Provisional Accounting Blog

If you’re planning on hiring accountants in Spokane, now is also a great time to also start thinking about ways to team boost productivity and morale. Happy employees work harder and enjoy longer tenures with their employers, so this is an investment definitely worth making.

Your team spends at least 40 hours per week at the office, so if the current space is a bit drab or otherwise uninviting, it’s no wonder they’re feeling a bit lethargic. Here’s a few relatively easy ways to make changes for the better.

4 Subtle Ways to Increase Morale and Productivity

Encourage Workstation Makeovers

Your employees spend most of the day at their desks, so their own little part of the building should be place that makes them feel inspired. However, if they’re surrounded by fluorescent lighting and drab cubicle walls, it’s easy to understand why morale isn’t so high.

Change this by encouraging them to upgrade their work areas. If possible, give each person a small budget to purchase items that reflect their personal style — i.e., a lamp, rug, art work, plant. Make it extra fun by turning the initiative into a contest.

Clean the Clutter

If your office is in a state of disarray, it’s time to give it a cleanup. Boxes lining the hallways and papers strewn everywhere are distracting and can make it difficult to find anything. Getting rid of these items or putting them in storage will create a more professional vibe. Being more organized will also promote efficiency, as it will make it much easier to find things.

Make Alternative Workspaces

Being stuck in the same spot all day can cause employees to become restless. Convert unused spaces around the office into areas where people can bring their laptops and work. A simple change of scenery can help them get inspired and feel like they’re having a bit of an adventure.

Create a Relaxation Area

Your employees are only human. No matter how much they enjoy their jobs, they can only work nonstop for so long, before they need a break. Give them a great place to recharge by transforming a vacant corner, storage closet, or office into a relaxation area. Take a vote to find out what the team would like from the space — i.e., a fun area to play games or a relaxing place of Zen — and decorate it accordingly.

Need to hire new accounting or finance talent? Provisional Accounting is here to guide your search. Contact us today to find the best fit for your Spokane or Seattle company every time!

If taking breaks is frowned upon by your current employer, it might be time to search for new  accounting jobs in Spokane. Anything but lazy, working several organized and structured breaks into your day offers several mental and physical health benefits.

Planning regular breaks in advance allows you to recharge faster and choose activities that are most conducive to your success. Here’s a look at what you have to gain by incorporating a few into your day.

5 Reasons to Take Breaks at Work

Increase Productivity

No matter how passionate you are about your work, you can only go nonstop for so long before your energy levels decline. Breaks refresh your mind, allowing you to return to work feeling recharged and ready to tackle any obstacle in your path.

Reduce Stress

Sitting at your desk all day in front of a mountain of work or a particularly challenging project can easily make you feel anxious. Stepping away for lunch or even a quick walk around the block allows you to relax and put things in prospective. By the time you get back to your desk, you’ll enjoy a renewed sense of calm that will help you feel like brand new person.

Improve Concentration

It’s hard to accomplish anything when you’re mind is too exhausted to focus. Trying to make yourself work uninterrupted all day is noble, but you won’t succeed. Eventually, you’ll burnout and likely lose your ability to concentrate for the rest of the day. Taking structured breaks gives your brain a much-needed time out, so you can return to the task at hand clear-headed.

Boost Creativity

Coming up with inventive ideas can be challenging enough when you’re feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but good luck with that if your brain is fried. Working a few organized breaks into your day can help you feel more inspired, because you’re never at the point where you’re running on empty.

Bond With Your Peers

Sitting at your desk all day with your head down will make you feel isolated from your co-workers. Chances are, they’re taking plenty of breaks, and many include chatting at the watercooler, group lunches, and quick walks to the local coffee shop together. During this time, they’re able to form relationships that make working together easier and more fun. Don’t be the odd one out, because you won’t allow yourself a break.

Ready to find a fulfilling new accounting job? Provisional Accounting is here to guide your search for the right temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire position in Spokane or Seattle. Contact us today to learn more!

When you’re looking to hire accountants in Spokane, you expect to receive resumes from candidates with the required skills. Of course, there are probably a few notably underqualified applicants too, but it’s always surprising when seriously overqualified professionals throw their hat into the ring.

You’re probably not sure whether to feel suspicious or overjoyed that a candidate with much more experience than necessary wants to join your team. In some cases, this can be an incredible opportunity to get more than expected for the position, but don’t act before performing proper due diligence.

Five Actions to Take Before Hiring an Overqualified Candidate

Find Out Why They Really Want the Job

A motive is hugely important when considering an overqualified candidate. Some people climb the ladder and realize they’re not happier at the top. It’s possible the person just really enjoyed the work associated with the position you’re filling. Knowing the reason they decided to apply will help you make the right decision.

