Tag: General Resources

Within this General section, you’ll find a curated collection of posts that seamlessly combine the latest in employment trends with invaluable advice, giving you a well-rounded perspective on the ever-evolving world of accounting and finance.

2020 Q4 Accounting and Finance Employment Report

In a year like no other, this economic trend continuing into Q4 is a welcome one: steady growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an added 661,000 jobs in September, with unemployment dropping to 7.9%.

“These improvements in the labor market reflect continued resumption of economic activity that had been curtailed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to contain it,” the BLS says. “In September, notable job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality, in retail trade, in healthcare and social assistance, and in professional and business services.”

In fact, the UCLA Anderson Report’s already optimistic forecast projected the national unemployment rate to hit 7.8% by the end of 2020 — a figure we’ve nearly met at the top of Q4. That number for college-degreed professionals was even lower in September, falling to 4.8% from 5.3% in August.

2020 Q4 accounting and finance employment report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

For Employers

As various sectors continue their rapid recovery, the influx of skilled accounting and finance professionals on the market for the past several months is quickly dwindling. Professional Services and Financial Activities — the two industries where our niche falls — had an unemployment rate of 6.6% and 4.4%, respectively, and demonstrates the growing demand for these candidates.

The pandemic has shifted many job seekers’ priorities, requiring companies to make the necessary adjustments to attract top candidates. Some of these include highlighting a strong company culture — one that emphasizes its employees’ well-being — and growth potential in their new role. Employers should also expect to offer flexible work arrangements when hiring in the near term.

Contact our recruiters for more candidate insights and hiring trends, so you can find the right talent to grow your team.

For Job Seekers

This hiring environment has made it imperative for workers to be adaptable. Being remote-ready is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must. And proving that you can be a productive, resourceful employee in a work-from-home setting is key to your hireability during the interview process.

For accounting and finance professionals looking to grow their resume or diversify their industry experience, taking on temporary or interim assignments is a great option. Employers are always seeking accounting and finance talent to help their management navigate uncertainty, regain financial stability and forecast the future. According to the American Staffing Association, 30% of staffing companies are reporting gains of new assignments week-to-week — illustrating how companies are turning to temporary workers to handle these responsibilities.

Check out our latest temporary and permanent jobs nearest you.

5 Ways to Develop Your Ability to Adapt – and How to Interview for It

There’s no question which trait is most in-demand by employers in wake of COVID-19: adaptability. As companies and, more specifically, professionals, have had to make adjustments to where and how they work, this characteristic has been essential to continuing to do what we do.

Do you find it challenging to acclimate to new or sudden change? Are you looking to hire new employees that exhibit a willingness to embrace the unexpected? Here are a few ways to develop your ability to adapt — and identify the individuals who have proven that they can.

Developing Your Adaptability

1. Learn to Play Devil’s Advocate

It’s easy to hear a good idea and latch on immediately — quickly moving to the next steps in the development process. Instead, try to take on the role of thoughtful skeptic. Providing different viewpoints — even if you don’t completely agree or support them — can lead to new solutions that may prove more exciting and innovative than the original.

2. Change How You Respond

We often let negative feedback cloud our judgement. But accepting the bad with a little positive resolve can make all the difference. Most importantly: be willing to make mistakes. Write down various ways to solve or navigate around the issue and test, test, test. The simple act of jotting down ideas can be the key to unlocking your creativity, and furthermore, your ability to adapt.

3. Try to Fix a Problematic Process

Strengthen your adaptability muscle with some experimentation. For those who are uncomfortable with trial and error, identify a process or issue that could use improvement. Find something that isn’t urgent or too high-stakes, so you feel more freedom to play and less to perform.

Interviewing for Adaptability

1. Ask “What If” Questions

It’s undeniable: businesses face a lot of change. So, hiring managers should interview for candidates that are not only accepting of this fact, but welcome it. One tactic to identifying adaptability early on is to pose “what if” scenarios in the interview process. Hearing how they would approach the situation and how clear their vision is can give you some insight into how they handle change.

