Dear Tax Pros: If you’ve been promised additional help, but you check their LinkedIn page and see they’re only recruiting for on-site people…you’re being played. They know how absolutely brutal the market is for tax talent, so on-site job ads are not good-faith recruiting efforts.

Navigating the Tax Talent Landscape: A Cautionary Note for Professionals

As tax professionals, we find ourselves in a challenging market, especially in peak seasons when the demand for skilled talent surges. If you’ve been assured that assistance is on the horizon but notice that the only recruitment efforts are targeting on-site personnel through LinkedIn, it’s time to take a step back and reassess the situation.

The reality is that many organizations may not genuinely be invested in alleviating the overwhelming pressure that often accompanies tax seasons. Instead, their focus may lean towards maximizing profits rather than addressing the core issues of talent shortages. If these companies truly had your interests at heart, they would likely be exploring flexible work arrangements such as remote options to attract a broader pool of candidates.

It’s important to recognize these red flags. When firms prioritize the hire of solely on-site employees, it can signal a lack of commitment to innovative staffing solutions that could genuinely lighten the load. By expanding their recruitment criteria to include various talent levels, even those with less experience, they could provide valuable support during the busiest times.

As tax professionals, stay vigilant and critically assess any recruitment claims that come your way. Understanding the motivations behind these roles can help you navigate your career more effectively and ensure that you align yourself with organizations that truly value your well-being and work-life balance.