Steve Evans: Why Traditional Hiring Methods Fail | The Disruptors
Feb 4, 2025
auto_awesome
Steve Evans, co-founder of Accountests and an expert in psychometric testing, sheds light on the pitfalls of traditional hiring methods in the accounting field. He reveals how current assessment tools fail to evaluate candidates' technical skills effectively. The conversation dives into the importance of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking for accountants in today’s workplace. Evans discusses the need for tailored assessments that bridge personality traits and skills to cultivate leadership, emphasizing the transformative potential of innovative hiring practices.
Traditional hiring methods in accounting fail due to outdated assessments, necessitating the development of tailored evaluations for key skills.
Leadership in accounting now requires emotional intelligence and strategic thinking to foster a supportive environment and adapt to industry changes.
Deep dives
Inception of Account Test
The concept of Account Test originated from a realization that major accounting firms were struggling with hiring due to ineffective testing tools. Initial attempts to source existing assessments fell flat, with feedback highlighting their outdatedness and irrelevance to specific accounting skills. This led the founders to pursue the development of tailored assessments focused on pertinent qualifications for accountants and bookkeepers. Starting with localized tests based on New Zealand regulations, they quickly expanded to accommodate other countries including Australia, the UK, and eventually the US.
Importance of Personality Assessments
Account Test integrates personality assessments into the hiring process, reflecting a growing recognition of soft skills as significant indicators of success in the accounting field. The evaluations focus on traits such as ethics, conscientiousness, and adaptability in challenging situations, which can influence interpersonal relationships with clients and colleagues. By highlighting individual preferences, these assessments guide conversations during interviews, allowing for deeper discussions on how candidates' traits align with job expectations. Additionally, the tool aids in identifying areas for ongoing professional development after hiring.
Cultivating Leadership Skills
Leadership within the accounting industry increasingly demands a combination of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. The ability to connect emotionally with team members is crucial, as it fosters a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and retention. Furthermore, there is a notable shift towards training programs that enhance strategic thinking in individuals traditionally employed in operational roles. Future leaders must cultivate a balance between operational efficiency and strategic oversight to navigate the increasingly complex demands of the accounting landscape.
Navigating the Future of Accounting
The evolution of accounting is heavily influenced by the rise of AI, which automates many traditional compliance tasks, thereby altering the role of accountants. Despite advancements in technology, the human element—particularly emotional intelligence and relationship management—remains irreplaceable. As the industry moves toward advisory roles, the need for accountants who can engage meaningfully with clients becomes paramount. Forward-thinking firms are adapting to these changes through innovative hiring practices and developmental frameworks that emphasize both technical and emotional skills.
Redefine how you hire and develop top accounting talent.
The Disruptors
With Liz Farr
In 2012, Steve Evans’ friend Giles Pearson, a Big Four accountant in New Zealand, needed help. PwC kept making the same hiring mistakes because they had no way to assess a candidate’s technical accounting skills. Steve, an expert in psychometric testing, thought it might take half a day to scour the marketplace for appropriate tests but found nothing useful.
“They're all rubbish,” he recalls telling Giles. “They're out of date. They're not country-specific. They're not really accounting-specific. They're just math questions dressed up as an accounting test.”