J2Talk

Welcome to J2Talk: a collection of our thoughts and ideas, industry trends, news and updates. We'll update regularly to help keep you in the know.

January 22, 2024

The Flaw in Relying Solely on Job Postings: Unlocking the Hidden Job Market

By
Lauren Kemp & Adam Weirich

By relying solely on job postings, most of the pool of possible candidates is never touched. Job postings primarily attract candidates actively seeking a change, constituting only a small percentage, typically between 10-20%. This narrow focus overlooks the majority of professionals who are engaged in other roles and may not be actively searching for new opportunities.

January 19, 2024

Crafting a Winning Resume in 2024

By
Lauren Kemp

2024 brings a competitive job market, making a well-crafted resume crucial. Having a document that clearly displays your skills, qualifications, and experiences and is tailored to the industry's specific needs enhances the chances of standing out among others when on the job hunt.

January 18, 2024

Reviving Candidate Excitement for In-Person Roles in 2024

By
Lauren Kemp

Office structure has undergone yet another shift, with many companies embracing a transition toward hybrid or fully in-person roles. Understanding candidate preferences amidst this transition is pivotal to successfully reviving excitement for in-person positions. As organizations adapt, it becomes increasingly important to align offerings with the evolving desires of potential candidates.

January 18, 2024

The Hidden Power Behind Precise Job Titles

By
Lauren Kemp

The significance of accurate job titles cannot be overstated. Beyond mere labels, these titles are crucial markers defining roles, responsibilities, and the overall employee experience. However, many jobs are titled inaccurately and overstate or understate the actual responsibilities of the position.

January 17, 2024

The Impact of Efficiency on Your Job Hunt

By
Lauren Kemp

In the fast-paced world of recruitment, time is of the essence. Quick conversations that hold the potential to reshape the future of your career often find themselves lingering in the limbo of delayed responses. These delays slow down the recruitment process and can lead to missed opportunities for clients and candidates. Read on to learn how being efficient can launch your job hunt toward success!

December 15, 2023

Navigating the Accounting Talent Shortage: Strategies for Success in 2024

By
Lauren Kemp

There is clear evidence of an accounting talent shortage, but what can companies do to combat it? Read on to learn what led to the shortage and how to combat it

December 13, 2023

Maximizing the Benefits of Collaborating with a Recruiter

By
Lauren Kemp

Working with a recruiter has become a strategic move for job seekers. To maximize this benefit, read on to learn the signs of a good recruiter, how you may benefit from working with a recruiter, and an outline of a recruiter's role before, during, and after your career search.‍

November 27, 2023

Leveraging Temporary Staffing for Year-End Cleanup: Why Temps are Your Ticket to Success

By
Lauren Kemp

As the year draws to a close, the pace of business often slows down, enveloping us in the holiday spirit and a sense of tranquility. Yet, for those entrenched in the year-end close process, this period can be a demanding phase. Read on to see how leveraging temporary staffing could be the ticket to success for your company.

November 16, 2023

Giving Thanks and Getting Hired: The Art of Gratitude in your Job Search 

By
Lauren Kemp

As the holiday season draws near, the topic of gratitude floods our conversations. While expressions of thanks and appreciation are common this time of year, there is an area where the practice of gratitude is notably lacking—the job search process. From the initial interview to securing a job, cultivating gratitude should be an integral part of the journey.

November 14, 2023

Why November is a Great Month to Hire

By
Lauren Kemp

While many organizations traditionally commence their hiring endeavors in the new year, concentrating on recruitment beginning in November can offer your company a competitive edge. By not postponing staffing decisions until Q1 2024, your company can proactively assess and address the staffing needs essential for a successful start to the new year and a seamless year-end close.

January 22, 2024

The Importance of Keeping Your Resume Up-to-Date

By
Lauren Kemp & Kady Gerhart

Think about how long you have been at your current company. Whether that answer is one year, ten years, or longer, it is tricky to remember every contribution you have made. When the time comes to take on a new position, having your resume up to date makes this shift easier, whether planned or unplanned. Read on to learn why annual resume updates are a good idea.

November 7, 2023

Employee Retention: A Strategic Imperative in a Shifting Labor Market

By
Lauren Kemp

Employee retention is something companies desire; however, it can be easy to forget that employees are at the center of organizational success. How they feel about the companies they work for, leadership, teams, and their performance at work can help a company to soar or can cause it to drown. So, how can organizations prioritize employee retention to help other aspects of business flourish? 

