In businesses of a certain size, it’s crucial to have someone to act as a buffer between the Chief Financial Officer or Controller and staff accountants. That someone is typically an Accounting Manager, and the position requires a unique mix of qualifications. Accounting Managers need to have in-depth knowledge of everything having to do with financial reporting, managing the work of other accountants and communicating with financial executives. Here’s an idea of what to look for when hiring an Accounting Manager.

For an organization to grow and continue to meet its goals, it needs a plan in place to identify and develop leaders. Many companies have programs in place for leadership development, but to properly identify leaders is perhaps even more important. It can also be more challenging. When companies identify leaders early in their careers, they have more opportunities to develop their skills. Good leaders are cultivated over a career, not in a period of one to two years, so it’s crucial to start early.

Skills Training for Accountants Who is your ideal accounting department job candidate?

Nobody wants to hire the wrong person. You’ll spend time and money on training and trying to help them fit into the organization. Often, that time and expense are wasted because the individual will leave your organization soon –voluntarily or otherwise – and you’ll be forced to find a replacement. And that’s not even the real impact of a hiring mistake. The Society for Human Resource Management suggests the cost of turnover can run as high as $150,000 for an accounting professional.