Author: apatel

Century Group walks in the 2014 OC Heart Walk

Tom Erwin, Executive Recruiter for Century Group walks in the 2014 OC Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association & Alexander Roulette 

Tom Erwin, Executive Recruiter with Century Group, took a stroll in the 2014 Orange County Heart Walk to help raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association on behalf of young Alexander Roulette – age two.

For Alexander Roulette the journey is just beginning. At birth he was diagnosed with a rare heart defect that will require open heart surgery in a few years. Although a serious condition, he is doing well and enjoying his life as a high energy two year old.

Alexander was lucky.  His condition was caught early in life. For some this can go undetected and untreated for years.

oc_heart_walk 

Ron Proul, CEO of Century Group noted, “Alexander’s family and friends are working to spread awareness and educate others about the importance of research.  At Century Group we’re joining in the effort in a small way by supporting Alexander in the 2014 OC Heart Walk and by partnering with the Los Angeles Business Journal in support of Heart Awareness Month.  We hope you’ll join us in this worthwhile quest.”

Support Alexander Roulette

Please support Alexander’s cause, not only by filling the piggy bank, but by committing to walk with him as he runs for the future of his heart.   You can support the cause by going to his webpage:

My Heart Beats For Rou

About Century Group

Founded in 1989, Century Group provides financial executive search, professional recruitment and interim professional services in the areas of accounting, finance, internal audit and tax for middle market, Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies.

More information about the Century Group accountant employment agency is available at www.century-group.com

OC CFO Forum Spotlights the Evolving Role of CFOs in M&A

There’s no question about it: 2018 is all about the deal.

With a strong economy as the catalyst, companies are increasingly turning to mergers and acquisitions as a means for growth, widening their consumer base and increasing overall productivity. In fact, $2.5 trillion in mergers was announced for the first part of this year — a number that is on track to surpass 2015’s record total of $5 trillion, according to The New York Times.

And a hot-button topic suitable for the theme of this year’s OC CFO Forum.

OC CFO FORUM

For its third installment, the exclusive event attracted an intimate gathering of leading area CFOs on Oct. 17 at Water Grill in Costa Mesa. Century Group, Mercer, Marsh & McLennan Companies and MetLife co-sponsored Wednesday’s forum, which aims to provide a unique resource for CFOs to sharpen their understanding of emerging trends, build and maintain relationships and discover new opportunities.

“The Mercer/Marsh partnership with Century Group is a terrific way to show our appreciation to the Orange County business community by connecting finance leaders with each other to develop relationships built on learning, collaboration and having some fun,” says Janet Vreeland, Principal of Regional Market Development at Mercer.

THE PANEL

To tackle the multifacted role of CFOs in M&A, the forum tapped panelists Jim Heiken with Bourns, Inc., Paciolan’s Kimberly Boren and Mike Schantz at Jenny Craig to share their personal experiences and insights. Former NFL quarterback, TV analyst and Vice President of New Business Development at Marsh and McLennan Companies, Steve Beuerlein, helped set the stage and moderated the conversation.

“We all know that today’s CFO is a multifaceted role involving many focuses,” he said, opening the discussion. “But the CFO’s involvement with strategic development, and particularly M&A activity, can profoundly impact the finances and operations of the company for years to come.”

Three Keys to M&A Success as a CFO:

1. Creating the Financial Model

For Schantz and Boren, the financial model is paramount. “The financial model, from my perspective, is the life blood of the deal. It’s the financial summation of the investment thesis for the buyer and what the seller is trying to convey,” Schantz explained. Boren also highlighted the importance of modeling revenue synergies conservatively when buying another company. “That allows us to pay a fair price … and also protect ourselves from any downsides in the future,” she said. Heiken advised his peers to always focus on the core competencies of their organization and expand from there. Because, as he put it, “diversification equals risk.”

2. Building Your Dream Deal Team

While the CFO must wear different hats to bring a deal together, they still rely on experts to handle the intricacies and complexities of modern dealmaking. All three panelists stress the importance of having the right support throughout all phases of the transaction, which includes investment bankers, attorneys, tax specialists, insurance companies and management team. “They all have to deliver a similar message to not disrupt the process,” Schantz said.

3. Leading the New Culture

Boren noted that this area has taught her one of her greatest lessons in the CFO role. “I can be on the naïve side and assume everyone will just get along. I’ve seen alliances being made and leadership in the acquired business be let go.” Her advice: “If you’re going to make those type of decisions, make them quickly.”

