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 Recruitment Landscape: Are You Being Misled?

As a tax professional, the current hiring climate can often feel daunting, especially when it comes to assessing the sincerity of potential employers. If you’ve encountered situations where a firm promises increased support during busy seasons, yet their LinkedIn profiles are exclusively advertising on-site positions, it might be time to reflect on the intent behind these postings.

The reality is that the competition for skilled tax professionals has become extremely fierce. Firms that continue to seek only on-site talent may not be making a genuine effort to alleviate the pressure on their workforce. Instead, they could be prioritizing their profits over the well-being and efficiency of their teams.

A true commitment to supporting employees during peak periods would manifest through reasonable accommodations, such as offering remote work options. Embracing flexibility—including hiring less experienced candidates—can significantly lighten the workload. By investing in diverse talent strategies, firms can better position themselves to handle the ebbs and flows of busy seasons while genuinely supporting their employees.

It’s essential for tax professionals to be discerning about the recruitment strategies employed by firms. If an organization isn’t willing to adapt its hiring practices to meet the needs of modern professionals, it may be a signal to reconsider your options. Remember, your skills are in demand, and you deserve to work in an environment that respects and values your contributions.