2. Look for an Exploratory Attitude

Gauge the professional’s aptitude for stepping outside of their comfort zone. Do they stick to their favorite restaurant? Or are they on the hunt for a new favorite restaurant every week? Those who are open to exploration in their personal lives tend to extend that to the workplace — helping to keep your company at the forefront of emerging technologies and methodologies.

Do you have any hiring needs or are looking for a new career opportunity? Contact our team today!

3 Productivity Tips to Get More From Your Workday

Burnout is a serious thing right now. Whether from video conferencing, remote work or any number of stressors this year has brought on, staying focused on your everyday tasks can be difficult.

We get it.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of productivity hacks that can help you get back on track — and closer to accomplishing your daily goals.

1. Wake up earlier.

Catching extra Zs in the morning may seem like a logical method to getting more out of your day. More rested, more productive, right? Well, those few minutes can actually be draining your overall effectiveness. Giving yourself an extra 10 or 15 minutes to focus on you — whether through meditation or to plan your day — can eliminate some of the stress the early morning rush can leave behind. And most importantly, sets you up for success.

2. Use the alarm system.

Do you ever get stuck on a single project — not realizing that you’ve spent hours circling the productivity drain? This scenario happens often, especially when burnout is an issue. But sometimes all we need is a little jolt to get moving. Creating a random alarm system on your phone is an aural signal to yourself to take a step back, evaluate your progress and start on something new, if necessary. Setting the final alarm a few minutes before the end of your workday can also help establish a clear break between your work and after-work life in the evening, allowing you to wrap up what needs to be done before calling it a day.

3. Write down your priorities.

Gone are the days of to-do lists for menial work — it’s all about framing your workday around a few key priorities. Jotting down one to three important goals you want to achieve each morning can help you remain motivated throughout the day, and help fend off those bouts of sluggishness by providing a sense of purpose. The physical process of writing down daily goals can also give you that much sought after thrill of accomplishment the act of crossing things off your list can generate.

Browse our blog for more productivity tips and job-seeker insights.

2020 Q3 Accounting and Finance Employment Report

Twenty-twenty has proven itself to be a historic year in many ways — and June’s jobs report was no different. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers added a record 4.8 million jobs last month as the national unemployment rate continued its steady decline to 11.1% from April’s 14.7%.

This is the fastest employment increase in history, with 27% of lost jobs returning within May and June. And the momentum translated to other areas, as well. Staffing Industry Analysts reports that temp jobs rose by 148, 900 in June, and job postings were also up 15% from the last week in May — illustrating a broader increase in economic activity.

2020 Q3 accounting and finance employment report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But as the country at large continues to navigate city and state mandates in response to the pandemic, the market’s cautious comeback requires both employers and talent to remain flexible and remote-ready in Q3.

CENTURY GROUP’S FORECAST

For Employers

In June, Business and Professional Services — the industry accounting and finance professionals are grouped — added 306,000 jobs. In fact, BLS reports of those gains, accounting and bookkeeping services added 18,000 positions last month. But as the hiring market ramps up, employers must continue to focus on the needs and ever-changing priorities of today’s professionals.

According to a recent survey by Haley Marketing Group, the pandemic has made flexibility and meaningful work even more valuable to employees. Rather than compensation, an engaging culture that prioritizes the health and happiness of its talent is critical to job satisfaction. To ensure this, companies with strong communication and transparency measures are more likely to create an environment that benefits everyone. Check out these key considerations for both employers and employees to promote a safe return to the workplace.

For Job Seekers

While the national employment rate hovers around 11.1%, that number for college-degreed workers was 6.9% in June. Credentialed and skilled accounting and finance professionals remain in-demand for employers — especially those with proven ability to successfully work both remotely and onsite.

