Remote work is here to stay, but hiring accounting professionals remotely presents some unique challenges. A remote hiring process eliminates your ability to meet in person with potential candidates, and it requires the right tech stack to ensure the process goes smoothly. You’ll find yourself relying on new methods to vet potential hires — but there are also specific things you need to look for in a remote dream team. Here are some of our best remote hiring tips. 

Conduct Virtual Interviews

The virtual interview will take center stage in your remote hiring process. It will also set the stage for your candidates in terms of what’s to come. That being said, it’s important to have your digital ducks in a row. Make sure you arrive at your virtual meeting a few minutes early to account for any technical issues that might arise. 

Set a Default Time Zone

One of the biggest advantages of hiring remote workers is that your talent pool can open up to include accountants from all over. But, in order to hold meetings or work concurrently, you’ll need to set a default time zone. 

Ensure Candidates Have Some Tech Expertise

Your ideal team should already have at least some tech skills necessary to complete remote work. Prior remote work experience may be ideal, but a basic tech skill set can also make the transition to remote work easier. It’s also essential to have a good tech stack already in place for your remote workers to be effective and efficient. 

Document!

Documentation is key when working remotely, both when it comes to hiring and after your candidate has gotten the job. Having your processes recorded and stored in an easily accessible place can help new hires become acclimated to their new tasks. This can be especially useful when not operating in an office environment, as new remote hires won’t always have access to other people when they need guidance. 

Assign Mentors

It’s important to provide new hires with clear instructions and guidance in any job. Working remotely, however, presents some new challenges. Using the buddy system — or assigning mentors to new hires — can help alleviate problems before they arise. Your new hires should know who to go to if they have questions 

Look For Candidates Who Can Work Independently

One of the more difficult aspects of remote work for some people is that there is little to no oversight. This can be challenging for those who lack self-motivation or require a more structured approach. 

Remote work can be an excellent way to keep your team happy and motivated, while also helping you cut back on operating costs. And though it may seem difficult to get to know someone through a computer screen, there are plenty of ways you can learn about new hires and onboard them smoothly. Need more tips for managing a remote team once you have one? Check out our other blog here!