Both Schantz and Heiken have experienced mergers between companies in different countries — requiring them to effectively form a single, unifying vision for the company moving forward. For Heiken, an acquisition Bourns, Inc. made four years ago in Japan helped him learn how to successfully adjust to companies’ unique cultural structures. “As a CFO, you have to make sure that you add value and are seen as a team player. That will help them accept your ideas and thoughts.”

The forum concluded with an open Q&A with guests and continued conversation over dinner.

“Building great teams, great cultures and helping clients succeed is at the core of who we are at Century Group,” says Barnaby Wang, Senior Director of Executive Search at Century Group’s Costa Mesa office. “The OC CFO Forum is another opportunity for us to bring financial executives together and connect them with each other and with new ideas that will make everyone a little bit better than when they came in the door.”

5 Ways to Work Your Network and Land Your Dream Job

There are things that just work, no matter what the industry, occasion or decade.

Networking is one of those things.

And we’re not just referring to the more common online methods used today — in-person connections are valuable, too. The reason? It’s all about finding your edge. Applying the traditional way is a tedious process, leaving many job seekers feeling like their polished resumes are sent to a bottomless black box. But candidates who can find a personal link are more likely to land the job. Or even bag a role that isn’t being advertised.

Here are five tips to broadening your professional network — and have fun along the way.

1. Attend a professional event near you

This can be a seminar, workshop or networking event that allows you to meet and interact with professionals who share your interests. When it comes to forging career-based relationships, settings that already lend themselves to these type of conversations are generally the easiest. Questions about a person’s skill set, current role, place of employment and future goals are par for the course. They’re also great introductory touchstones for shy professionals who are not as comfortable meeting new people.

2. Leverage LinkedIn and Facebook

Social media is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to connecting and engaging with, well, strangers. Why not utilize it to grow your professional life? Find Facebook groups that are dedicated to your industry. Pose questions. Interact. And when someone posts a career opportunity, you can act — and already have a personal contact with the company.

When it comes to LinkedIn, the networking process is even easier. This is what it’s for. But the real work is in the details. Maintaining an up-to-date profile is key, and should include projects, examples of your work or other elements that showcase your skill set. You can also tap into your alumni connections through the platform, or reach out to industry experts you admire for insights, leads and advice.

3. Join Meet-Ups and clubs

Who said networking had to stick with the obvious? Many professionals seek outside forums to meet people who share similar interests and backgrounds, career-related or not. Join a local Meet-Up or club — you never know where those new connections can lead.

4. Don’t discount family and friends

Thinking outside the traditional outlets can also be applied with your loved ones. Share your aspirations and goals with friends and family. Because in a world where it’s all about who you know, sometimes relying on who others know can be just the break you need to find your next career opportunity.

5. Tend to your new relationships

Remember: people can sense when your motives are less than genuine. Networking is a mutually beneficial process, so it’s important to approach these new connections like you would any working or social relationship — as people. Send messages to check-in or get an update on what’s going on in their lives. Invite them to coffee or in-person meetings, if you’re comfortable. And be open to sharing tips or leads when you can.

Do you need help finding your next permanent or temporary job? Submit your resume and put our team’s network to work for you!

Q2 Accounting and Finance Employment Report

Q1 ended on a high note — painting the picture of a healthy job market as March came to a close. February’s disappointing 20,000 jobs even edged upward to a revised 33,000, while the Labor Department reported an impressive gain of 196,000 jobs last month.

These figures surpass most economists’ expectations as the threat of a slowing economy appears to be abated for now. But growth is moderate, especially in comparison to last year’s stellar numbers. According to The New York Times, 2018’s high job production rate wasn’t sustainable long-term, and strong hiring in several sectors — including professional and business services — is a positive sign for the U.S. labor force. Pay increases also indicate continued economic expansion, with hourly wages reported as 3.2% higher than last March’s.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINS STEADY

Source: BLS

The Bureau Labor of Statistics reported the unemployment rate remained at 3.8% in March, while the number for college-degreed workers shrunk from 2.2 to just 2 percent. This number is even lower for accountants and auditors. For Q1, BLS reported the unemployment rate at 1.8% .

Here’s the unemployment breakdown by roles:

  • Financial analysts: 1.0%
  • Financial managers: 2.3%
  • Accountants and auditors: 1.8%
  • Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks: 2.0%
  • Billing and posting clerks: 1.2%
  • Compliance officers: 0.8%

Bottom line: Skilled and credentialed financial professionals remain in-demand, as employers continue to compete for top talent.

