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Australia Addresses Accounting Skills Shortage: Key Roles Added to Core Skills Occupation List Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) has announced the inclusion of ten critical accounting, audit, and finance occupations on Australia’s newly released Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen described the achievement as the result of a year-long effort of advocacy and collaboration with stakeholders. “This update enables Australian businesses to access temporary skilled workers for accounting, audit, and finance roles that are currently in shortage and cannot be filled domestically,” said Ms. van Onselen. She also welcomed the streamlined migration system, noting that the CSOL simplifies the process by consolidating outdated and inflexible lists for temporary skilled visas. The change comes as surveys reveal a severe talent shortage. Earlier this year, CA ANZ polled nearly 450 members, with over 80% reporting that their vacancy fill rates for key accounting and finance roles were below 67%. A separate survey of the country’s six largest professional services firms highlighted hundreds of unfilled positions for external auditors, general accountants, and management accountants. Key roles included on the CSOL, as recommended by CA ANZ and CPA Australia, are: 1. Taxation Accountant 2. Accountant (General) 3. Management Accountant 4. External Auditor 5. Internal Auditor 6. Finance Manager 7. Financial Investment Adviser 8. Management Consultant 9. Cyber Security Specialist 10. ICT Business Analyst Ms. van Onselen extended her gratitude to government officials, including the Ministers for Home Affairs and Skills and Training, as well as CA ANZ members, whose participation in surveys provided critical evidence to support the initiative. Looking ahead, CA ANZ will work closely with the government on finalizing the details of the core skills pathway, including salary thresholds, to bolster Australia’s accounting, audit, and finance talent pool and support long-term economic sustainability. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gFDtFQZH #leadgroup #peoplefirst #accounting #recruitment #CSOL #ProfessionalServices #BigFour #Australia #Jobs

What if one small rule could transform a recruiter’s performance overnight? Micromanagement often gets a bad rap, but when done right, it can be a powerful tool for growth—even for senior recruiters. Discover how one simple rule led to record-breaking results and long-term success. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g_NhMS6k #PeopleFirst #LeadGroup #RecruitmentTips #LeadershipStrategy #RecruitmentAgency #CareerSuccess #PerformanceGrowth #Micromanagement

A seamless hiring journey isn’t just good business—it’s the key to attracting and keeping top talent. Let’s redefine candidate experience with these 5 proven steps! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gPPR7Kjq #PeopleFirst #LeadGroup #RecruitmentTips #CandidateExperience #HiringJourney #TalentMatters

There is an anticipated increase in demand for succession planning advice, driven by factors such as an aging business owner population and the need for business continuity strategies. Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are ill-prepared for succession, which presents opportunities for accountants to offer valuable guidance. Peter Bardos, a tax partner from HLB Mann Judd, suggests that succession planning is essential not only for ensuring business survival but also for maximizing its value during transition. The growing complexity of succession issues, including tax and legal considerations, is also contributing to the rising demand for professional advice. As a recruiter with significant experience in the Restructuring space, I am excited to collaborate with businesses and firms to address this rising demand. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gzd67JhH #LeadGroup #PeopleFirst #Recruitment #Accounting #Restructuring

BDO has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 300 partners, fueled by strategic hires and promotions. The firm continues to attract top talent, including several professionals from the Big 4, reflecting its growing reputation in the industry, according to chief executive partner Tony Schiffmann. The new additions include former KPMG partners Sohail Dossa and Luke Eason, who join as risk advisory services partners in Melbourne. Deloitte alumni Peter Horsman and Mark Harrington will bolster Adelaide's risk and infrastructure advisory teams. Additionally, Sam Pickard from mid-tier firm PKF joins as a business services partner in Brisbane. As the largest accounting firm outside the Big 4 in Australia, BDO remains part of the “next four” mid-tier firms alongside Grant Thornton, Pitcher Partners, and RSM. Last year, the firm achieved a milestone of over $500 million in local revenue, marking three consecutive years of growth. It also expanded its presence with a new Canberra consulting arm led by former PwC and Scyne Advisory partner Paul McDougall, alongside Ridhish Arora, previously with Deloitte and Sayers Group. Schiffmann highlighted the firm's commitment to fostering leadership, emphasizing, “Today’s announcement showcases the calibre of talent we develop and attract in a highly competitive market. Each individual has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovative thinking, and alignment with our values. Their leadership has inspired their teams and driven our collective success.” Schiffmann concluded by celebrating BDO’s culture, stating, “I am proud of the environment we’ve cultivated, which nurtures future leaders and ensures a strong foundation for the firm’s future success.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gAwKX2_P #leadgroup #peoplefirst #accounting #recruitment #BDO #ProfessionalServices #BigFour