Consider the Impact They Could Make

Traditionally, when you hire a new employee, you want them to be part of your team for the long run. If you feel like an overqualified candidate is just looking for a job to tide them over for the moment, you might be inclined to pass. In some cases, this is the right choice but think about any short-term contributions they could make. For example, if you have a big project in the works you know your team can’t handle, they could prove invaluable.

Get Their Salary Requirements

The position you’re filling has a salary range you need to follow. You might be able to pay an overqualified candidate a salary on the higher end, but this probably still won’t be at the level they’re used to. Before casting off other candidates, discuss salary requirements with them to make sure you’re on the same page.

Determine Their Cultural Fit

A candidate might have the best qualifications in your stack of resumes, but if they don’t mesh with your company culture, they’ll be more of a problem than an asset. Don’t let their impressive resume distract you from asking behavioral questions to gauge their cultural fit and introducing them to the team.

Perform a Reference Check

Your candidate might truly be amazing, but don’t get too excited and forgo a resume check. Speaking with people who have worked closely with them in the past will help you decide if they’re the real deal or too good to be true.

Need Help Filling an Accounting or Finance Position?

Provisional Accounting is here to help you find the best fit for your Spokane or Seattle company. Contact us today to start your search!

Hiring Spokane accountants — at least the best ones — isn’t easy, so it’s always exciting to decide on an amazing candidate and complete the interview process. When you present the offer to your top choice, you probably expect them to come back with a counteroffer, but when they flat out reject you, it’s quite a shock.

In this situation, the only thing you can do is maintain your composure and move on. Here’s a few tips to help you make the best of it.

Three Steps to Take When a Candidate Rejects Your Offer

Find Out the Reason Behind Their Decision

People reject job offers for a variety of reasons — i.e., using the offer as leverage for more money at their current job, receiving a better offer from another company, or deciding the position wasn’t right for them — so get to the bottom of it. In some cases, you might be able to solve the problem that made them decide against the offer, causing them to ultimately change their mind. This won’t always happen though, so knowing what went wrong will at least provide much-needed clarity.

Determine the Best ‘Plan B’ for Your Company

When your top choice turns down your offer, turning to your runner-up might seem like the obvious move. In some cases, this person will likely be your best bet. If you had a really difficult time deciding between the two and genuinely feel like they’re the right person for the job, then making an offer is probably a good idea.

However, be sure this decision isn’t based on simply needing to fill the position quickly or not wanting to re-open the hiring process. If you’re at all hesitant about the person, go with your gut and don’t extend an offer. Starting the process over will take longer, but it’s well worth the time and effort.

Examine Your Hiring Process

Use the feedback from your top choice to identify any gaps in your hiring process. For example, if they declined your offer because they already accepted a new job before it arrived, look for ways to make your process more efficient. Covering all the bases is necessary, but if you’re losing candidates because it takes too long to make a decision, you need to tighten things up. Making changes for the better now will keep you from getting caught in the same situation again.

Need help finding a talented new accounting or finance professional to fill an open position on your team?

Provisional Accounting is here to help you find the right fit quickly and efficiently. Get in touch today to discuss a partnership!

Searching for Spokane accounting job opportunities requires a great deal of time and energy, so you need to fuel your body right. Considering you probably spend at least 40 hours per week at the office, much of this starts at work.

Even if you’re eating a nutritious lunch, frequently snacking on fattening, sugary items will have a negative impact on both your health and waistline. Here’s some advice to help you make better choices between meals.

Four Tips to Snack Healthy at Work

Buy Snacks You Actually Like

In theory, the healthiest snacks at the grocery store seem like a great option. However, if you can’t stand the taste of them, you’re not going to eat them. Instead, you’ll justify running to the vending machine, because you’re hungry and it’s filled with snacks that actually appeal to you.

Stock Up Regularly

Check your desk snack supply at least weekly to make sure you have enough to tide you over until your next shopping trip. It’s also wise to take a close look at the contents, to see if you like everything in there. If you tried a new type of snack and didn’t like it or have grown tired of a former favorite, you might be tempted to stray from the contents of your drawer.

Encourage Your Colleagues to Join In

It’s hard to eat healthy when everyone around you is snacking on chips, donuts, and other delicious items with zero nutritional value. Try to motivate your co-workers to join your healthy initiative by sharing the benefits you’re enjoying from thoughtful eating and offering samples of your favorite snacks.

Learn How to Resist Temptation

You might be able to convince some colleagues to join your healthy snack movement, but everyone will not be willing to do so. Learn how to turn your willpower on, so you don’t fall victim to that piece of cake or leftover pizza in the breakroom. This will be challenging at first, but when you get used to eating healthy snacks, you’ll start craving them instead.