CENTURY GROUP’S FORECAST

For Employers

The story hasn’t changed much. For employers, a tight labor market and a low, steady unemployment rate translates to more hiring and recruiting challenges as we move into Q2. To stand out, showcase aspects that are attractive to today’s talent: engaging company culture, competitive compensation packages and roles that offer growth and mentorship opportunities.

Companies seeking candidates with specific skill sets should consider the help of staffing and recruiting firms that can help identify professionals with the right background.

For Candidates

This candidate-driven market has given job seekers an edge. Your skills are a valuable resource — use that to your advantage.

Take the time to weigh what factors are most important when identifying your next career opportunity. Is work-life balance a priority? How about benefits and perks? Make sure you address these areas during the interview process, so you can find the best position — and company — for you. Becoming a temporary worker is also a profitable way to experience different roles on a more flexible schedule.

For those candidates who want to make themselves even more attractive to employers, consider upskilling. According to our 2019 Salary Guide, accounting and finance professionals with CPAs and MBAs are the most sought after. Improving your soft skills is also an option for job seekers looking to get ahead, and can be applied throughout your career.

Download our 2019 Salary Guide for more industry trends and insights, or contact our team to help with your hiring needs.

5 Ways to Overcome Stress at Work

It’s time to take back control of your workday. Stress can easily curb your productivity — but only if you let it. Here are 5 steps to help overcome stress at work, so you can make the most of your nine to five.

1. Prioritize

You don’t have to be a list person to understand the importance of prioritizing. Life is messy and this is true in our professional lives, too. Learn to deconstruct the chaos. What needs to get done first? What can wait?  Breaking down the project or problem into itemized tasks of importance can help make the impossible seem doable.

2. Learn to Say No

Setting boundaries is key to maintaining your mental and emotional health. People-pleasers and overachievers, take note — it’s OK to say no sometimes. Know your limits and work to delegate or manage the workload realistically. This can also apply to after-office engagements or social plans. Any time you can put toward self-care or completing items on your to-do list can lessen the stress in all areas of your life.

3. Get Up and Move

There’s a lot of scientific data out there that illustrates the negative impact sitting behind a computer screen all day has on your well-being. That’s not as important here. We’re talking about the immediate, stress-reducing effects you can feel by breaking up your sedentary situation throughout the day. Take a brief walk around your building; spend time outside if the weather permits. Even standing up and performing a quick stretch by your work station can help loosen up the body, increase blood flow and release mood-boosting endorphins.

4. Find a Friend

Generally speaking, human beings are social creatures. Leaning on your peers for support, insight or even a friendly break can give your mind a much needed pause — allowing you to take a moment, reflect and approach the stressor with a clear head.

5. Listen to Music

Music therapy is an actual thing. Jamming out to your favorite tunes can boost your mood, lower cortisol levels and functions as an effective stress-reliever. Set a soothing workday backdrop to make tedious or taxing tasks more enjoyable — your mindset (and ears) will thank you.

 

Why Productive Relationships in the Workplace are Essential

It’s no secret the role company culture plays in both courting and retaining today’s top talent. In fact, financial professionals surveyed in our 2018 Compensation Report ranked the topic as a leading reason for choosing a new position or staying with a company.

And the key to culture: the people.

Establishing relationships with your coworkers is one of the most significant — and often challenging — aspects of starting a new role. Make the process smoother for recent hires by introducing them to colleagues they’ll frequently collaborate with. Employers should also connect employees with a training buddy who can provide the support they need to successfully transition.

“The first 90 days are going to be the most difficult,” says Century Group’s CEO Ron Proul. “They’ll be establishing a new routine and it’s not unusual for them to feel uncomfortable.”

Think about it: most employed individuals spend the majority of their days at work. Forging working relationships with your colleagues is proven to spur productivity, decrease work-related stress and even positively impact your emotional well-being — an aspect that is especially vulnerable during this period. Alliances can help them gain confidence in their new position, and is critical to securing early wins. But keep in mind that integrating someone into the company is a process, not an event.

“There needs to be a conscious effort on the part of managers and colleagues to check in with new employees and connect with them,” explains Ron Blair, President and COO. “It can take many forms — going to lunch, happy hour, informal check-ins, a phone call or grabbing coffee. It’s little informal moments like these that express the company culture and set up people for success.”

