As a business grows, its finance department faces more complex challenges and responsibilities. Intricate cash flow management, long-term forecasting, or even a simple increase in transaction volume can lead to backlogs and staffing shortages.
There may not be enough local job seekers to fill these roles, or seasonal needs may require additional help. A finance staffing agency can connect you with highly qualified professionals to meet these demands.
This article will explore the details of finance staffing agencies, explaining when they are most helpful, the financial job roles they typically fill, and the qualities to consider when choosing a provider.
We’ve also curated a list of 10 top finance staffing companies known for their expertise, reputation, and ability to place high-quality talent in finance-related roles.
What Is a Finance Staffing Agency?
A finance staffing agency is an organization that connects businesses with professionals who have the skills and expertise required for finance-related positions.
While some staffing agencies may be dedicated exclusively to finance, others may have a broader focus but possess a strong track record in or a specialized division for finance staffing. These agencies can match temporary, contract, and sometimes permanent finance jobs with qualified candidates.
Though some finance outsourcing agencies may provide both staffing and recruitment services, the difference lies in the types of employment and the depth of the hiring process:
- Finance staffing agencies typically focus on short-term or contract-based placements. Their services often meet immediate staffing needs, such as filling temporary gaps due to employee leave, catering to seasonal workload increases, or handling specific projects requiring specialized finance skills.
- Finance recruitment agencies, on the other hand, are more frequently engaged to find candidates for permanent, long-term positions. They often conduct a comprehensive search involving headhunting and extensive vetting processes.
Some agencies offer a blended service, supporting companies with immediate staffing needs and longer-term, strategic finance recruitment.
When Should You Partner With a Staffing Agency To Find Finance Talent?
Partnering with a finance staffing agency can be a strategic move for businesses in several scenarios. Here are some instances in which such a partnership can be particularly beneficial:
Peak periods and project-based needs
If your business experiences seasonal peaks or you have special projects that require additional finance expertise, an agency can quickly provide professionals to handle the increased workload without disrupting your permanent staff’s productivity.
Temporary replacements
When dealing with temporary employee absences due to sickness, maternity leave, or sabbaticals, a staffing agency can help find suitable non-permanent replacements to maintain your finance operations smoothly.
Access to specialized skills
For projects requiring specialized finance knowledge, such as mergers and acquisitions or tax strategy, a staffing agency can connect you with professionals who have the specific expertise you need.
Navigating talent shortages
During financial talent shortages, a staffing agency with a robust professional network can help uncover and attract talent that may not be actively seeking new opportunities or visible in the job market.
It can also open access to other markets, like Latin America (LatAm), which has a large pool of remote finance professionals to help fill open job postings.
What Finance Roles Can You Hire When Partnering With a Finance Staffing Agency?
When you partner with a finance staffing agency, you can fill a wide array of roles within your organization. These include but are not limited to:
- Accountants and auditors
- Financial analysts
- Accounts payable/receivable specialists
- Controllers
- Payroll specialists
- Credit analysts
- Tax specialists
- Treasury analysts
- Risk and compliance officers
Partnering with finance staffing companies can give you access to professionals in all of these roles and more, often at multiple levels of seniority and experience.
Hiring this talent from outside of the US can be a cost-effective strategy. Many companies outsource finance functions to other countries with lower living costs, which translates into lower salary expectations.
For example, a highly qualified financial analyst in LatAm has an average annual salary of $24,000–$48,000, averaging 52% lower than their US-based counterparts.
Agencies in these regions can potentially match your financial staffing needs with skilled professionals at a more favorable cost structure while tapping into a broader talent pool.
What Qualities Should You Look for in a Finance Staffing Agency?
When selecting a finance staffing agency, you should look for certain characteristics that will ensure you choose a provider capable of finding you the best finance candidates. Here are some key qualities to look for:
Wide talent pool
The larger an agency’s talent pool, the more likely it will contain candidates who are suited to your open role. Furthermore, a global talent pool can give you access to talent that can offer more competitive rates due to lower living costs, as mentioned above.
Specialized expertise
A strong finance staffing agency will have a deep understanding of the finance industry and the specific roles you need to fill. Look for agencies with a track record of placing financial professionals and an awareness of business trends in your industry.