And despite the circumstances, many employees are re-evaluating what makes an ideal career. Job seekers should seek partnership with a recruiting and staffing firm or expand their professional networks to find the best new opportunity. Now that remote work is becoming the norm, don’t be afraid to apply for work that meets your needs but is out of region. Taking on temporary assignments, which are also on the rise, can allow you to grow your skill set and professional experience.

To get hiring help or find your next role, contact our team.

Remembering Century Group Co-Founder, Don Yaeger

Century Group is saddened to announce the passing of one of its co-founders, Don Yaeger, early this month. Yaeger was instrumental in establishing the firm in Los Angeles 30 years ago — as a place where team members are encouraged to apply their individual strengths and experiences toward achieving results for our clients and candidates.

“Don was very good at uncovering the non-financial motivators, the key drivers, for career growth in a job change,” notes longtime colleague and Century Group CEO, Ron Proul. “Something our Century Group Concept embraces today as we match talent to clients’ needs.”

Yaeger began his career in New York City, applying his two master’s degrees in behavioral development and psycho-diagnostic testing to the evaluation of human motivation and potential. Part of his role required him to interview people to understand what makes them tick. He was soon asked to use this unique experience in assisting a major company identify and select a new vice president, ultimately sparking Yaeger’s love for the world of recruiting.

His first job in recruiting was with a firm specializing in the placement of CPAs in Los Angeles in the late 1970s. There, he began honing his unique approach — one that incorporated his educational background into the storytelling style that served him so well over the next 35 years as one of Southern California’s leading executive recruiters.

“Don cared and thought deeply about the chemistry fit of a client and candidate. He could look beyond the quality of a resume and tell you why this person would do well in that environment, for that manager, in that role,” says Dave Liebman, Century Group Director of Executive Search and former colleague of Yaeger. “Don always had candidates who he believed in so much that it was no surprise when he succeeded in placing them.”

In 1989, Yaeger reached out to former colleague, Harry Boxer, about launching a new executive recruiting firm, and the rest was history — Century Group was born. For the next 25 years, he was a top executive recruiter within the firm and a committed teacher of his craft to the dozens of recruiters — new and experienced — that had the privilege of learning from him.

His innate ability to connect with people was integral to his reputation as an original relationship builder. Yaeger believed in finding the right opportunity for each candidate, which remains a core value of the company and key to its continued success.

“Over the last few weeks, many of us have reflected fondly on Don’s personal impact within the firm. His exhaustive approach to understanding each person was something his candidates, clients and colleagues remember about him today, years after his retirement,” Proul says. “He was a good friend and a cornerstone of Century Group. May his memory be a blessing to everyone he knew.”

3 Ways to Build Your Network Virtually

Like most things in the last several months, in-person networking events and seminars have vanished from our social calendars. And in their place — well, not a whole lot.

Lucky for us, social distancing measures have reinvigorated our craving for human connection. And professionals are using this time to develop deeper working relationships and grow their nexuses, even if it is digitally. Don’t put your career development on pause, and use these three ways to successfully build your network virtually.

1. CREATE A GAME PLAN

Be intentional with your networking goals. What is it that you’d like to achieve with your new connections? A mentor relationship? Learn a new skill? These are all questions you should ask yourself before seeking new contacts, warm or cold. And remember: be genuine. People can instantly sense when an approach is coming from a self-serving place rather than a mutually beneficial one. Each new message or introduction is a seed that may or may not sprout — and that should be OK with you. But if you’re generous and can offer something valuable in return, people will want to buy into that.

2. TECHNOLOGY IS YOUR FRIEND

Be proactive with your networking efforts by asking to schedule virtual cups of coffee with new contacts. With stay-at-home orders and other isolation measures in place, people are more open to these type of interactions. Busy schedules have cleared and important meetings indefinitely postponed — take advantage of this unique time by developing these relationships now. Pro-tip: Don’t let the meetings be a one-time thing. Make sure to nurture your new relationships with follow-up video chats and continued conversations.