ABOUT “THE FIRST 90 DAYS: SET YOUR NEW HIRE UP FOR SUCCESS”

“The First 90 Days: Set Your New Hire Up for Success,” with concepts adapted from “The First 90 Days” by Michael D. Watkins, is a three-part series designed to help companies onboard their new hires for optimal success. Be sure to lookout for Part 2 and Part 3 in the coming weeks.

Why You Should Apply for a Temporary Job This Month

It’s officially a temp economy. With low unemployment and the rise of gig culture, temporary workers are excelling in today’s market — and employers are starting to catch on.

Temporary work has been on the grow since 2008, with professionals drawn to the flexibility and immediacy of contract positions in the midst of an economic downturn. Now, the non-traditional has become the norm. Candidates are seeking more of a work-life balance that allows them to manage their own schedules, upgrade or expand skill sets and earn great pay — on their own terms. In a recent study by Upwork and Freelancers Union, 56.7 million Americans are contract workers and predict that number to rise in the coming decade.

Instead of fighting this change, companies are using this shift to their advantage. Fortune 500 companies are depending more and more on temp workers to complete key projects and interim roles. The American Staffing Association reports the demand is at its highest level since 1992 as the number of jobs continues to outpace the amount of available candidates. Just this past month, temporary help accounted for 2.03 percent of all U.S. jobs — showing the need remains steady. And even if the economy begins to slow, employers will most likely lean on temporary workers to support its productivity while sidestepping the risk of hiring permanent employees.

Both temp workers and companies often view these short-term opportunities as test-runs, and can transition into temp-to-hire roles if it’s a good fit for both sides. Temporary jobs are also a lucrative way to gain new skills, explore industries and develop your professional network.

GETTING STARTED

Are you ready to find your next temporary job? Our recruiters work one-on-one with job seekers to match them with temporary or interim positions they’re qualified for — helping to eliminate the time spent sending countless resumes to unanswered inboxes. They use their industry connections to gain access to exclusive job opportunities, and can get your resume in front of the right people.

Submit your resume today to get started or check out the latest jobs nearest you!

 

 

 

Century Group Sponsors 12th Annual OCBJ CFO of the Year Awards

On Jan. 31, more than 700 professionals attended this year’s Orange County Business Journal CFO of the Year Awards held at Hotel Irvine. The well-attended event is a highlight for the Orange County business community, which recognizes senior financial executives who’ve demonstrated excellence in their roles as corporate stewards.

Century Group sponsored the OC CFO of the Year Awards for the 7th year — viewing the reception as an opportunity to mingle with the community its serves and helps set the tone for the rest of the year.

“It’s a great platform to share insights from different industries, market trends, geo-political influence on our respective businesses and building new relationships,” says Barnaby Wang, Managing Director of Century Group’s Orange County office. “Our guests seem to enjoy the opportunity to step away from their busy schedule to rub elbows with their colleagues.”

Fourty-seven of OC’s finest made up 2019’s class of nominees, and exhibited the ethical behavior and guiding principles necessary to drive the success of their companies. But five stood out among their peers:

  • Outstanding CFO of a Public Company – Mike Henry, Tilly’s
  • Outstanding CFO of a Private Company – Allan Dicks, Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.
  • Outstanding CFO of a Not-for-Profit Organization – Guita Sharifi, Radiant Health Centers
  • Corporate Controller of the Year – Phil Carter, Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
  • Rising Star – David Sunderland, Emerald Expositions

Century Group congratulates all of this year’s winners and nominees, and is proud to be apart of an event that celebrates Orange County’s leading financial talent. “The tone at the top really sets the tone for a company’s success, culture and employee morale,” Wang says. “Meeting these finance leaders helps us deliver better matches.”

Q1 Accounting and Finance Employment Report

It’s 2019. And despite last month’s spiraling stock market and talks predicting a recession on the horizon, the labor market remains steady — much like the competition for skilled talent.

With the national unemployment rate at 3.9%, the demand for professionals continues to drive the current hiring environment. Candidates are at the wheel. And employers must find new ways to meet their needs with higher pay, a strong company culture and better benefits.

EMPLOYMENT BY THE NUMBERS

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers added 312,000 positions in December — easily surpassing expectations and December 2017’s 148,000. Professional and business services added 43,000 jobs last month, bringing its total to 583,000 jobs for the year — the highest among all sectors reported by BLS.

Last year’s big corporate tax cut only spurred an already strong economy, with the creation of 2.6 million new jobs in 2018.

