Century Group Founder Takes Buyout as 30-Year-Old Firm Continues Expansion

Century Group is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares owned by founder Harry Boxer. All shares purchased will be returned to treasury.

“We are pleased that Harry Boxer has been able to realize his goals and we look forward to a new era of leadership and continued growth of the firm,” says CEO Ron Proul. “The transaction allows us to continue to invest in opening new offices and provides future opportunities for our employees as we continue to support our culture as the producer’s firm.”

Boxer will remain as an adviser and board member to the firm during his earnout period where he will continue to provide strategic direction as Century Group manages key milestones in its next stage of growth. Proul will assume the role as Chairman of the Board and Ron Blair has been named President and COO. Other terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Century Group

Established in 1989, Century Group provides financial executive search, professional recruitment, project and interim professional services in the areas of accounting, finance, internal audit and tax for middle market, Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies.

4 Steps for New Hire Success

Many companies and hiring managers forget that interviewing, making a job offer and getting an acceptance is only half the work when making a successful hire. There is an entire checklist of actions that need to occur in order to complete a successful hire.

“Successful onboarding is the completion of the recruiting process, and if done right, studies show it can increase both the effectiveness and tenure of a new hire,” says Lisa Chang, Century Group’s Director of Talent Acquisition. “The first impression is strategic in successful onboarding.”

PUT THE WELCOME SIGN OUT

In the weeks leading up to a new employee’s first day, the company should continue to foster the developing relationship between themselves and the new employee. This transition is often a formal onboarding process that requires the completion of pre-employment paperwork. However, less formal measures should also be taken, such as communicating with the new hire right up to the first day.

Calling to check-in before a new hire starts is crucial. Sharing valuable information with them, such as where to park, how to gain access to the building, and even inviting them out for an introductory lunch contributes to this personal touch. A new employer needs to both stay in the forefront of the new hire’s mind and help them through this transition. Don’t fall prey to thinking that getting an acceptance is the end of the recruitment process.

Remember, the candidate you have selected is adding valuable skills to your department. They were also valuable to their former employer, and as the notice period ends, the value of the employee and the difficulty in replacing them will become apparent. A counter-offer may upset your best-laid plans, so the more welcoming and accessible you are to the candidate, the less likely they are to accept it.

MAKE THEIR FIRST DAY SPECIAL

Your new hire was excited when they left their final interview, and they were excited when they accepted the job. It’s important to keep that excitement alive right up to and beyond their first day by updating them about the latest company news, introducing them to the company in an upbeat manner, and helping eliminate any first-day anxiety.

Clients should make sure new employees are set up in the company’s system, provide a tour of the facilities and introduce them to the rest of the team. This helps the new employee feel at home in their new space and lets them know you are prepared for their arrival.

The first day is a great day to go over the job expectations and objectives during the transition. You may think you’ve covered everything during the interview, but there is an overload of information when starting any new job. The first day of work can set the tone for a long-term relationship and has a tremendous impact on the new hire’s future success with the company.

GIVE IT A HUMAN TOUCH

Assign your new employee a go-to person who can answer their questions. All employees experience some degree of difficulty in making a transition during the first 90-to-120 days, which is a common period to lose a new hire. Learning about both a new job and a new company culture, as well as creating a new routine in their daily life, can be stressful for anyone.

Anything you can do to help ensure their success is a plus. A candidate who doesn’t feel they have been set up for success at your company is susceptible to returning to a prior job or inquiring about another opportunity they had been pursuing. It could even be the former boss they used for a reference who says, “Let me know how that new job works out, because we may have something coming up for you.” Good candidates are good candidates, period.

KEEP THEM IN THE LOOP

Managers need to let the new hires know when and how they will garner feedback on their job performance. A regular, monthly meeting can let a candidate know they have access to you as a resource, they are important, and they are able to get help. Francesca Brooks, Century Group’s Managing Director of Human Resources, even goes as far as to recommend setting up a schedule for the entire first week. You may think you are providing constant feedback, but having a pre-arranged meeting is always a good policy.

Periodic reviews are also crucial. You would be surprised how many times we hear, “Well, I haven’t had my annual review, so I am not sure what that means.” You think it means they are doing fine. They think it means, “I am (or my job is) not a priority for you.”

Finally, ask for your new hire’s feedback. This is helpful for their assimilation into the organization, and it will help you improve the process for future hires. If you only ask for feedback during a resignation, you are closing the barn after the horse.

You may say, “I am so busy, I am not sure how I will fit this in.” Well, ask yourself… if you are that busy, how are you going to fit in another recruitment process?

Contact us to help you with the hiring process.

