Being a mid-level financial manager looking for work in this market is still tough. It has been for a while. When we have heart to heart discussions with these capable people, we hear many complaints. Here are some of them.
Complaints about Companies:
Companies are low-balling: Candidates feel that companies are taking advantage, and paying less for positions that should have a higher salary. One candidate we spoke with believes that companies are offering salaries that are 15-20% less then they feel they should be paid for the level of work required. Job seekers are frustrated with this price differential.
“I would rather work with an external recruiter”: Some candidates have told us that they would prefer to work with a recruiter they trust, rather than work directly with the hiring company. They feel they get more complete and reliable information in the search from an external recruiter.
Companies are taking too long to make a decision: During the height of the recession this was the most difficult issue with companies that were looking to hire. Now that we are passed those lows and on the way to recovery, companies are still taking too long to make decisions. Not only does time make it more difficult for companies to hire the best people (because the best candidates will not wait for them), companies are not helping their market reputation.
Getting stuck in HR Hell: The job-seeker hears about a job that sounds ideal for them. They send their resume in, because that is what they believe they are supposed to do. And then they wait. And wait. They wait for whoever is in charge of the company resume inbox to actually read their resume, understand what they do, and put them to the top of the pile. Good luck – you have now entered HR Hell. Most of the time, the person clearing the inbox and doing the initial assessment has no real clue as to what to look for in the resume. At best, they are working off a key word list.
Complaints about Recruiters:
Job seekers are not only frustrated with companies; they are frustrated with some recruiters too. Job seekers we have spoken with generally like recruiters, but not all of them. Here are some of their complaints.
Recruiters that don’t understand what I do: “When I have to explain what I do to a recruiter who doesn’t understand what I do, how can I be sure that she is representing me properly to the company?”
Recruiters that blast me: “I can’t stand when a recruiter presents me to a company that I did not give them permission to do so.”
Recruiters that don’t understand my market: “When I see area code XXX on my call display, I cringe. Those [Unnamed Large City] recruiters are the worst. They don’t have a clue about the market I live in.”
Recruiters that call me for roles that I said I wasn’t interested in: “I told the recruiter I was not interested in an internal audit position. Why do they keep calling me about internal audit roles?”
On the positive side, most of the job seekers we spoke with said that their complaints about recruiters are limited to a small number of them. Most recruiters, they feel, are reputable and provide quality service.
When I asked one job seeker whether he dealt with recruiters he would prefer not to deal with, he said: “I’m actively looking for a job. If a recruiter I don’t like to work with has a job opportunity for me, how can I pass up working with them? I need a job. I just hold my nose.”
Showing posts with label CPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CPA. Show all posts
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Accountants are made, not born. (Or, How to become an Accountant.)
The challenge to someone who has made a career decision to become an accountant is: How do I become one?
A critical area of importance in becoming an accountant is education. Choosing the right university degree and right accounting designation is not an easy process.
Once you have decided the educational path to take, it is important to consider what career path to take. The most difficult question for someone starting their career is: How do I get my first job?
This question is difficult to answer, because most companies looking to hire want someone who can do the job and not have to be trained. So where does this leave the first time job seeker?
Another point to keep in mind – there is no better time than now to start building your career network. As you begin your transition from university or college to your career, it is very important to start using LinkedIn. Facebook is great for college life, but has limits in its value in your future career life. (Read our blog post: Is Facebook a Career Killer?) The earlier you get your 'friends' into a career focused networking tool like LinkedIn, the more opportunity you will have to add value to your future career and future employers. In the business world, who you know is as important as what you know. You will want to have your network you have developed at school work for you in your career.
So, how did you get your first accounting career opportunity?
A critical area of importance in becoming an accountant is education. Choosing the right university degree and right accounting designation is not an easy process.
Once you have decided the educational path to take, it is important to consider what career path to take. The most difficult question for someone starting their career is: How do I get my first job?
This question is difficult to answer, because most companies looking to hire want someone who can do the job and not have to be trained. So where does this leave the first time job seeker?
Co-Op Programs: The best way to get your first job is to have already had some experience. Co-op programs at universities are an excellent way to get that critical first job experience.
Clerical Office Work: Another way is to find an office clerical summer job. Accounting is more than just office work, but it is office work. Getting a summer job where you will help out with clerical tasks in an office can give you a feel for some of the key components of work life in an office. If you've graduated school and have never worked in an office environment, do you really know what you're getting yourself into? An Office is certainly a very different place then Campus.
Volunteer: Volunteering to do accounting tasks for a non-profit is an excellent way to get a leg up on starting your career. Many non-profits in your town have limited funds to pay for salaries, but do have many accounting tasks that need to get done. It can be a great way to learn the job of accountant.