3. GET ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Just because in-person events are no longer an option, there are still various virtual opportunities to stay active in your professional community. LinkedIn is a great platform for finding topical events in your industry, especially with its unique Pages tool that enables users to drive awareness of their online events. Meetup is also a free, user-friendly online service that allows professionals to find the best, most relevant events for them. Embed yourself in the conversation and look out for ways to engage with people following the event. You never know where your next great connection will come from.

Are you looking to grow your career? Submit your resume to connect with our team of recruiters, or browse our blog for more career advice.

 

 

2020 Q2 Accounting and Finance Employment Report

Within the last several weeks, stay-at-home measures have shut down normal life in California and much of the United States. Most reports indicate a dramatic increase in layoffs that is both historic in size and speed. The pandemic has impacted nearly every facet of life as we know it — from the way we grocery shop to how we interact with one another. Schools, retail, offices and manufacturing plants have had to learn to work remote, while essential services in health care, grocery stores, distribution services and construction are seeing rapid increases in activity levels.

Overall, these developments point toward a sharp drop in GDP in Q2. According to Goldman Sachs, we can expect “declines in services consumption, manufacturing activity, and building investment to lower the level of GDP in April by nearly 10%, a drag that we expect to fade only gradually in later months.” The venerable investment banking firm is now forecasting quarter-on-quarter annualized growth rates that could hit -24% in Q2. That said, they’re projecting a rapid acceleration of the economy by as much as +12% in Q3 and +10% in Q4.

At the heart of these predictions is the general belief that prior to the impact of COVID-19, the economy was not in a recessionary phase of the business cycle. In fact, the growing consensus appears to be that economy was strong. And, assuming we don’t wait too long to restart, it will ramp back up over the remainder of 2020 and throughout 2021. Alan Beaulieu, lead Economist for International Trends Research, recently put this process into perspective: “The lights will come back on like the fluorescent lights on the factory floor… they won’t come on immediately … they’re going to flicker a bit and they’re going to come on in different parts of the factory … but they will come on. The same is true for the economy as a whole … it will come back, but certain parts of the economy will come back faster than others.”

On the employment front, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national unemployment rate climbed to 4.4% in March. This represents only the beginning of the effects of social distancing measures, with ITR forecasting an increase to 15% in April and May before starting a relatively speedy decline as the country comes back to work. The March numbers showed a total of 701,000 jobs were lost, with major declines in food services, retail trade and manufacturing. Still, after a decade of record growth and demand, it appears that degreed professionals and managers in the fields of accounting and finance have been largely spared to this point — likely the result of the extraordinarily tight labor market that preceded the crisis.

CENTURY GROUP’S FORECAST

For Employers

Finance and Accounting executives have been at the forefront of the rapid transformation in the way we work — transitioning entire departments to remote work over the course of days. The challenge: learning to manage teams of remote professionals and temporary associates. Early reports of successful transitions point toward the key role of communication — setting clear expectations, providing support, holding frequent team meetings via phone and video and building new tools for maintaining productivity and accountability.

We have remote-ready accounting and finance professionals available on a direct hire and temporary basis. Contact our team to learn how we’ve helped other clients with hiring in the new world of remote work.

For Job Seekers

Is it too obvious to say that the hiring landscape has shifted drastically within the past month? But the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Great companies and great teams are still built on having great people. That’s never more true than when you’re facing a crisis. We’ve been impressed at how quickly our clients have adapted to current conditions by moving to remote work arrangements. And we’ve seen the same adaptability in the people we represent. The only constant is change. Leading companies continue to build their teams; they continue to hire, execute interim roles and complete key projects in response to the challenges they’re facing. They need great people.

Keys to success in this new environment:

  • Be Remote Ready: Develop a remote work routine and work space.  Acquire and learn the necessary technology tools.
  • Video: Get comfortable video interviewing.  Practice.
  • Remote Networking: Let professionals in your network know you’re open to new opportunities, as well as to recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter.
  • Find a Partner: Build a relationship with a professional staffing and executive recruiting firm to gain access to a select group of hiring managers.