High-Demand Roles in Accounting & Finance

Calling all accountants! Accounting jobs are one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for accountants and auditors to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026 — speeding past the average rate for all occupations by 3 percent.

“In general, employment growth of accountants and auditors is expected to be closely tied to the health of the overall economy,” BLS states. “As the economy grows, more workers should be needed to prepare and examine financial records.”

Century Group’s 2018 Compensation Report lists the most in-demand accounting and finance roles, and explains their expanding importance in the professional world.

Roles in Accounting and Finance

ACCOUNTANTS

We are seeing the highest demand for accountants at the senior level. Demand is especially high for professionals with a CPA license and 2-plus years of experience.

CONTROLLERS AND ACCOUNTING MANAGERS

These continue to be the crucial roles for expanding companies. The increase in scrutiny and compliance requirements make these key management roles.

AUDITORS

Demand for internal auditors remains strong in private industry as companies deal with increased regulatory and compliance requirements. The demand for auditors at CPA firms has expanded dramatically as these firms respond to increased client activity. The CPA designation remains the most in-demand in the audit profession.

FINANCIAL ANALYSTS

As with the other roles on the list, the demand for senior financial analysts is greater than the supply at present. The most in-demand position is the Senior Financial Analyst with an MBA and five-plus years’ experience in private industry or leading management consultancies.

FINANCE MANAGEMENT

As the economy has improved, we’ve noted an increase in demand for financial management. Emerging and growing companies are seeking experienced managers to build out the finance function and develop the corporate infrastructure.

Credentials

CPA

We are seeing particularly high demand for accounting professionals that are also Certified Public Accounting (CPAs). Achieving a CPA credential is critical for career advancement in the accounting, finance tax and audit functions. The CPA designation is the most frequently required credential. CPAs with Big 4 accounting firm experience are seeing even higher demand.

MBA

A master’s degree in business administration (MBA) continues to be the credential most sought after for senior-level executive and mid-management roles in corporate finance.

Looking to explore accounting and finance roles? Check out our latest accounting jobs and start your search!

Enhancing Our Reach in the Valleys – Welcoming a New Managing Director and Senior Associate

As we celebrate 25 years, the Century Group team is looking to the future. The first step in that direction: further enhancing our connections within the Southern California finance industry.

Century Group already has a history of expertise in accounting, finance, tax and audit – our niche focus from the beginning – as well as strong ties and an unrivaled network nurtured through our long-standing involvement in Southern California. Looking to enhance our already-strong reach into the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, we’ve welcomed Phil Bruno to the company’s executive team and Jake Barbee as a Senior Associate.

Staffing Industry Veteran Phil Bruno

Phil Bruno A veteran of nearly 20 years in the staffing industry, Bruno serves as Managing Director of our San Fernando Valley Office. Throughout his career, he has participated in all aspects of the business, from hands-on sales and recruiting to serving as Regional Vice President of one of the national leaders in employment and staffing services. He has also worked in various business lines of the industry as well, including management consulting, accounting and finance, legal, technology, and creative, which helped prepare him for the task of building and managing markets. Bruno took this expertise and expanded on it when he served as Market Manager for another leading staffing firm, turning a small operation into a multi-division team with internal growth potential.

“I help prepare people to run their own businesses,” Bruno shared. “That means developing managers, not managing people. I allow my team to develop and manage their own process by letting them be accountable to themselves. If I let them do their job, giving guidance as needed, they learn a lot by doing. And I, in turn, learn from them.”

“We were looking for someone with exactly Phil’s background and abilities to complement our continued growth in the region,” said CEO Ron Proul. “His philosophy and business acumen are a great fit with the executive team and the company as a whole.”

Nathalie Hollants, Director of Client Services, worked with Bruno in a prior role in the industry; she speaks highly of his management style and its effectiveness. “He has a way of working with people with varying personalities – he always makes it work,” she said. “He is an expert leader, able to build and maintain strong teams, and well-respected by clients and employees alike.”

Experienced Recruiter and Team-Builder Jake Barbee

Jake Barbee Bruno isn’t the only new addition. We’ve also welcomed Jake Barbee as a Senior Associate on the San Fernando Valley team. He comes to Century Group after a seven-year break from the recruiting industry, where he served as President and Managing General Partner of Omega Energy/Omega Development Fund, an independent energy company engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production in the Illinois Basin. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade as both an Account Manager and a Senior Executive Recruiter at two large, national staffing agencies’ offices in North Carolina and Burbank. In both roles, Barbee assisted in launching and expanding search divisions, recruiting and mentoring associates within various divisions, and serving as a top producer in placements for accounting and finance, as well as advertising, marketing and public relations. He earned his bachelor degrees in Philosophy and Media Communications from the University of Miami.