Who you know: Don't forget calling on family and friends. Someone you know (or someone that knows someone you know) runs a small business. It could even be a home based business. Offer to help an entrepreneur with their accounting (for a small fee) - they will be very grateful for the help and you can learn about accounting for a business.
Another point to keep in mind – there is no better time than now to start building your career network. As you begin your transition from university or college to your career, it is very important to start using LinkedIn. Facebook is great for college life, but has limits in its value in your future career life. (Read our blog post: Is Facebook a Career Killer?) The earlier you get your 'friends' into a career focused networking tool like LinkedIn, the more opportunity you will have to add value to your future career and future employers. In the business world, who you know is as important as what you know. You will want to have your network you have developed at school work for you in your career.
So, how did you get your first accounting career opportunity?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending January 7, 2011
Companies with CFOs on the Move this week: Oceanic Iron Ore Corp., Terreno Resources Corp., NuLegacy Gold Corporation, Unique Broadband Systems, Inc., Sonoro Energy Ltd., Viper Gold Ltd., Bank of Montreal, Logan Resources Ltd., Melcor Developments Ltd., Sahara Energy Ltd., LMS Medical Systems Inc., North Atlantic Resources Ltd., Symax Lift (Holding) Co. Ltd., Quest Rare Minerals Ltd.
Oceanic Iron Ore Corp. (TSX-V: FEO) announced the appointment of Irfan Shariff as Chief Financial Officer and corporate secretary of the Company, replacing Gordon Keep who was interim CFO, but reamins a director of the company. Mr. Shariff has previously worked as a consultant to a number of junior resource companies based in Vancouver.
Terreno Resources Corp. (TSX-V: TNO) announced the appointment of Gerry Feldman as Chief Financial Officer of Terreno, replacing Jon Lever who remains on the Board of Directors. Mr. Feldman is currently Chief Financial Officer of Pinetree Capital Ltd. as well as several other publicly traded companies. Mr. Feldman also served and continues to serve as a director of other public and private companies.
NuLegacy Gold Corporation (TSX-V: NUG) announced the appointment of Adrian Rothwell to the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing James Beairsto who recently retired. Mr. Rothwell brings NuLegacy Gold a broad experience in accounting, finance, regulatory matters and corporate finance, and has served as the Chief Financial Officer for a number of venture mining exploration and development companies.
Unique Broadband Systems, Inc. (TSX-V: UBS) announced that Malcolm Buxton-Forman has left the Company as Chief Financial Officer. C. Fraser Elliott has been appointed Chief Financial Officer to replace Mr. Buxton-Forman. Since 1987, Mr. Elliott has been the President of CFE Financial Inc., a private investment banking company. In addition, from January 1, 2005, Mr. Elliott was Chief Financial Officer of Tangarine Payment Solutions Corp. Mr. Elliott was involved in both the listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2005 and the subsequent successful sale of the business in 2009. Mr. Elliott is also the Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Gowest Amalgamated Resources Ltd. and a director of Sylogist Inc., which companies are both listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Sonoro Energy Ltd. (TSX-V: SNV) announced the appointment of Lance Mierendorf to the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Brian Farrell who has served as interim CFO of the Company. Mr. Farrell will continue as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Most recently Mr. Mierendorf has held the position of Corporate Controller with Buried Hill Energy, a privately held corporation involved in oil and gas activities in Turkmenistan and The Gambia. Prior to this, Mr. Mierendorf was the Middle East Regional Finance Manager for Anadarko Petroleum Corp., overseeing activities in Qatar and Oman. Previously, Mr. Mierendorf held senior finance and management positions with Gulfstream Resources Ltd. in Cyprus, Bonus Resources Services Corp. in Canada and Ivanhoe Energy Ltd. in Siberia, Russia.
Viper Gold Ltd. (TSX-V: VPR) announced that Joseph Del Campo has been appointed interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Gregory Jerome. Mr. Del Campo has over 30 years of management and accounting experience in the natural resources sector and has been a Director of Viper Gold since August 17, 2010. Mr. Jerome has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer of Viper Gold, a position he has held since February, 2008. Mr. Jerome will continue to work with Mr. Del Campo during the transition period and will remain as a member of the board of directors of the Company.
Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO, NYSE: BMO) announced the appointment of Tom Flynn as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Russ Robertson, effective March 23, 2011. Previously, Mr. Flynn was Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, where he further strengthened BMO's risk function and the management of risk across the organization and provided exemplary leadership while navigating through an historic market environment, a changing economy and regulatory context, and shifting capital requirements. Mr. Flynn joined BMO in 1992 and has served in a number of senior roles. Mr. Flynn continues to report to the President and CEO.
