Gen Z Attracted to Accounting Careers

Like many industries, the accounting field faces a talent shortage, but it isn’t all bad news. The economy is strong right now, and the young professionals who make up Gen Z want to have stable jobs. In fact, accounting careers are some of the most appealing jobs to Gen Z. Accounting gives everything that most Gen Z members look for in a career.

Financial Security

While millennials grew up during an economic boom, Gen Z grew up in an economic recession. They watched their parents struggle to make ends meet. Millennials were about following their dreams and doing what they love. Gen Z, in contrast, cares more about stability. They want to be able to support themselves and their families without having to worry about money. Accounting jobs offer stability and a clearly defined career path.

Work that Has Meaning

Besides financial security, the other thing that Gen Z values is advocacy. They want to have a career that allows them to make an impact. A career in accounting provides people with ample opportunity to help people and make a difference in the world. Hiring managers need to communicate clearly how the work performed by accountants and other finance professionals makes a difference and impacts companies, as it may not be clear to candidates.

Flexibility

Gen Z wants stability, but like millennials, they’re still interested in flexibility. They want flexible work hours and work-from-home opportunities. They recognize that eventually they will be starting families or will want to get involved in other interests. Since most want to stay with their company for years to come, they want to know that they will be able to have a healthy work-life balance. They also want flexibility in the work itself. They want to be able to work independently, but also have chances to work in a group setting. They become bored easily, so they want to perform work that is challenging and provides variety.

Appealing to Gen Z

Accounting firms have an advantage in that most members of Gen Z already associate accounting with high salaries and stability. Yet, stability is only part of the equation. Candidates are looking for long-term careers. If you want to have a competitive edge in the employment market, you need to provide career development opportunities. Candidates will choose the employer who provides them with the most training and education opportunities. Having flexibility will also make you stand out.

Generation Z is quite different from the generations that have come before them, but they’re also entering the workforce in massive numbers. With the talent shortage expected to continue for the foreseeable future, attracting and recruiting Gen Z professionals has to be a priority for accounting firms. Luckily, accounting provides everything that Gen Z looks for in a career, including a good salary.

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