By enhancing the focus in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, we remain true to the vision of our founders – being the leader in the Southern California finance profession. As a testament to that, we will be the presenting sponsor at this year’s CFO of the Year Awards presented by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal this June.

Strong seasonal hiring plans may presage year-end surge in economic activity

On October 25, CareerBuilder released its annual assessment of retailers’ hiring plans for the upcoming holiday season. Traditionally, this time of year brings a significant, but short-term, bump in employment as stores expand their staffs to handle extra traffic.

On October 25, CareerBuilder released its annual assessment of retailers’ hiring plans for the upcoming holiday season. Traditionally, this time of year brings a significant, but short-term, bump in employment as stores expand their staffs to handle extra traffic.

This year, the number of positions being added by employers is up considerably from last year’s figures, according to CareerBuilder’s report.

Harris Interactive surveyed more than 2,400 employers regarding their hiring plans to get the data. Thirty-six percent of respondents indicated that they plan to expand their workforce for the holiday season. This represents a 29 percent increase over 2011.

In addition, 39 percent of those conducting extra seasonal hiring intend to transition some of the new workers into permanent roles.

CareerBuilder CEO Matt Ferguson linked the strong seasonal hiring plans with rising confidence and asserted that the season should see an overall surge in economic activity.

“An increase in consumer confidence is helping to fuel the best seasonal hiring the U.S. has seen in recent years,” said Ferguson. “While the bulk of seasonal recruitment falls within the retail space, companies across industries are hiring for a wide range of positions to support their business operations as they wrap up the year.”

Even a strong holiday season won’t eradicate economic uncertainty

We’ve recently discussed a number of other indications that the economy is strengthening. However, we have also discussed ongoing challenges confronting sustained global growth, including the fragile situation in the eurozone and the looming package of spending cuts and tax increases referred to as the “fiscal cliff” in the United States.

In this time of uncertainty, it is more crucial than ever that companies have sound fiscal expertise on their leadership teams. Filling CFO jobs and other high-level positions is always a delicate process, but in this tumultuous economic climate, it is clear companies do not have time to pour into a protracted financial professional search.

Recruitment firms can help businesses conduct a fast, effective search.

Century Group Brings Unique Perspective to 10th Annual Los Angeles Diversity Mixer

On April 26, the intimate space at the Los Angeles Athletic Club bustled with nearly 250 high-performing professionals — all seeking new job opportunities or a chance to expand their professional networks. The 10th Annual Los Angeles Diversity Mixer was in full swing, with Century Group offering attendees a unique perspective as one of the few staffing and recruiting firms to sponsor the event.

Since 2009, the Los Angeles Diversity Mixer connects motivated candidates with a handful of Fortune 500 companies in a wide range of industries — and the array of guests is just as diverse. The Riordan Programs Alumni Association’s signature event caters to up-and-coming talent of various ethnicities, educational backgrounds and industry experience, helping to make the mixer a special affair year after year.

“We very much look forward to partnering with The Riordan Programs and UCLA Anderson School of Business each year at the Los Angeles Diversity Mixer,” says Phil Bruno, Century Group’s Managing Director. “It’s unusual to get so many talented and in-demand people together in such an intimate setting.”

Sonia Aouriri, an Associate on Century Group’s Executive Search team, represented the firm for a second year, and shared resume advice, interviewing tips and insight on the current market landscape with attendees. “I enjoy meeting professionals and the networking experience,” she explains. “The mixer is a great way to connect with people who are eager to learn more about current job opportunities and how Century Group can be a resource in their job search.”

Century Group’s Associate Director of Recruiting Madison Garshman also participated in this year’s Los Angeles Diversity Mixer, and enjoyed using the firm’s expertise to help candidates find suitable opportunities.

“I think they liked that we came from a consultant background. We’re not trying to sell you on Century Group — we’re trying to sell our clients,” she says. “I also liked that there was a variey of industries and people who were from different walks of life.”

About The Riordan Programs Alumni Association

The UCLA Riordan Programs Alumni Association was established in 2000 to provide Riordan Programs graduates with continued educational, personal and professional leadership support, so they have the resources needed to become future leaders in our community. All proceeds from the LA Diversity Mixer benefited RPAA’s Saturday Business Academy, which presents underserved high school students with individual mentorship and college preparation curriculum.

Happy Hour for Tax Executives with Moss Adams – Thursday, March 19

Join Century Group and Moss Adams LLP  for a casual happy hour event to mix and mingle with fellow tax executives. Stop by for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before you head to dinner or your next engagement, and unwind after a busy tax season. You deserve it!


EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, March 19, 2015
4:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Bluewater Grill
The District, 2409 Park Ave.
Tustin, CA 92782

Click here to register for the event


Questions?