October 30, 2023

Navigating the Workplace: Gen Z vs. Millennials 

By
Lauren Kemp

Although the Millennial and Gen Z generations are relatively close in age, they are starkly different when considering the workplace. What matters at work, values, jobs they are most likely to choose, and the role of technology at work are all areas that these generations share commonalities, but also crucial differences.

October 31, 2023

5 Best Practices for Developing a Team to Support a Growing Organization

By
Lauren Kemp

As companies begin to craft their goals for 2024, growth is top of mind for many. The role of a capable and dedicated team cannot be overstated, and developing a robust team is essential for any organization seeking growth. This concept applies across industries but is specifically present in accounting and finance. 

October 19, 2023

The “Future-Proof” Certification: Why You Should Become a CPA

By
Lauren Kemp

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is more relevant than ever in 2023. Its focus on regulatory compliance, financial expertise, career advancement, versatility, global recognition, and ethical standards make it a crucial credential in the world of finance and accounting.

October 10, 2023

Scaling Teams Effectively - How J2T Can Help

By
Lauren Kemp

In the dynamic realm of business, growth is the ultimate pursuit and the effective scaling of your team is a fundamental pillar of success. We at J2T have honed this art through our nearly 25 years of enriching lives, one relationship at a time.

September 21, 2023

The Role of Temporary Accountants in Mergers and Acquisitions: Navigating Financial Complexities

By
Lauren Kemp

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) represent a critical strategic move for companies aiming to expand their market presence, diversify their portfolios, or gain a competitive edge. Learn how hiring temporary accounting and finance personnel to see the project through can be the most productive way to navigate M&A.

September 14, 2023

Missoula, Montana: A Thriving Hub for Accounting and Finance Professionals

By
Lauren Kemp

Missoula, Montana, often referred to as the "Garden City" due to its lush landscapes and vibrant community, is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and has much to offer those in the finance and accounting industry. Read on to explore the reasons why Missoula is an excellent place for accounting and finance personnel to live.

September 14, 2023

Idaho - The Hidden Gem of Accounting and Finance

By
Lauren Kemp

When considering career opportunities, accounting and finance professionals often cast their eyes toward bustling financial hubs like New York or California. However, there's a hidden gem in the American West that deserves their attention: Idaho.

September 8, 2023

Why Temp Jobs Are a Good Idea for New Accounting and Finance College Grads

By
Lauren Kemp

As recent graduates in accounting and finance embark on their professional journeys, they often face a challenging transition from the academic world to the workforce. Learn how a temp position after college could launch your career!

August 25, 2023

Navigating the Complex Process of Hiring C-suite Level Employees in the Accounting and Finance Sector

By
Lauren Kemp

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of accounting and finance professionals has become increasingly crucial for organizational success. However, hiring top-tier executives for these roles is a complex and demanding process that requires meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics.

August 7, 2023

Unlocking Business Growth: The Power of Hiring Temporary Employees in the Accounting and Finance Industries‍

By
Lauren Kemp

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for flexibility and adaptability has become paramount. Read on to discover why temporary hires can be a game changer for your business.

July 28, 2023

Attracting Top Accounting and Finance Candidates in 2023: A Guide for Companies

By
Lauren Kemp

As the business landscape evolves, so do the expectations and priorities of high-level accounting and finance candidates. Read to review what this includes for 2023

July 19, 2023

Revolutionizing the Accounting and Finance Industries: Harnessing the Power of AI

By
Lauren Kemp

In recent years, the accounting and finance industries have witnessed a seismic shift in the way they operate, thanks to the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Read on to learn more!

July 19, 2023

The Significance of Maintaining Candidate Communication: A Closer Look at Accounting and Finance

By
Lauren Kemp

In the fast-paced world of recruitment, maintaining effective communication with candidates is crucial. However, "ghosting" candidates after an interview has become common. Read on to discover the importance of communication throughout the interview process.

June 24, 2023

Preparing for an Accounting or Finance Interview in 2023

By
Julie Scates

Discover the keys to success in your 2023 accounting or finance interview with this essential guide.

June 15, 2023

Unleashing the Power of Chat GPT: Revolutionizing the Accounting and Finance Industries

By
Julie Scates

Chat GPT in the Accounting and Finance industries - the ending will shock you.‍

September 20, 2023

How to Create a Standout Finance and Accounting Resume

By
Julie Scates

Maximize your job application success in 2023 by writing a standout resume.

May 31, 2023

The Impact of Baby Boomers Retiring in 2023

By
Julie Scates

Now halfway through 2023, J2T provides you with an update on what happened in the last year concerning Boomer’s retirement and even better predictions on what this means for the future

April 26, 2023

How Employers can Combat Bare Minimum Mondays

By
Julie Scates

"Bare Minimum Mondays" is the new workplace trend where self-care trumps productivity. Can employers combat it with a creative twist on the workweek?