Logan Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: LGR) announced the resignation of Peter F. Cummings as CFO and director, effective December 29, 2010. With the departure of Mr. Cummings, the Company has appointed Anna Ladd to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ladd is an experienced financial professional with a wide array of experience in the mining industry and most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer of Sulliden Gold Corporation and Crowflight Minerals Inc. She has also held senior positions with various mining companies including Kinross Gold Corporation and has also worked in Thompson and Sudbury operations for Vale Inco.
Melcor Developments Ltd. (TSX: MRD) announced the appointment of Jonathan Chia as CFO and VP Finance. Jonathan joins Melcor after serving as Corporate Controller and then CFO of an Edmonton-based public company with global operations.
Sahara Energy Ltd. (TSX-V: SAH) announced the appointment of Qiping Men as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), replacing Doug James. Mr. Men is a well rounded managerial accountant with over 20 years experience in a wide range of industries and public accounting firms and nine years experience as an engineering manager in a manufacturing company. Mr. Men has a solid accounting experience in public accounting firms and has provided accounting services to private and public oil and gas companies and other businesses.
LMS Medical Systems Inc. (TSX: LMZ) announced that it has accepted Yves Grou's resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company. However, Mr. Yves Grou shall remain a Director of the Company. Cameron R. Prange has been duly appointed CEO and CFO of the Company effective January 1, 2011.
North Atlantic Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: NAC) announced the appointment of Kyle Appleby as North Atlantic's Chief Financial Officer, replacing Roderick Chisholm who has resigned. Since 2007 Mr. Appleby has been providing financial, accounting, compliance and other corporate services to companies in diverse industries including junior mining, manufacturing and distribution, technology and nutraceutical products. Prior to 2007 he spent over 8 years in public practice providing assurance services to Canadian companies, with a focus on investment funds. Mr. Appleby is currently also the Chief Financial Officer for Renforth Resources Inc., Takara Resources Ltd and Xylitol Canada Inc.
Symax Lift (Holding) Co. Ltd. (TSX-V: SYL), announced that Xiao Qin (Mary) Ma, the current Corporate Secretary and a Director of Symax, has been appointed as the Company's Interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Ian Fodie who has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: QRM) announced the appointment of Mark Schneiderman as Chief Financial Officer of Quest, replacing Ronald Kay who will continue to act as a Director. Mr. Schneiderman has been Quest's Treasurer since its incorporation. Mr. Schneiderman was recently the Chief Financial Officer of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. prior to its acquisition by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc in 2010 and has been involved with Freewest since 1996.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Oceanic Iron Ore Corp. (TSX-V: FEO) announced the appointment of Irfan Shariff as Chief Financial Officer and corporate secretary of the Company, replacing Gordon Keep who was interim CFO, but reamins a director of the company. Mr. Shariff has previously worked as a consultant to a number of junior resource companies based in Vancouver.
Terreno Resources Corp. (TSX-V: TNO) announced the appointment of Gerry Feldman as Chief Financial Officer of Terreno, replacing Jon Lever who remains on the Board of Directors. Mr. Feldman is currently Chief Financial Officer of Pinetree Capital Ltd. as well as several other publicly traded companies. Mr. Feldman also served and continues to serve as a director of other public and private companies.
NuLegacy Gold Corporation (TSX-V: NUG) announced the appointment of Adrian Rothwell to the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing James Beairsto who recently retired. Mr. Rothwell brings NuLegacy Gold a broad experience in accounting, finance, regulatory matters and corporate finance, and has served as the Chief Financial Officer for a number of venture mining exploration and development companies.
Unique Broadband Systems, Inc. (TSX-V: UBS) announced that Malcolm Buxton-Forman has left the Company as Chief Financial Officer. C. Fraser Elliott has been appointed Chief Financial Officer to replace Mr. Buxton-Forman. Since 1987, Mr. Elliott has been the President of CFE Financial Inc., a private investment banking company. In addition, from January 1, 2005, Mr. Elliott was Chief Financial Officer of Tangarine Payment Solutions Corp. Mr. Elliott was involved in both the listing on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2005 and the subsequent successful sale of the business in 2009. Mr. Elliott is also the Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Gowest Amalgamated Resources Ltd. and a director of Sylogist Inc., which companies are both listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.
Sonoro Energy Ltd. (TSX-V: SNV) announced the appointment of Lance Mierendorf to the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Brian Farrell who has served as interim CFO of the Company. Mr. Farrell will continue as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Most recently Mr. Mierendorf has held the position of Corporate Controller with Buried Hill Energy, a privately held corporation involved in oil and gas activities in Turkmenistan and The Gambia. Prior to this, Mr. Mierendorf was the Middle East Regional Finance Manager for Anadarko Petroleum Corp., overseeing activities in Qatar and Oman. Previously, Mr. Mierendorf held senior finance and management positions with Gulfstream Resources Ltd. in Cyprus, Bonus Resources Services Corp. in Canada and Ivanhoe Energy Ltd. in Siberia, Russia.