Recruitment in 2025 is more than just hiring—it's about embracing the future of work. Are you prepared to lead the change or follow behind? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gpWvbgpi #PeopleFirst #LeadGroup #RecruitmentTrends #FutureOfWork #AIInHR #EmployerBranding #DEI #HybridWork #SkillsBasedHiring #HRInnovation

How to give a Job Reference🤝   Thinking about giving a job reference for a colleague? It's a big responsibility! When to say yes (and when to say no): Only agree to refer those you truly believe in and whose work you can confidently speak to. Decline gracefully if you can't provide a strong recommendation – your reputation is on the line. Preparing for the reference check: Understand your colleague's goals and key information: look at their LI profile and accomplishments. Refresh your memory on their contributions and how they excel in their work. Providing specific and impactful information: Share concrete examples of their achievements, such as successful projects, problem-solving skills, and positive contributions to the team. Quantify their accomplishments whenever possible (e.g., "increased sales by X%"). Maintaining professionalism and positivity: Focus on their strengths and avoid negativity or gossip. Be honest but diplomatic – if you have concerns, address them constructively. Giving a strong reference can significantly impact a colleague's career. Let's do it right!   #leadgroup #peoplefirst #jobsearch #references #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #LinkedIN

A major reset is needed in 2025 to avoid burnout.   The new year is the perfect time to take a step back to “…pause, reflect, and then design and redesign their practice.”   For many small accounting firms, working up to 70 hours a week has become the norm.    Many accountants start their own practices seeking more flexibility and a better work-life balance. However, they often end up working beyond traditional hours, taking on all client engagements themselves, running front and back office simultaneously, leading to overwork.   In an article in Accountants Daily, Amanda Gascoigne, a Business coach based in NSW, advised that accountants should be more strategic and commercial by analysing their client base using both quantitative factors (like fee structures) and qualitative elements (such as client behaviour). This would allow them to make informed changes with clear business justifications. Gascoigne also recommended that practice owners consistently monitor and assess their own metrics and performance indicators to avoid the large scale burnout.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g3UmdXa6   #LeadGroup #PeopleFirst #ProfessionalServices #Accounting #2025

Your words matter more than you think. Speak to attract the right clients, and watch your results soar. 🌟 Ready to build lasting partnerships? Let’s rewrite the script. ✍️ Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gcfgBaAB #LeadGroup #PeopleFirst #RecruitmentSuccess #ClientRelationships #RecruiterTips

Accounting Hiring Trends to Watch in 2025! The accounting industry is expected to see a rise in hiring this year as companies focus on upskilling and rebuilding middle management teams. Many firms that had previously reduced these roles are now recognizing the need to re-establish them due to the challenges of operating with lean teams. This shift aims to balance organizational costs while boosting productivity.   Recent research indicates that 34% of firms plan to hire permanent finance professionals, while 33% are increasing their use of contractors in 2025. After a hiring slowdown during 2023 and early 2024, recruitment activity in the accounting sector is picking up, driven by demand for skills in planning, analysis, financial reporting, and compliance with new climate regulations.   To attract and retain top talent, firms are addressing key employee expectations, including competitive salaries, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for career development. Lean team structures in recent years have also led to burnout, prompting companies to prioritize expanding their workforce, offering pay increases, and conducting more thorough performance reviews in 2025. #leadgroup #peoplefirst #recruitment #ProfessionalServices #BigFour #trends #accounting #accountingtrends #Hiring #2025