Searching for a new accounting or finance job in Spokane or Seattle?

Provisional Accounting is here to help you find a temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire opportunity that checks all your boxes. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you!

Many accounting jobs near Spokane offer a fantastic work-life balance, but your current position doesn’t provide that. Lately, you’ve been spending more time at the office than at home, and even during the few off-hours you have, you often find yourself working.

All work and no play doesn’t make for a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Here’s some advice to help you find a happy medium.

Five Tips to Achieve a Better Work-Life Balance

Set Specific Work Hours

There is only so many hours in the day, and you’re spending most of yours working. Dial it back by setting a specific work schedule, and actually following it. Let your boss and colleagues know this period of time is when you’ll be in the office and available to them. Take it a step further by blocking your calendar off, so meetings can’t be scheduled during your personal time.

Create Boundaries

Technology has made it possible to work from anywhere, which is both amazing and incredibly stressful. Since you can connect to the office 24/7, you’re likely expected to take calls and respond to emails during all waking hours. It’s time to put a stop to this behavior because it isn’t healthy. If you decide to respond to work inquires at all during your off-hours, set specific conditions, share them with your co-workers, and stick to your word.

Use All Your Vacation Time

Chances are, you haven’t made a dent in your earned vacation time for years. You earned these days, so it’s time to take advantage of what’s rightfully yours. There’s always going to be a pile of work on your desk or a huge project on the horizon, so stop stressing about being out of the office and enjoy your life already. Time away from work will allow you to relax and recharge, so you can return with a renewed passion for your job.

Work More Efficiently

Take a good look at how you spend each workday. It’s possible poor time management is at least partially to blame for your long hours. Perhaps you’re spending longer than necessary on certain tasks, attending meetings you don’t really need to be at or are constantly distracted by your colleagues. When you’re able to identify the issue(s), you can make the necessary adjustments to get that valuable time back in your day.

Learn to Say No

You’re a hard-working employee who aims to please, but you’re only one person. It’s great to help people out when you can, but if you’re already stretched too thin, politely explain you’re too busy to take on anything new and hold your ground. If you let them, some people will walk all over you, so carefully guard your free time.

Searching for a New Job that Offers a Better Work-Life Balance?

Provisional Accounting is here to help you find the right fit. Contact us today to find a temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire position that allows you to have a personal life.

When you’re gainfully employed, searching for Spokane accounting job opportunities is simultaneously exciting and nerve-wracking. You’re eager to see what the future has in store, but you’re anxious that your current employer will discover your intent to leave the company.

Losing your job — and the paycheck that comes with it — before you find a new one isn’t an option, so discretion is the key to success. Use these tips to keep your search under wraps.

Five Ways to Discretely Look for a New Job

Don’t Search at Work

You might think you can get away with searching the Internet for jobs on your lunch break, but that’s playing with fire. Someone might see your computer screen, or unbeknownst to you, it’s possible your boss monitors your search history. Do yourself a favor and leave your job search at home.

Keep Your Resume Off Job Boards

Many candidates post their resume to job boards as part of the search process, but this isn’t exactly a covert move. These boards are public, so your current employer could come across your resume. It’d be pretty be hard to explain your way out of that one, so just don’t do it.

Work With a Recruiter

Taking on a staffing partner is an excellent way to maintain a confidential search. Simply tell your recruiter you need to practice discretion, and they’ll exercise caution every step of the way. This is an incredibly common request, so staffing agencies are experts at protecting candidates’ privacy.

Try to Schedule Interviews During Off-Hours

Job interviews can be tricky when you’re currently employed. If you take a few hours off work for an appointment once or twice, your boss probably won’t think anything about it. However, you’ll likely raise eyebrows if this becomes a regular occurrence. Therefore, it’s best to try to schedule job interviews before or after work. This might not always be possible, but try to use this practice as a general rule of thumb.

Choose References Wisely

It’s common sense that you should never ask your current boss or colleagues to serve as a reference. However, you also need to be mindful when asking co-workers from your past. Don’t ask anyone who has close contacts at your current company or with a gossipy nature, as they might not be so discrete about serving as a reference.

Ready to Take the Next Steps in Your Accounting Career?

Provisional Accounting wants to help you get ahead. Contact us today to find temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire opportunities with top Spokane and Seattle employers!

Fantastic accounting careers in Spokane are built on relationships. Of course, these days, many business contacts are made digitally. This is great, as it allows you to meet more people, but it can also cause lead to a network filled with virtual strangers.

Technically speaking, you can do all your networking online. However, you won’t be able to establish the same quality relationships you share with contacts you’ve actually met in person.