April 17, 2023

Quiet Quitters - Where are they Now?

By
Julie Scates

After the Gen Z Quiet Quitting epidemic of late 2022, where are they now? What was the aftermath? Read this article to find out.

April 11, 2023

Higher Salaries: Not the Answer?

By
Lauren Kemp

In recent years, salaries have quickly climbed, particularly in the accounting and finance world. However, industry observers say that increasing pay alone may not be enough to remedy the shortage of accountants sweeping across the United States. 

March 28, 2023

Unemployment Continues to Fall‍ in 2023

By
Julie Scates

The Unemployment rate reached nearly a 60-year low in January, and does not show much sign of rising. A new term has surfaced to describe this trend: Labor Hoarding. Economists describe this as the following; some businesses are experiencing layoffs, but many others are opting to cut worker hours rather than layoff employees. 

March 2, 2023

How to Retain Employees in 2023

By
Lauren Kemp

Do you need help with employee retention in 2023? Read the following article to see why recognition is the key to retention.

February 14, 2023

What is Quiet Hiring?

By
Julie Scates

This article outlines the ins and outs of "quiet hiring"

February 6, 2023

Dave Stevenson and Ann Waters Share Their Secrets to Career Success

By
Julie Scates

Dave Steveson and Ann Waters recently shared their keys to career success with Montana State University's MSIM class of 2023; this article summarizes these important lessons.

January 21, 2023

5 New Year's Goals for Job Seekers

By
Lauren Kemp

Here are five goals to get you job search on track for 2023.

November 13, 2022

The 6 Most Important Accounting Skills According to Business Owners

By
Jordan Gibbs

This is J2T's definitive guide to the most important accounting skills and how you can improve them.

November 3, 2022

How to Create a Standout LinkedIn Profile

By
Lauren Kemp

LinkedIn is quickly becoming one of the most important aspects of a job search. Find out why and how you can hone your profile.

November 3, 2022

Why is Company Value Integration so Important?

By
Lauren Kemp

This article describes why integrating company values should be one of your top priorities.

October 4, 2022

Millennials are Rethinking Their Career Paths

By
Lauren Kemp

The tumultuous global social/financial climate has caused millions of Millennials to rethink their career paths. Read more to find out why.

September 6, 2022

The Impact of Baby Boomers Retiring

By
Lauren Kemp

Have you ever wondered what changes will affect the work environment now that Baby Boomers are beginning to retire en masse? Read this article to find out.

September 6, 2022

Is Free Lunch the New Best Employee Incentive? ‍

By
Lauren Kemp

It may sound crazy, but offering a free takeout lunch might be the ticket to getting your employees back into the office.

August 31, 2022

How Can Women Break the Glass Ceiling?

By
Lauren Kemp

What is the glass ceiling, how does it affect women in the workplace, and how can they break through?

January 10, 2023

GenZ: The Quiet Quitters – Saying No to “Hustle Culture”

By
Lauren Kemp

What is "quiet quitting" and how can it affect your company? This article will give you strategies for identifying and curing it.

August 9, 2022

Benefits of Temps and When to Hire Them

By
Lauren Kemp

If you've ever wondered about the benefits of hiring temp workers, look no further!

August 8, 2022

Why Do We Need Accountants More than Ever?‍

By
Lauren Kemp

Accountants are becoming more and more crucial every day; read more to find out why.

July 26, 2022

How to Analyze Local Job Markets

By
Lauren Kemp

This article shows you how to analyze your local job market to identify your professional advantage.

July 21, 2022

J2T's 2022 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide

By
Jordan Gibbs

This guide includes starting salaries for Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, Director of Finance, Director of Accounting, Controller, Assistant Controller, Tax Director, and more.

July 18, 2022

Why Setting Career Goals is Essential (And How to Set Them)

By
Lauren Kemp

July 21, 2022

How to Hire an Excellent Startup CFO

By
Jordan Gibbs

If you're a startup owner looking to hire a CFO, look no further. This article is J2T's guide to hiring an excellent CFO.

July 7, 2022

How to Write an Effective Accounting or Finance Cover Letter and Resume

By
Lauren Kemp

If you're a finance or accounting professional looking for a job, this article is a great resource to help you stand out from the competition with a great resume and cover letter.

July 1, 2022

Working with a Recruiter Will Revolutionize Your Hiring Process

By
Lauren Kemp

This article is aimed at employers who are exploring their options through recruiting. This is the ultimate guide to working with a recruiter if you're looking to fill a position at your company.

