Did you just lose a key staff member?
Sudden staff departures can feel like a crisis, especially when deadlines are looming. In the latest Accounting Talent Podcast, Jeff Phillips and Rob Brown tackle this pressing issue with a practical, step-by-step guide to help your firm navigate the next 30 days and secure a suitable replacement quickly.
Drawing on years of experience in the job board and staffing industries, Phillips shares how to turn setbacks like these into opportunities. Their discussion offers a clear action plan, from conducting exit interviews to leveraging remote work to expand your talent pool.
Here’s how your firm can take immediate action.
Action Plan for Sudden Departures
Phase 1: Take the Opportunity to Get Better
- Conduct an Exit Interview
- Use the exit interview to uncover internal issues that may have contributed to the departure. This is an opportunity to gather feedback on your firm’s culture and work environment.
- Reassess Your Organizational Chart
- Evaluate whether this departure creates an opportunity to “topgrade” by hiring up the org chart or improving the role.
- Consider adjustments to the position that could address larger challenges within your firm.
Phase 2: Write a (Good) Job Description
- Sell the Opportunity
- Highlight why your firm is an excellent place to work. Craft a description that showcases your values and the perks of joining your team.
- Define Expectations
- Focus on the results the role demands—why does this position exist, and what success looks like.
Phase 3: Promote the Job Description (Effectively)
- Employee Referrals
- Share the job description with your team and offer a monetary bonus for successful referrals.
- Leverage Networks
- Use job boards and recruiters like Accountingfly in addition to posting to your personal and professional networks.
- Expand Your Reach
- Tap into former employees or remote candidates to widen the talent pool.
Your Next Step
If you’re ready to stop turnover from holding your firm back, we’re here to help. At Accountingfly, we specialize in helping accounting firms attract and engage top talent.
Don’t let turnover derail your growth. Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube to learn more about these strategies for building a stronger team—and reach out to us when you’re ready to take your hiring to the next level.
Stay connected!
Follow Rob Brown and Jeff Phillips on the Accounting Talent Podcast for the latest insights and discussions on solving recruitment and retention issues in accounting.
