up at your last job that required an immediate decision on your part?Have you ever had to make a decision without all of the available facts? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?2. Communication. This is pretty easy to decipher during the interview process. Youllbe able to tell if a candidate is a good communicator through their conversation with you. Do they answer your questions? Do their answers flow fluidly?In addition to gauging their communication skills, you can ask about them as wellRate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 on your communication skills and provide three examples that prove your rating.Has there ever been a time in your past work experiences where youve felt your managers or coworkers havent communicated with you effectively? How did you handle this?3. Collaboration.In most cases, a job candidates ability to truthfully work well withothers will be gleaned through their references. However, that doesnt mean it should be off limits in the job interview. As king in the interview will also give you a chance to compare their answers with that of their references.Here is what you can ask in the interviewDo you work better alone or on a team? And why?Give an instance in which a team member didnt do his or her part. How did you handle that?4. Creativity.From the resume to the job interview, youll be able to gauge creativityeasily in this job market. Candidates these days realize the importance of sticking out from the crowd, whether its through a creative resume or out-of-the-box interview answers.Again, though, there are questions you can ask in the interview to test their creative juicesIf you could be a superhero, what would your super powers be?If you could compare yourself to an animal, which would it be?Frankly, you may not be able to assess the depth at which job candidates pose the four traits of great employees, but its a start. Gauging their abilities in these areas before you hire them will tell you whether or not you have to sta rt from scratch or develop these skills further. Ideally, youll want to opt for the latter for the best results for your small business.Do you have any tried and true interview questions that help you uncover a desired candidate attribute? Share with us below.IMAGE Courtesy of Flickr bydullhunk