Therefore, it’s important to keep attending networking mixers and job fairs and continue making lunch dates to touch base with connections you haven’t seen in a while. If you’re still hesitant to take this route, here are a few reasons to invest the time and energy into it.

Four Benefits of Face-to-Face Networking

Put a Face to a Name

It’s much easier for people to remember you — and vice versa — when they’re able to put a face to a name. This increases the chances they’ll remember you if they hear about a job you might be interested in.

Build a Stronger Connection

Building relationships through online chat or email is difficult. Conversations are typically brief and centered on certain topics, so it’s hard to really get to know the other person. On the other hand, when chatting face-to-face, it’s much easier to get a fun banter going. Shifting the discussion a bit away from business allows the two of you to really bond.

Let Your Personality Shine

When networking online, it’s hard to relay your true personality. This puts you at a disadvantage because potential employers and contacts who could help you get ahead don’t get to see the real you. Face-to-face networking is much more valuable because anyone who meets you is obviously going to like you.

Avoid Digital Misunderstandings

Non-verbal cues add just as much — or possibly even more — to a conversation as words alone. Since they aren’t a factor in online networking, it’s easy for misinterpretations to occur. This can cause you to inadvertently offend the other person, because your point was lost in translation.

Searching for a New Accounting Job in Spokane?

Provisional Accounting wants to help. Contact us today to find a temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire position that checks all your boxes.

When hiring accountants in Spokane or Seattle, it would be nice to mention cash bonuses as a perk of working for your company, but right now, that isn’t in your budget. Thankfully, there’s plenty of other ways to entice candidates and make current employees feel valued that don’t cost a thing.

Thoughtful and creative, non-monetary bonuses are a win for everyone. Your team gets showered with appreciation and you’re able to do this without spending a dime. This is a great way to boost morale, and show employees how much you appreciate all the hard work they do for the company.

Here are three ideas guaranteed to be a hit.

Designated Prime Parking Spot

It rains a lot in Washington, so scoring a coveted parking spot is a huge win. On a weekly or monthly basis, choose an employee who has gone above and beyond expectations to reward with the parking spot. This is a great way to show appreciation to your top achievers, while motivating the rest of the team to do their best work.

Handwritten Thank You Notes

Beyond taking notes in a meeting, you probably haven’t used a pen and paper for much in recent years. These days, most messages are sent through email, which makes handwritten notes really special. When an employee does something outstanding, show appreciation by sitting down and actually writing a note. This kind gesture will almost certainly catch them off guard, and make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Extra Vacation Days

If you have the coverage to manage it, rewarding employees with an extra vacation day(s) — paid, of course — will be a huge hit. No matter how much they enjoy their jobs, everyone appreciates a little extra leisure time. This can be a bonus given to your entire team or something you dole out on an individual basis to celebrate notable successes.

Searching forTop Accounting or Finance Talent?

Provisional Accounting has the contacts needed to help you find the right fit in both the Spokane and Seattle areas. Contact us today to fill your temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire positions with motivated candidates who can’t wait to join your team!

When hiring accountants in Spokane, you’ll likely encounter candidates of all ages. This is great because different generations each have something unique to bring to the table.

As a manager, it’s important to understand and embrace the tendencies of each generation. When you’re able to recognize both the strengths and weaknesses of different age groups, you can lead the team to success. Here are a few tips to make this happen.

How to Manage Employees From Different Generations

Understand Their Unique Needs

Every generation has a set of defining characteristics, and this hugely impacts the way they work. From communication preferences — i.e., face-to-face conversations vs. email — to desired work style — i.e., group or individual work — it’s important for you as their boss to recognize these differences and adhere to them.

Pair Them Together

Contrary to popular belief different generations can successfully work together. In fact, they have a lot to learn from one another. Help them recognize each other’s strengths by creating multigenerational pairings to work together on projects. For example, a millennial could teach a baby boomer about social media, and the baby boomer can pass on some of the industry knowledge they’ve acquired from decades on the job.

Meet in the Middle

Every team has its own set of norms, so structure yours to fit all generations represented. This will help employees of all ages learn and grow because they’ll be forced to try something new. Since no generation will have to completely conform to the ideals of another, this should increase job satisfaction and create a stronger team bond.

Set Each Person Up to Shine

Employees from different generations can definitely expand their horizons — often times more than you’d ever expect — but every age group still has their own unique strengths. Keep this in mind when assigning work, to ensure the entire team is given projects tailored to their skill sets. This will help everyone to be happier and achieve better results.

Ready to add new accounting or finance talent to your Spokane or Seattle team?

Provisional Accounting is here to help fill your temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire positions.  Contact us today to start your search!