Experts aren’t worried about the slight uptick in unemployment as the labor participation rate also increased to a year-high of 63.1%, signaling more people are rejoining the workforce. Unfortunately, the economy continues to create jobs at a rate that outpaces the number of available candidates.

The Big Picture:

Source: BLS

    • Total unemployment: 3.9%
    • Unemployment for workers with some college or associate degree: 3.3%
    • Unemployment for workers with college degree and higher: 2.1%

For Accounting and Finance Professionals:

The breakdown of roles below illustrates the unemployment rate for finance and accounting professionals is below the national average, according to BLS. Financial professions are projected to see an increase in demand as responsibilities have expanded to permeate all areas of business.

  • Financial analysts: 1.2%
  • Accountants and auditors: 1.6%
  • Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks: 2.1%
  • Financial managers: 2.6%
  • A/P and A/R specialists: 3.8%

TRENDS AT A GLANCE

So, what does this all mean?

For employers, tapping into the mindset of today’s job seeker is key. Competitive compensation continues to top the list of reasons for choosing a new position, but that’s not enough to sway talent with multiple offers on the table. Other factors, such as presenting opportunities in terms of growth and development, robust benefits packages and establishing an attractive corporate culture are all integral to hiring — and retaining — top talent.

For candidates, the time to act is now. Businesses are preparing for projects with a new, 2019 budget and are looking to hire. Still, it’s important job seekers retain an edge during their search. Tips like tailoring your resume to fit the specific role to putting your personal network to use to find an “in” with a company are small, significant ways to separate yourself from other candidates.

Temporary Staffing on the Rise

Temporary or contract work is also an increasingly popular option for consultants seeking flexibility in their careers. Employers are turning to temporary workers to meet the staffing demands of a tight labor market, with BLS reporting a record 2.06% of December jobs as temporary help. In fact, HR Dive predicts, “independent contract workers will comprise 60% of the workforce within the next 10 years.”

CENTURY GROUP FORECAST

While we don’t know the long-term effects of the partial government shutdown, expect growth to slow in the overall economy. Still, hyper-low unemployment and the shortage of accounting and finance professionals will require employers to rethink how they attract and retain top talent. Companies may need to be more flexible with their hiring criteria. Or, if they want to secure experienced, credentialed and skilled professionals, come to terms with pay increases.

Staffing and recruiting firms are equipped to help both employers and candidates navigate today’s competitive hiring environment. Century Group works with leading companies — giving them access to a curated talent network of financial professionals with CPAs, MBAs and public and private accounting backgrounds.

We understand what type of offer will get a candidate to consider a career opportunity, and can connect job seekers with exclusive jobs unavailable anywhere else. To learn more about our direct hire and temporary staffing services, contact our recruiters today.

4 Reasons Why the Holiday Season is Great for Your Job Search

The holiday season is upon us. Time to ease off your job search, and reroute that focus toward friends and family, right? Wrong.

Now is an optimal opportunity for job seekers to stand out from that crowded candidate pool — to think like a business does. Companies’ hiring needs aren’t guided by seasonal calendars. Neither should yours. Here are a few reasons why you should add the job search to your list of holiday to-dos this month.

1.  THERE’S LESS COMPETITION

We all need a break. And the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day seems like the most sensible time to take that much-needed breather — which is exactly why you shouldn’t. Some employers use the end of the year to budget in new roles that need to be filled, or create a short list of candidates for key personnel to interview. Place yourself ahead of the competition, and keep plugging away. You’ll be glad you did.

2. THE SURPLUS OF NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Not sure if you should attend those holiday parties or social events? Here’s a hint: go. To all of them. Amidst the cheer and chatter, feel free to slip your job search into the conversation — you never know where your next big lead will come from.

3. GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

The demand for professionals to fill temporary jobs is the norm come the end of the year, and it’s not uncommon for those positions to transition into full-time roles — for the right candidates. Bottom line: treat all employment opportunities as a permanent job. An outstanding impression left on an employer may actually lead to one.

4. IT’S THE TIME TO CONNECT

The holiday season is when we’re most inclined to send cards and messages to friends, family and colleagues. Why not include your LinkedIn and other social media connections to that list? Use this opportunity to catch up, reestablish communication and, just maybe, find that perfect career move. Trust us — your bout of relaxation will feel even more deserved if you do.

Are you an accounting and finance professional looking to explore new career opportunities? The placement experts at Century Group are here to help. Visit our website to find your next career move.