Excellent time to fill
The agency’s ability to find the right candidates quickly is crucial, particularly if positions need to be filled urgently. Evaluate its average time-to-fill metrics to ensure it can meet your timing requirements.
Flexibility and customization
Each business is unique, and staffing solutions should not be one size fits all. A good agency will offer flexible staffing solutions tailored to your specific business context and needs.
Robust screening and vetting process
Ensure the agency has a thorough vetting process to verify candidates’ credentials, financial experience, and fit for your organizational culture. Find out what job interview questions it asks finance professionals, and see if it accurately screens professionals to identify top talent.
What Are the Top 10 Companies To Consider To Find Finance Talent?
When it comes to sourcing top finance talent for your business, the right staffing agency can make all the difference. Below is our list of 10 highly recommended companies that provide finance staffing solutions.
Some specialize exclusively in finance staffing, while others offer a wide range of staffing and recruitment services across various industries. This list does not rank the companies in any particular order; instead, it highlights some of the most reputable firms in the industry for finding finance talent.
1. Near
That’s right, we’re up first. Near doesn’t only staff finance roles, but we do it well. We have a long track record of placing high-performing remote LatAm workers in finance positions, saving companies time and resources.
Many companies have taken advantage of our pool of more than 35,000 pre-screened candidates to successfully hire LatAm finance talent with Near, including Dura Software, Finalis, and Dry Line Partners LLC.
2. Robert Half
Robert Half is one of the most established and respected staffing firms in the finance and accounting sector. With decades of experience, the company has built a reputation for understanding the needs of both employers and job seekers.
Its proprietary matching technology and experienced consultants help ensure that businesses find ideal candidates who not only have the right skills and exceptional experience but also fit the company culture.
3. Randstad
Randstad USA’s finance and accounting division leverages the global reach and resources of its parent company to offer specialized finance staffing services. With a strong presence across the US, Randstad is well equipped to connect companies with skilled finance professionals for temporary, permanent, and temp-to-perm roles.
4. Kelly Services
Kelly has a deep specialization in the financial sector, allowing it to understand the nuances of finance-related job markets. The firm has a reputation for its personalized approach to staffing, catering to the unique needs of each client and ensuring the right fit for both employers and candidates.
5. Aston Carter
Aston Carter stands out for its commitment to delivering tailored solutions to clients and candidates in the fiercely competitive finance sector. It has an excellent reputation for placing high-quality professionals in roles that range from finance and risk management to governance and compliance.
6. SNI Financial
Specializing in placing accounting, tax, and finance professionals, SNI Financial has cultivated an extensive network of industry professionals. Its expert finance recruiters are adept at understanding the intricacies of the field of finance, helping it facilitate efficient and accurate placements.
7. PrideStaff Financial
PrideStaff Financial is recognized for its well-rounded recruitment approach. It not only evaluates candidates based on their skill set and experience but also considers their fit with a company’s work environment and corporate culture.
This agency’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with clients and candidates results in successful staffing solutions that benefit all parties involved.
8. Addison Group
Addison Group is known for its personalized staffing and recruitment process. It offers a broad spectrum of finance and accounting professionals for temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent placements.
With a national presence and a nuanced, innovative approach to candidate qualification, it can fill financial roles at all levels.
9. Beacon Hill Financial
Beacon Hill Financial, a division of Beacon Hill Staffing Group, specializes in finance and accounting staffing and offers highly skilled professionals for interim, contract, project-based, or direct-hire positions.
With deep expertise in the finance sector and a consultative approach to recruiting, it has a strong record of finding the right talent to meet the unique challenges of financial operations across various industries.
10. Creative Financial Staffing
Creative Financial Staffing (CFS) stands out due to its affiliation with some of the world’s largest CPA firms, which offers the agency an insider perspective on the qualifications and skills required by finance professionals.
The agency specializes in placing finance and accounting talent in roles that best fit their skill sets and career aspirations, as well as the needs of the hiring companies.
Final Thoughts
Every business has unique staffing requirements, and navigating the landscape of finance professionals can be complex. Partnering with the right agency can alleviate some pressure and ensure your organization remains agile in a competitive marketplace.
If you’re ready to find the right talent for your financial team, consider booking a free, no-commitment call with Near. Our experts can discuss your needs, offer insights into industry best practices, and help you hire finance professionals who can propel your business forward.
