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.

Title: A Candid Message to Tax Professionals: Watch Out for Recruitment Pitfalls

In the competitive landscape of tax services, it’s vital for professionals to stay astute, especially regarding recruitment promises. If you’ve recently noticed that a company has been lauding its commitment to support, yet their LinkedIn page is predominantly filled with listings for on-site positions, it may be time to reevaluate their intentions.

This situation is particularly telling—a company aware of the fierce competition for tax talent is likely just trying to fill their own pockets rather than genuinely alleviating the workload of their employees. It’s a reflection of the harsh realities in the job market, and the recruitment strategies employed by some firms can often lack sincerity.

True commitment to improving employee work-life balance would entail making flexible arrangements, such as offering remote positions. This flexibility is crucial—not only can it attract top talent but it can also support the existing team during peak seasons. The reality is that if a company was genuinely invested in relieving busy seasons for their staff, they would be optimizing their recruitment efforts to include a wider range of candidates, even if that means integrating those who might not be at the top of their game.

Tax professionals deserve a work environment that prioritizes their well-being and efficiency. Stay vigilant and demand the integrity and transparency that should accompany recruitment practices in our industry. Make choices that support your career growth and personal needs.