Submit your resume today to connect with one of our team members.

8 Productivity Tips for Working Remotely

Establishing a nine-to-five routine in the office comes with the territory. There’s the morning coffee, lunch at your desk or out with colleagues, maybe a few meetings in the afternoon and a quick look at tomorrow’s agenda before packing it up for the day. Wash, rinse, repeat.

But when working remotely, those well-set parameters go out the window — and that can include your productivity. We’ve rounded up eight productivity tips for working remotely, so your performance can return to business as usual.

1. Create a Designated Work Space

Our home typically functions as an escape from work —  a place to unwind and decompress after a hard day in the office. But you can still create a similar setup for yourself when the space must operate as both. Dedicate a specific room or surface as your at-home office. That way, your mindset can transition into business mode when working in that area more easily.

2. Plan Your Agenda in Advance

This best practice is just as useful at home as it is for your everyday work life. Organizing your desk in the morning can take up a lot of valuable time — save that activity for the end of the day. Remember: this plan is flexible and can change for urgent projects or tasks.

3. Structure Your Workday

The workday can sometimes blend into an unending fog without the boundaries established by in-person meetings and usual office fare. Actively structuring your day’s agenda with the use of your company calendar can help. Once you have your agenda in place (see previous tip), block out periods on your calendar to alert you when it’s time to switch tasks, so you can remain productive. Pro-tip: include stretch breaks or times throughout the day to step away from your computer throughout the day. Your mind and body will thank you.

4. Prepare Your Meals the Night Before

Another productivity hack that can transition to your remote work lifestyle, meal prepping the night before is a great way to develop a work-week routine that sticks. Sure, it may seem tempting to cook an elaborate, home-cooked breakfast or lunch with your kitchen a mere few feet away, but this can create some discord in your now well-structured workday. Remote working relationships require trust between you and your employer — don’t put that in jeopardy by performing non-work tasks outside of your allotted meal break.

5. Protect Your Time

That being said, many workers feel the need to work harder while working from home because those barriers between your office and home life are less defined. Don’t let burnout affect your productivity. Establishing in- and out-of-office hours with your fellow inhabitants, colleagues and managers are key.

6. Communicate Your Expectations 

A follow-up to the former tip, clear up any unnecessary miscommunication with your roommates, family and colleagues so everyone is on the same page. Voicing these expectations, such as establishing a work-only time range for each day or regular check-ins throughout the week, helps keep you and your team moving forward.

7. Get Comfortable with the Phone

We get it. In a time when text and email is the preferred communication method, jumping on a call is typically the last resort. Well, working remotely changes things. To resolve urgent issues, calling the person(s) directly can quickly address the concern, while sidestepping any reason for misinterpretation. Pro-tip: it’s always a good practice to quickly respond to messages, email, phone calls and voicemails in a timely manner.

8. Stay Connected to Your Colleagues

A great company culture usually has something to do with the people you work with. Even if in-person communication is no longer an option, make time to check-in with your teammates throughout the day or week to discuss non-work-related topics. Sharing stories and keeping the company morale afloat through technology can help you feel more connected.

For remote employment opportunities in your area, submit your resume today. Check back for more productivity tips for working remotely and more timely career advice.

Century Group Celebrates 30th Anniversary

This February, Century Group celebrates 30 years since first opening its doors on Century Boulevard in Los Angeles — launching a series of company-wide events to commemorate the anniversary year.

The staffing and recruiting firm has established a niche for itself for three decades, staying true to its singular focus of connecting top accounting and finance professionals with the companies that need them. Founders Harry Boxer and Don Yaeger envisioned Century Group as a recruiter’s recruiting firm. Working to create a collaborative space where team members share the same goals, and sometimes the same deals, to meet the needs of its clients and candidates.

“I believe one of our greatest successes is our ability to attract and retain top people in an industry that’s constantly changing,” says CEO, Ron Proul. “In the past nine years, we’ve seen nearly 2,000% growth in our professional staffing practice and 500% for executive search.”

