Our secret recipe for finding top finance talent

As a business leader, is this something you constantly ask yourself? 

In the dynamic world of Finance, whether it be shifting markets or changing regulations, the challenge of dealing with change and having the right people in the right seats at all times is sometimes your biggest battle...the War for Talent never left and the War for Retention -- keeping your A players motivated and committed to staying with the business -- is a further challenge.

In an already competitive market, the demand for senior-level talent is set to intensify through simple economics, with supply and demand continuing to dictate the availability of talent, meaning salary levels between middle and senior managers will begin to narrow.

With 64% of businesses in Northern Ireland believing they will grow in 2024, according to BDO and NI Chamber of Commerce, recruitment is a priority, especially considering that 79% of organisations are experiencing difficulties hiring the talent that they need. 

Remuneration, and competitive remuneration particularly, is the number one priority for top-tier talent. But when it comes to Senior Finance talent, competitive remuneration is just one of many priorities. Beyond compensation, finance professionals consider the whole value proposition. They are looking for employers who can offer hybrid working, enhanced benefits packages, and health and wellbeing programmes. 

The micro and macro environment for many organisations continues to shift, so it’s no surprise that there is additional pressure on those organisations with skills gaps. The Open University reports that Accountants are the number one role and skillset missing from organisations in Northern Ireland. The question is, how do you solve this talent dilemma?

A working relationship with a strategic recruitment partner like MCS Group is a crucial factor in helping you identify and recruit the talent you need. Having spent the past 15 years placing Senior finance talent across the UK and Ireland, we understand the nuances and complexities of today’s candidate-driven talent market. 

As experts in Accountancy and Finance recruitment, here’s how we can help make your recruitment faster, easier, and more effective:

• Access to specialist talent pools – In a profession full of specialist skills and experience requirements, candidates with specialist talents want to speak to an expert who understands their role. At MCS Group, our consultants are specialists in their fields. We specialise in sourcing top talent, and each of our Specialist Recruitment Consultants knows what it means to develop and control operating profit, develop and maintain Finance systems, and the responsibility involved in signing off each year’s Accounts. Our team also has extensive networks, deep industry knowledge, and access to the talent pools and skills that you need.
• Industry insights and market knowledge – We understand the evolving demands of the Accountancy profession and can provide you with invaluable insights into talent availability, competitor landscape, and hiring best practices. From Finance Directors to Financial Controllers and Head of FP&A, our experience and in-depth knowledge of market trends, salary benchmarks, and industry dynamics will enable you to make informed decisions that guarantee success. We can also offer guidance on talent retention strategies to help you build high-performing teams that drive innovation and success.
• Speed and efficiency – Searching for Senior Finance talent can be time-consuming and can involve searching across geographies and industries. When you work with us, we can take the weight off you, freeing you up to focus on other things. Traditional recruitment processes involving job postings, CV screening, and interviews can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. We can streamline your hiring process by utilising our expertise in candidate sourcing, screening, and assessment, all powered by best-in-class recruitment technology. This ensures you stay one step ahead of the competition.
• Reduced risk - Making the wrong hire at the senior level can have disastrous consequences for an organisation, both financially and culturally. In every project we undertake, we use rigorous screening and assessment processes to help you find talent that is not only qualified but is also aligned with your values and objectives.
• Creating and building your employer brand – With Gartner suggesting those that deliver on their EVP decrease employee turnover by 70% and increase loyalty of new hires by 30%, it’s essential to recruit in line with your brand. We should know, as we’re experts in Recruitment Branding. From telling your story to optimising the candidate experience, we can help you communicate your employer brand and make you stand out in the “war for talent”.

To find out more about how we can help you attract top talent, promote your employer brand proposition and build high-performing teams, reach out to Adam Macklin, Head of Accountancy. You can email him at a.macklin@mcsgroup.jobs or call him at 02890235456 to find out how we can transform your Recruitment and Retention Strategy.