Exploring Remote Staffing Jobs
Did you know that 27.6 million people in the USA worked primarily from home in 2021? That's a staggering increase from the 9 million who did so in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we work. Remote work is not just a temporary trend, but a lasting shift that offers many benefits for both employers and employees. In fact, 66% of U.S. employees work remotely, at least part-time, and 68% of Americans would prefer to be fully remote.
If you are an accounting or finance firm looking to hire professionals, you might want to consider exploring remote staffing jobs as an option. Remote staffing jobs are positions that can be performed from anywhere in the world, as long as the worker has access to a reliable internet connection and the necessary tools and software. Remote staffing jobs can help you save costs, access a larger talent pool, increase productivity, and improve employee satisfaction and retention.
In this article, we will explain what remote staffing jobs are, how they work, what are the advantages and challenges of hiring remote workers, and how to find the best candidates for your remote staffing needs.
What are remote staffing jobs?
Remote staffing jobs are jobs that do not require the worker to be physically present at a specific location or office. Instead, the worker can perform their tasks from anywhere they choose, such as their home, a coworking space, a coffee shop, or even another country. Remote staffing jobs can be full-time, part-time, contract-based, or project-based, depending on the needs and preferences of both the employer and the employee.
Some examples of remote staffing jobs in accounting and finance are:
- Bookkeeper
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial analyst
- Tax preparer
- Payroll Specialist
- Budget manager
- Controller
- CFO
How do remote staffing jobs work?
Remote staffing jobs work by using technology to communicate and collaborate with the employer and other team members. Remote workers typically use tools such as email, phone, video conferencing, instant messaging, cloud-based software, and project management platforms to stay connected and productive. Remote workers also need to have a dedicated workspace, a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop, and any other equipment or software required for their job.
Remote workers usually have more flexibility and autonomy over their schedule and work environment than on-site workers. However, they also need to follow certain guidelines and expectations set by the employer, such as:
- Working hours: Remote workers may have fixed or flexible working hours, depending on the nature of their job and the time zone difference with their employer and team. Remote workers should communicate their availability and track their time accurately.
- Communication: Remote workers should communicate regularly and effectively with their employer and team members, using the preferred channels and tools. Remote workers should also provide updates on their progress and status of their tasks.
- Performance: Remote workers should deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds the expectations of their employer and clients. Remote workers should also seek feedback and improvement opportunities.
- Security: Remote workers should ensure that they protect the confidentiality and integrity of their employer's and clients' data and information. Remote workers should use secure passwords, encryption, antivirus software, VPNs, and backups.
What are the advantages of hiring remote workers?
Hiring remote workers can offer many advantages for accounting and finance firms, such as:
Cost savings
Hiring remote workers can help you reduce overhead costs such as office space, utilities, equipment, travel expenses, and taxes. You can also save on recruitment costs by accessing a larger pool of candidates without geographical limitations.
Talent access
Hiring remote workers can help you find the best talent for your needs, regardless of where they live. You can also diversify your workforce by hiring people from different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
Productivity
Hiring remote workers can help you increase productivity by allowing them to work in their preferred environment, without distractions or interruptions. You can also leverage different time zones to extend your business hours and coverage.
Satisfaction
Hiring remote workers can help you improve employee satisfaction by offering them more flexibility, autonomy, work-life balance, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. You can also reduce employee turnover by retaining your top performers who value remote work.
What are the challenges of hiring remote workers?
Hiring remote workers can also pose some challenges for accounting and finance firms, such as:
Communication
Hiring remote workers can make communication more difficult due to lack of face-to-face interaction, time zone differences, language barriers, cultural differences, and technical issues. You need to establish clear and frequent communication channels and protocols to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Collaboration
Hiring remote workers can make collaboration more challenging due to lack of physical proximity, visibility, and trust. You need to create a strong team culture and bonding, and use effective tools and platforms to facilitate teamwork and coordination.
Management
Hiring remote workers can make management more complex due to lack of direct supervision, feedback, and support. You need to set clear goals and expectations, measure performance and results, and provide coaching and recognition.
Security
Hiring remote workers can increase the risk of data breaches, cyberattacks, and compliance issues due to the use of personal devices, networks, and software. You need to implement strict security policies and procedures and provide training and education.
How to find the best candidates for remote staffing jobs?
Finding the best candidates for remote staffing jobs can be time-consuming and challenging if you do it on your own. You need to advertise your job, screen your candidates, interview your candidates, and hire your candidates, all while managing your core business activities. That’s why you might want to consider reaching out to an outsource staffing agency to help you find talent.
An outsource staffing agency is a company that provides remote workers for various industries and functions. An outsource staffing agency can help you find the best candidates for remote staffing jobs by:
Understanding your needs: An outsource staffing agency will work with you to understand your needs and expectations for the remote staffing job. They will also advise you on the best practices and strategies for hiring remote workers.
Sourcing your candidates: An outsource staffing agency will use its network, database, and expertise to source qualified and suitable candidates for your remote staffing job. They will also handle the screening and testing of the candidates.
Presenting the best prospects: An outsource staffing agency will present you with a shortlist of candidates that match your criteria and requirements. They will also arrange and facilitate the interviews with the candidates.
Managing contracts and payments: An outsource staffing agency will assist you with the hiring process, including reference checks, background checks, offer letters, contracts, and onboarding. They will also provide ongoing support and feedback to ensure the success of the remote workers.
If you are interested in finding the best candidates for remote staffing jobs with an outsource staffing agency, you can contact us at Zippia. We have a team of experienced and professional recruiters who can help you find the best remote workers for your accounting or finance firm.
Source:
Conversation with Bing, 6/7/2023 The Ultimate List of Remote Work Statistics: The 2023 Edition. https://www.smallbizgenius.net/by-the-numbers/remote-work-statistics/. 25 Trending Remote Work Statistics [2023]: Facts, Trends, And ... - Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/advice/remote-work-statistics/. Work from home & remote work - Statistics & Facts | Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/6565/work-from-home-and-remote-work/.
