On a number of occasions in this column, I have commented on the changing role of the accountant. The traditional perception of the accountant as a ‘bean counter’ is long since dead, and in the forward looking organisation, the finance team is increasingly called upon to fulfil a wider role.
Financial objectives lie at the heart of many businesses and should not be considered in isolation, or just as a series of numbers. They form part of the wider strategic picture and the finance team is well-placed to contribute to the decision-making process for all divisions of the business.
In smaller organisations, the Finance Director is often responsible for the management of the company’s administrative staff, as well as the finance staff, and this also is reflective of the widening responsibility and influence of the FD across the business.
A good accountant these days has to be able either to run a team effectively or be an effective member of a team. This requires well developed management skills, excellent commercial awareness, and a strong appreciation of the all stakeholders’ needs – not just those of the shareholders.
As a recruitment consultancy specialising in financial and accounting personnel, Sewell Moorhouse has been well positioned to observe the changing demands when it comes to taking on new finance staff.
For the last couple of years, we have been contacted more and more by clients to help them with the recruitment of administrative staff, and subsequently we have developed a large database of candidates for a wide range of administrative roles. This is not just candidates for roles such as data input or finance support, but also
- Secretaries
- PA's
- Receptionists
- Administrators
- Customer Service Representatives
- HR support staff
This has been good for Sewell Moorhouse, because it has enabled us to develop our portfolio of services without compromising the value of a specialised service in a small range of disciplines. And it’s been good for our customers because it’s enabled them to manage all of their recruitment needs through one agency.
We don’t believe in a recruitment offer that is all things to all people, but we do recognise that the finance and administrative functions in an organisation are no longer divorced.
Our message to our clients is clear. Don’t label your accountants as ‘grey suits’ and lock them in a room with their calculators. Recognise the wider contribution they have to make to your business and maximise the value they bring to the company.
Our advice to many candidates has been to ensure that their interpersonal and managerial skills are as well developed as their technical skills when it comes to enhancing their future career prospects.
For further information contact Cliff Sewell or Philip Hill at Sewell Moorhouse - an independent and specialised accounting and financial recruitment consultancy based in Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds.
Omega Court
364 Cemetery Road
Sheffield
S11 8FT
T: 0114 268 3313