June 27, 2022

Top Jobs in Finance and Accounting 2022

By
Lauren Kemp

Have you ever wondered about the top trends in finance and accounting? Look no further; this is the ultimate guide for any job seeker who's looking to work in finance or accounting in 2022.

June 24, 2022

How to Stand Out as a Financial Analyst

By
Jordan Gibbs

If you're a financial analyst looking for work, you need strategies to set yourself apart from the masses. Unfortunately, this problem persists for analysts who have already landed a job. This article is a great place to begin your journey to shine out from your competition so that you can rise to success as a financial analyst.

June 23, 2022

How to Stand Out as an Accountant

By
Jordan Gibbs

If you're looking for an accounting job or already have one, this article is a great place to learn how you can stand out from other accountants. We cover many topics, including general knowledge, legality, software, and books you should read.

June 23, 2022

How to Land a Job with a Finance Degree

By
Lauren Kemp

The finance sector is one of the most exciting growth industries in the world today. If you have a finance degree, this article will show you your options for employment so you can start your journey to success in the finance industry.

June 23, 2022

How to Create a Targeted Job Search Strategy

By
Jordan Gibbs

Have you ever wondered how to create an intelligent, targeted job search strategy? In this article, we give you sage job-search advice that will guide you on your path to professional success.

June 23, 2022

Retain Your Employees: Financial Compensation vs. Emotional Compensation

By
Lauren Kemp

Have you ever wondered how you can achieve a balance between financial and emotional compensation? This article outlines strategies to implement emotional compensation in your workforce.

June 23, 2022

How to Hire an Excellent Financial Analyst

By
Jordan Gibbs

This article outlines the details of financial analysts, what they do, what makes them effective, and how to hire them.

June 23, 2022

Why You Need a Controller For Your Small Business 

By
Lauren Kemp

As a small business owner, have you ever wondered if/when you need to hire a controller? If so, this article is a great place to start; we discuss the duties, benefits, and employment trends of controllers in 2022.

June 24, 2022

Has the Great Resignation Become the Great Regret?

By
Lauren Kemp

What is the Great Resignation, and how does it play into the Great Regret? What does this mean for the future of the modern workforce? What can you do to remedy this? This article answers all these questions and more.

June 24, 2022

10 Creative Ways to Retain Your Top Employees

By
Jordan Gibbs

Employee retention is not all about money. These are the top ten strategies to retain your best employees and how you can implement them.

July 15, 2022

Women in Business: Finance and Accounting

By
Lauren Kemp

This article outlines the crucial role women play in the finance and accounting industries. We discuss the difference between the two industries and how you can leverage your accounting or finance degree to forge success.

June 23, 2022

How Does an Accountant Save My Company Money?

By
Jordan Gibbs

How does an accountant save your company money? Which type of accountant do I need, and how should I source them? This article answers these questions and many more.

June 23, 2022

Do I need a CPA for my small business?

By
Lauren Kemp

This article details how hiring a CPA can save you time while launching your business to the next level. We discuss in-house vs. outsourced CPAs and how to find the right fit.

June 23, 2022

How To Find and Partner with a Recruiter

By
Cody Broussard & Jordan Gibbs

We detail the ins and outs of finding a good recruiter. There are many aspects you must consider, and we cover all of them in this article.

December 29, 2020

COVID-19 and Women in the Workplace

By
Cody Broussard

A look into how COVID-19 has impacted women in the workplace.

October 27, 2020

Temp Jobs on the Rise

By
Molly Weiss

An analysis of the temporary staffing industry and what we are expecting in Q3.

October 27, 2020

When and Where to Apply for a New Job

By
Cody Broussard

You've got your resume ready to go, but where should you spend your time looking for new positions?

October 27, 2020

Resume Writing 101

By
Cody Broussard

Don't let your nerves get the best of you when its time to refresh your resume; just keep these tips in mind.

October 27, 2020

My Co-Worker Doesn't Wear Pants

By
Molly Weiss

October 27, 2020

My First Professional Recession: A Firsthand Story We Would Rather Not Know

By
Cody Broussard

How Millennial's Can Navigate Workplace Challenges Surrounding COVID19

October 27, 2020

Remote Control: Ergonomics of the Home Office

By
Cody Broussard

Take back control of your daily productivity with an ergonomic upgrade for your home office.

October 27, 2020

Home Office 101: The Playbook

By
Molly Weiss

A guide to working from home. Our key success factors from 20 years of home officing experience. Stay sane and be productive.