Finding the right accounting professional for your business is no small task. Between writing job descriptions, sorting through resumes, conducting interviews, and verifying credentials, the hiring process can take weeks — sometimes months. And when you finally make an offer, there’s still no guarantee it’s the right fit.
That’s why more businesses in Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT are turning to accounting staffing agencies to simplify the process and hire with confidence. But not every agency is built the same. Choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and productivity. Choosing the right one? It can transform the way you build your finance team.
Here’s what to look for when selecting an accounting staffing agency near you.
1. Look for Specialization in Accounting and Finance
A general staffing agency can fill a wide range of roles, but when it comes to accounting and finance, specialization matters. You want a partner who understands the difference between a bookkeeper and a staff accountant, or between a controller and a CFO — and knows exactly what skills each role demands.
A specialized accounting staffing agency will be familiar with the certifications that count (CPA, CMA, EA), the software your team relies on (QuickBooks, SAP, NetSuite), and the nuances of your industry, whether that’s manufacturing, legal, healthcare, or professional services.
When you work with a specialist, you skip the learning curve and get candidates who are already pre-qualified for the role at hand.
2. Ask About Their Candidate Vetting Process
One of the biggest advantages of working with a staffing agency is access to a pre-screened talent pool. But not all agencies screen candidates with the same rigor. Before you commit, ask:
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Do they conduct skills assessments specific to accounting roles?
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Do they verify certifications and credentials?
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What does their background check process include?
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How do they evaluate soft skills like attention to detail and communication?
A reputable accounting staffing agency near you should be able to walk you through their vetting process clearly and confidently. If they can’t, that’s a red flag. The quality of their candidates is only as strong as the process behind them.
3. Consider Temporary vs. Permanent Placement Options
Your staffing needs will evolve over time. During tax season, you might need extra support for a few months. A key employee might go on leave unexpectedly. Or you may be ready to bring on a full-time controller as your business grows.
The right accounting staffing agency should offer flexible solutions that match your situation:
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Temporary staffing — Ideal for seasonal workloads, short-term projects, or covering leaves of absence.
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Temp-to-hire — A great way to evaluate a candidate on the job before making a permanent offer.
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Direct hire / permanent placement — Best for building long-term capacity on your finance team.
An agency that offers all three options gives you the flexibility to respond to your business needs without scrambling every time something changes.
4. Understand How They Charge for Their Services
Pricing transparency is a sign of a trustworthy partner. Most accounting staffing agencies operate under one of the following models:
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Contingency fee — You pay only if the agency successfully places a candidate. Common for permanent placements, typically a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary.
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Hourly markup — For temporary placements, the agency pays the worker and bills you at a marked-up hourly rate that covers wages, taxes, and benefits.
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Retainer — Less common, used for executive-level or hard-to-fill searches.
While cost is always a consideration, keep in mind that a bad hire can cost a company significantly more than an agency fee. The right placement the first time is almost always the more cost-effective path.
Don’t hesitate to ask agencies upfront about their fee structure — a good agency will always be straightforward about it.
5. Evaluate Their Local Market Knowledge
Hiring isn’t one-size-fits-all. Salary expectations, candidate availability, and industry demand vary significantly from one market to the next. An accounting staffing agency with deep roots in your local area will have a major advantage over a national firm with no regional presence.
A locally knowledgeable agency understands:
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What accounting professionals in your area expect to earn
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Which industries are actively competing for the same talent
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How long it typically takes to fill specific roles in your market
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The local business culture and what employers value
For businesses in Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT, working with a locally established agency means faster placements, better candidate matches, and a partner who is genuinely invested in your community.
6. Check Their Track Record and Client Reviews
Before signing with any agency, do your homework. Ask for references from businesses similar to yours. Look for online reviews. Find out how long they’ve been operating in your industry and market.
Questions worth asking:
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How long have you been placing accounting professionals?
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Do you have experience in my industry?
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What is your average time-to-fill for accounting roles?
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What happens if a placement doesn’t work out?
An agency that’s been around for years, has strong client relationships, and stands behind their placements with a guarantee is one you can trust with something as critical as your finance team.
Why Pascoe Workforce Solutions Is the Right Accounting Staffing Partner
Pascoe Workforce Solutions has been connecting businesses in Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT with qualified accounting and finance professionals for years. We specialize in both temporary and permanent placements across accounting, finance, administrative, and professional roles — and we take pride in matching the right candidate to the right opportunity, every time.
Whether you need a temp accountant for the quarter or a permanent controller to lead your finance department, our team has the local expertise and the candidate network to deliver.
Ready to Build a Stronger Finance Team?
Choosing the right accounting staffing agency near you doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is finding a partner who specializes in accounting, vets candidates thoroughly, understands your local market, and is transparent about how they work.
Pascoe Workforce Solutions checks every box.
Contact us today and let’s talk about your accounting hiring needs — we’ll match you with the right candidate, fast.