Viper Gold Ltd. (TSX-V: VPR) announced that Joseph Del Campo has been appointed interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Gregory Jerome. Mr. Del Campo has over 30 years of management and accounting experience in the natural resources sector and has been a Director of Viper Gold since August 17, 2010. Mr. Jerome has stepped down as Chief Financial Officer of Viper Gold, a position he has held since February, 2008. Mr. Jerome will continue to work with Mr. Del Campo during the transition period and will remain as a member of the board of directors of the Company.
Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO, NYSE: BMO) announced the appointment of Tom Flynn as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Russ Robertson, effective March 23, 2011. Previously, Mr. Flynn was Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer, where he further strengthened BMO's risk function and the management of risk across the organization and provided exemplary leadership while navigating through an historic market environment, a changing economy and regulatory context, and shifting capital requirements. Mr. Flynn joined BMO in 1992 and has served in a number of senior roles. Mr. Flynn continues to report to the President and CEO.
Logan Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: LGR) announced the resignation of Peter F. Cummings as CFO and director, effective December 29, 2010. With the departure of Mr. Cummings, the Company has appointed Anna Ladd to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ladd is an experienced financial professional with a wide array of experience in the mining industry and most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer of Sulliden Gold Corporation and Crowflight Minerals Inc. She has also held senior positions with various mining companies including Kinross Gold Corporation and has also worked in Thompson and Sudbury operations for Vale Inco.
Melcor Developments Ltd. (TSX: MRD) announced the appointment of Jonathan Chia as CFO and VP Finance. Jonathan joins Melcor after serving as Corporate Controller and then CFO of an Edmonton-based public company with global operations.
Sahara Energy Ltd. (TSX-V: SAH) announced the appointment of Qiping Men as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), replacing Doug James. Mr. Men is a well rounded managerial accountant with over 20 years experience in a wide range of industries and public accounting firms and nine years experience as an engineering manager in a manufacturing company. Mr. Men has a solid accounting experience in public accounting firms and has provided accounting services to private and public oil and gas companies and other businesses.
LMS Medical Systems Inc. (TSX: LMZ) announced that it has accepted Yves Grou's resignation as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company. However, Mr. Yves Grou shall remain a Director of the Company. Cameron R. Prange has been duly appointed CEO and CFO of the Company effective January 1, 2011.
North Atlantic Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: NAC) announced the appointment of Kyle Appleby as North Atlantic's Chief Financial Officer, replacing Roderick Chisholm who has resigned. Since 2007 Mr. Appleby has been providing financial, accounting, compliance and other corporate services to companies in diverse industries including junior mining, manufacturing and distribution, technology and nutraceutical products. Prior to 2007 he spent over 8 years in public practice providing assurance services to Canadian companies, with a focus on investment funds. Mr. Appleby is currently also the Chief Financial Officer for Renforth Resources Inc., Takara Resources Ltd and Xylitol Canada Inc.
Symax Lift (Holding) Co. Ltd. (TSX-V: SYL), announced that Xiao Qin (Mary) Ma, the current Corporate Secretary and a Director of Symax, has been appointed as the Company's Interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Ian Fodie who has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: QRM) announced the appointment of Mark Schneiderman as Chief Financial Officer of Quest, replacing Ronald Kay who will continue to act as a Director. Mr. Schneiderman has been Quest's Treasurer since its incorporation. Mr. Schneiderman was recently the Chief Financial Officer of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. prior to its acquisition by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc in 2010 and has been involved with Freewest since 1996.
If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Social Media Accountants
The Accounting Profession is going through an evolution, and maybe even a revolution. This Group is for you if you are a Social Media Accounting (R)evolutionary.
Social Media tools are changing how Accounting Professionals learn and communicate with their clients, employers, the general public and their fellow professionals.
I believe there is value in having a forum for Accountants to discuss the W5s of Social Media and how it affects them. This has led me to create a new LinkedIn Group call Social Media Accountants.
If you believe that there is value in having a forum for this topic, please join and participate in the group, and ask others that are social media active to do the same.
I’m looking forward to your participation.
Social Media tools are changing how Accounting Professionals learn and communicate with their clients, employers, the general public and their fellow professionals.
I believe there is value in having a forum for Accountants to discuss the W5s of Social Media and how it affects them. This has led me to create a new LinkedIn Group call Social Media Accountants.
If you believe that there is value in having a forum for this topic, please join and participate in the group, and ask others that are social media active to do the same.
I’m looking forward to your participation.
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