How can Accountancy Practices Successfully Onboard New Employees?

Creating an effective onboarding process is essential for the success of an accounting team. 

When new employees experience seamless onboarding, this allows them to dive into their new job and sets a shining example of a practice’s workplace culture.

If you’re an accountancy practice looking to streamline your onboarding process, you’ve come to the right place. Specialist accountancy recruiters, Spencer Clarke Group, are sharing their tips for setting accountancy professionals off on the right foot!  

What is an onboarding process?

An onboarding process helps new employees integrate smoothly into their teams and adjust to their new roles effectively. It is defined by the actions a company takes to ensure that new employees are provided with the information they need to succeed. 

An onboarding process is often a good reflection of a company’s workplace culture, therefore it is important for an accountancy practice to demonstrate their values through their onboarding procedures. This might include a one to one introduction with managers, to demonstrate approachability and people-first leadership. 

Effective onboarding should enhance employee wellbeing, increase job satisfaction and reduce employee turnover. If an onboarding process presents challenges, it could negatively impact an accountancy practice and discourage a new employee from staying.

How can accountancy practices optimise their onboarding process?

Methods for optimising an accountancy practices onboarding process, include:

• Create a welcome pack.
• Complete a face to face introduction.
• Check in with new employees.
• Set realistic goals.
• Break down company policies.
• Review and refine. 

Create a welcome pack

A welcome pack is an excellent tool for equipping new employees with essential information as they join an accountancy practice. The welcome pack for an accountancy practice might include a letter from a senior leader, a map of the office, an overview of the software used, HR policies, a professional development guide, and any additional materials that will assist a new team member.

An accountancy practice might also choose to include a small gift for new starters such as a new notebook or a branded water bottle. Small touches like this can indicate a caring workplace and break the ice with new starters. 

Complete a face to face introduction

While welcome packs are a thoughtful addition that help new employees understand an accountancy practices’ procedures, a face-to-face introduction is equally important.

An effective onboarding process should involve giving new employees a tour of the workplace. This is an important part of familiarising them with their new environment. Depending on the company’s size, it should also include in-person introductions to team members.

Face-to-face introductions help new employees connect with their colleagues and show existing team members how the newcomer will contribute to the practice.

If a new starter is working remotely, a quick video call introducing them to their immediate team is beneficial. Alternatively, a new employee could be welcomed to their practice for an onboarding day before starting their role at home.

Check in with new employees

Regular check-ins between management and new employees demonstrate an accountancy practice’s commitment to their team’s wellbeing. Checking in with a new employee allows managers to ensure their wellbeing while also identifying gaps in the onboarding process and opportunities to enhance workplace procedures.

Prioritising employee wellbeing is crucial, particularly in a high-pressure sector such as accountancy and finance.

Checking in with a new starter also provides them the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. If a new employee is more introverted, they might hesitate to ask their teammates questions. A one-on-one conversation with management can help them address any concerns they may have.

Set realistic goals

Setting achievable goals for new employees is an effective way for accountancy practices to show appreciation for their skills, while ensuring they don’t feel overwhelmed. This is essential for giving a new starter the time and space to navigate a new job alongside hitting targets.

While it is essential for goals to challenge employees, setting achievable targets before the end of a probation period can significantly boost a new employee’s confidence.

Highlighting a new employee’s contributions to the team’s success is a great way to showcase their value to the group. For example, if a new Accountant plays a pivotal role in preparing budget forecasts, this should be celebrated. 

Accountancy firms should set 3 to 4 clear goals for new employees, providing them with plenty of opportunities to engage and make meaningful contributions.

 Break down company policies

While company policies can be included in a new starter pack, it is beneficial to meet with a new employee in person to review policies together. Workplace policies are essential for the smooth operation of an accountancy practice. Therefore, it is crucial for new employees to fully understand them.

New starters are likely to have questions surrounding annual leave, flexibility, sick pay and maternity/paternity policies. Providing clarification on these matters beforehand will allow new employees to concentrate on their job, instead of worrying about company policies.

Review and refine

To ensure efficient onboarding, an accountancy practice should regularly review and update their process. Should company policies or HR regulations change, this should be accurately reflected in onboarding material.
In addition to updating literature, an accounting firm should regularly review other aspects of the onboarding process, such as wellness activities. Collecting feedback from new employees about the onboarding process is an effective way for an accounting firm to improve and streamline the integration of new hires.

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