Navigating Hybrid Work and Recruitment Opportunities for Young CPAs

“One thing that I love so much about this firm is that you've got the resources and the leadership to back you up when it comes to trying something new.” – Trey Meier 

The finer details of this episode:

• Current state of recruiting at Anders accounting firm
• Firm's growth and expansion beyond St. Louis
• Strategies for attracting entry-level and experienced professionals
• Importance of company culture and professional development opportunities
• Adaptability to remote work and creating a welcoming environment
• Networking and relationship-building initiatives for young professionals
• Differences in recruiting strategies for various candidate experience levels
• Emphasis on personal attention and treating employees as individuals
• Use of technology and innovative practices in recruitment
• Encouragement for candidates to actively engage and advocate for themselves during the hiring process

Episode resources:

• Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/
• Email us with questions or if you’d like to be a guest on the show: youngcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.com
• We’re hiring! Check out our open positions: https://www.summitcpa.net/career-opportunities
• Connect with Trey here: https://anderscpa.com/team-member/trey-r-meier/
• Check out Anders here: https://anderscpa.com

Timestamps:

Welcome to the Young CPA Success Show (00:00:00)

Introduction to the podcast and its purpose for young accounting professionals.

Introduction of Guests (00:00:23)

Joey welcomes Trey Meier from Anders Recruiting and discusses their long-awaited conversation.

Firm's Growth and Culture (00:01:06)

Trey shares insights on Anders' positive changes and culture during his five years with the firm.

Recruiting Strategy Overview (00:01:43)

Discussion on Anders' strategy to enhance its reputation and attract talent beyond St. Louis.

Expanding Recruitment Efforts (00:02:29)

Trey explains outreach to more universities and early engagement with students.

Experiential vs. Campus Recruitment (00:04:44)

Differentiating the experiential side of recruiting from university outreach efforts.

Recruiting Strategies for Different Audiences (00:06:01)

Trey discusses tailored approaches for recruiting entry-level and experienced professionals.

Networking Importance (00:07:03)

Highlighting the significance of networking for young professionals at Anders.

Selling Points for Anders (00:09:44)

Trey identifies the firm’s unique culture and personal attention as key recruiting advantages.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility (00:11:06)

Discussion on the firm's adaptation to flexible work environments and its benefits.

Personal Experience with Hybrid Work (00:12:45)

Joey shares a positive experience with Anders' hybrid work arrangements and technology.

Welcoming Environment at Anders (00:14:08)

Trey emphasizes the firm’s commitment to making all employees feel valued and welcome.

Adapting to Global Reach (00:15:11)

Exploration of how Anders is adjusting internal practices for a broader, remote workforce.

Recruiting Strategies and Brand Awareness (00:15:27)

Discussion on expanding Anders' brand recognition beyond St. Louis through marketing partnerships.

Adapting to Remote Work (00:15:59)

Exploration of maintaining firm culture and engagement with remote employees through internal events.

Learning and Pivoting (00:16:44)

Emphasis on continuous learning and adapting recruiting strategies based on what works and what doesn’t.

Family Feel at Anders (00:17:30)

Description of the supportive, family-like environment within the firm, fostering collaboration across teams.

Leadership Engagement (00:18:21)

Personal anecdote about feeling acknowledged by firm leadership, highlighting a unique company culture.

Advice for College Graduates (00:20:04)

Encouragement for college students to reach out and explore job opportunities actively.

Importance of Outreach (00:21:10)

Highlighting the necessity of direct communication with firms to understand their culture and opportunities.

Advocating for Yourself (00:24:02)

Discussion on the importance of candidates advocating for their needs during the job search process.

Interviewing the Company (00:25:03)

Encouragement for candidates to interview potential employers to ensure mutual fit.

Networking and Building Connections (00:27:02)

The significance of networking and maintaining relationships for future job opportunities.

Current Hiring Opportunities (00:28:38)

Overview of the firm's rapid growth and diverse hiring needs across multiple departments.

Engagement with Anders (00:30:00)

Encouragement for candidates to engage with the firm through social media and career pages for updates.

Introduction to Partner Stories (00:30:51)

Discussion on the success stories of new partners from non-traditional accounting backgrounds.

Opportunities in the Firm (00:31:53)

Emphasis on the vast opportunities available within the firm for various skill sets.

Referrals and Networking (00:31:56)

Importance of referrals and connecting with like-minded individuals for recruitment.

Personal Interests Outside Work (00:32:25)

Trey shares his hobbies, including sports and family activities outside of recruiting.

Sports Culture in St. Louis (00:33:30)

Conversation about St. Louis sports events and the firm’s connection to local sports.

Office Environment and Location (00:34:12)

Discussion on the firm’s modern office space and its proximity to sports venues.

Flexibility in Work Locations (00:35:03)

Overview of hybrid work options and the benefits of working from different office locations.

Engaging with Recruiters (00:36:15)

Encouragement for audience to connect with recruiters for networking and opportunities.

Contacting Trey (00:36:38)

Trey shares his availability and willingness to connect through various communication channels.

Closing Remarks (00:37:34)

Appreciation for Trey’s contributions to recruitment and the firm’s growth.