Tim Calley, (714) 361-6516, [email protected]

Carly Miller, (949) 517-9434, [email protected]

Jeff Boyd, (949) 872-5130, [email protected]

Century Group partners with the LA Business Journal to present the 2014 CFO of the Year Awards

Each year the finance community gathers in Downtown Los Angeles to recognize the top CFOs in the greater Los Angeles region for outstanding performance.

This year, Century Group and the Los Angeles Business Journal welcomed 500 guests and 40 outstanding CFOs as finalists for CFO of the Year.

Ron Proul, CEO of Century Group, commented, “We were particularly pleased to see so many of the outstanding CFOs we work with every day nominated. It’s an outstanding group of professionals and an achievement simply to be nominated. Every successful company has a successful CFO at the helm.”

 

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LOS ANGELES’ 2014 CFO OF THE YEAR WINNERS
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RON PROUL, CEO OF CENTURY GROUP SPEAKS TO 500 GUESTS AT THE 2014 CFO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The 2014 CFO of the Year Awards went to:

  • Large Public Company: Stephen Kadenacy – AECOM
  • Large Private Company: Bill Foltz – Oakwood Worldwide
  • Small Private Company: Brad Kates – Prodege, LLC (Swagbucks.com)
  • Non-Profit: Brenda Zamow – Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
  • Education: Avedis “Avo” Kechichian – University of La Verne


Gallery from the Awards Luncheon and Ceremony

cfo_la_7CENTURY GROUP CHAIRMAN HARRY BOXER AND CEO RON PROUL WELCOME CFO FINALISTS CENTURY GROUP CEO RON PROUL WITH CFO OF THE YEAR BILL FOLTZ OF OAKWOOD WORLDWIDE
cfo_la_3CENTURY GROUP EXECUTIVE RECRUITERS AARON RUBALOFF, SEAN GILMORE AND DAVE DUTT CENTURY GROUP’S PROJECT/INTERIM SERVICES TEAM LANA SANEI, CHANTEL LEBOFF AND ARIELLE LEBOULCH
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LOS ANGELES’ LEADING CFOS MINGLING AT THE VIP RECEPTION
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BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE FOR CFO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

 

2014 Riordan Programs – 6th Annual Los Angeles Diversity Mixer

Century Group partnered with the Riordan Programs as one of five hosts for the 6th Annual Los Angeles Diversity Mixer at the Downtown LA Westin Hotel on April 17th.   The event sold out with nearly 500 attendees from 60+ companies.

David Dutt, an Executive Recruiter in Century Group’s professional search practice represented Century Group for the Mixer.  Mr. Dutt noted that “Century Group has participated in the Diversity Mixer with the Riordan Programs for the last two years and decided to sponsor the event this year.  It’s a great event – it’s a showcase opportunity to meet with up-and-coming professionals in a variety of fields including Accounting and Finance.”

The attendees of the Diversity Mixer are high caliber ambitious professionals working to better their professional networks and to expand their opportunities. Attendees have the opportunity to meet professionals from a wide range of fields including: accounting, finance, marketing, information technology and real estate.

Ron Proul, CEO of Century Group encouraged young professionals from diverse backgrounds to take advantage of these specialized networking events that serve a greater purpose – “Attending this event not only helps your career – it helps others – the proceeds from the event benefit the Saturday Business Academy, a program that helps nearly 100 underserved Los Angeles high school students each year to pursue higher education.   It’s a great event.”

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CFO of the Year Awards

DINNER & AWARDS PROGRAM

Tuesday, January 28, 2014
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Hotel Irvine Jamboree Center
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92614

The CFO OF THE YEAR AWARDS are presented annually in January to area financial professionals for outstanding performance as corporate stewards for the preceding fiscal year. Awards are presented in five categories: Outstanding CFO of a Public Co.; Outstanding CFO of a Private Co.; Outstanding CFO of a Not-for-Profit Organization; Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement. The program is in its seventh year and is presented in association with the California Society of CPAs.

IDENTIFY. EVALUATE. DELIVER.

WE’RE CENTURY GROUP. And we execute an average of 1,500 searches a year in finance and accounting. Promptly. Precisely. Reliably. Delivering the kind of talent that doesn’t just make a team complete. It makes it better.

Century Group connects top tier finance and accounting professionals to the companies that need them. That’s it. No operations directors or marketing VPs or CIOs. Just finance and accounting, professional to executive level, project to permanent. It’s what we know. And what we’re known for.

With our singular purpose, ongoing recruitment process and elite network of financial talent, Century Group clients see results with unrivaled speed and accuracy. Which is why we see the same clients again and again.

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