That expansion has translated into a total of twelve practices in six offices in California and Denver, Colo., and the continued support of the community it serves. Century Group hosts special events geared toward financial professionals throughout the year, as well as publishes resources including surveys, CG Quarterly and its annual national Salary Guide.

Investing in its people with the same level of commitment remains central to Century Group’s methodology.

“It’s important that as we continue our geographic growth, we stay committed to our core values of promoting a strong producer culture and helping people — our clients, candidates, consultants and associates — succeed,” Proul explains.

“Without the continued loyalty of these key players, reaching this milestone wouldn’t have been possible.”

About Century Group:

Century Group is an award-winning recruiting and staffing firm that provides top-tier talent to start-up, mid-market and Global 1000 enterprises. Its specialized focus, extensive talent network and experience guarantees Century Group will identify, evaluate and deliver the right professional to you — fast.

Century Group is pleased to announce its anniversary year celebration, recognizing 30 years as a leader in the staffing and recruiting industry.

10 Best Practices for Handling Criticism at Work

Nobody’s perfect. And at this point in our lives, we’ve had to give and take our fair share of feedback.

But there is an art to its delivery and reception, especially at work. And developing effective ways to get your message across and handle criticism are key to keeping an open flow of communication between you and your coworkers, as well as ensuring the information lands. Whether you’re the messenger or recipient, here are 10 tips to help make the task less painful and more productive on both sides of the conversation.

How to Give Criticism

1. Think about timing:

Something as simple as taking the other person’s head space, schedule and workload into consideration can help make the delivery that more digestible on their end. Pro tip: Ask them if they have time for some feedback. Framing the meeting with this small cue can instantly prepare them for the criticism ahead.

2. Make it commonplace:

Feedback is an everyday part of working with others — treat it that way. Most people want to learn and grow in their roles, and constructive criticism is a key element to developing their expertise.

3. Be specific and use context:

Everyone enjoys a good story from time to time, but the dramatics don’t belong here. Put plainly: don’t amplify or, on the other side, downplay the impact of the person’s actions or work. Clearly explain what you noticed and its effects. If it was a major or minor issue, make sure to portray that accurately and then move on.

4. Pause: 

It’s important to make the conversation a discussion, allowing the other person to respond and react to your feedback. Put yourself in their shoes. Handling criticism at work isn’t always easy, and hearing their perspective may change how you originally saw the situation. It’s a good way to understand where they’re coming from before moving forward on a solution together.

5. Discuss next steps:

So, the person has some work to do. Now what? Take an active role in identifying the key takeaways from your conversation and the next best steps to address them. This shows that you’re invested in their success, and gives them actionable tools to implement.

How to Handle Criticism

1. Go in with an open mind: 

Check your ego at the door, and try to go into the meeting with an open mind. Listen. The intentions of the other person are usually genuine, and the critique is given as a way to help you improve.

2. Be mindful of your body language: 

This includes your physical cues, as well. Relaxing your posture and uncrossing your arms shows that you’re open to what the other person is saying instead of defensive.

3. Don’t take it personally: 

Sometimes handling criticism at work is a challenge because it feels like an attack on you as a person — your value. But by taking a step back and checking in with tips one and two, it’s easier to view the feedback from a different viewpoint. If the person delivering the message is acting aggressive, confrontational or unprofessional, be sure to bring it to the attention of HR or a manager.

4. Ask questions: 

It’s always better to clarify than assume, especially in these type of situations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure you understand exactly what the other person is saying, and you’re both on the same page. This also shows that you’re engaged and looking to learn from their critique.

5. Follow up:

Scheduling a quick follow-up meeting demonstrates that you’re taking their feedback seriously and are making an effort to improve. If you are unsure of how to address some of their voiced concerns, this is a great time to share your experiences and get their thoughts. It’s also a time to explain your rebuttals if you were unable to initially.

For more career advice and insights, browse our blog!