Beyond the Resume: Why Skills Testing is the Future of Accounting Hires

Giles Pearson, co-founder of Accountests and former PwC partner, shares how one disastrous hire led him to revolutionize recruiting in the accounting profession. The conversation explores why traditional hiring methods fail, how skills and personality testing can predict job success, and reveals the shocking statistics about resume dishonesty. Roger and Annie also dive into New Zealand's streamlined tax system where 90% of taxpayers never file returns, sparking a fascinating debate about whether such simplicity could ever work in the United States. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates (01:40) - Introducing the Guest: Gilles Pearson (03:06) - Challenges in Hiring and the Birth of Accountests (05:10) - The Importance of Testing in Hiring (08:13) - The Role of Personality and Skills Tests (13:57) - Developing Effective Tests for Accountants (24:29) - Personality Profiles and Team Dynamics (31:33) - Using Tests for Employee Development (34:35) - Succession Planning in Smaller Firms (36:50) - Accountant Stereotypes and Communication Challenges (40:42) - The Role of Personal Interaction in Accounting (44:56) - Streamlined Hiring Process with Account Tests (48:56) - Comparing Tax Systems: US vs New Zealand (56:56) - Final Thoughts and Farewell Connect with Giles Pearson https://nz.linkedin.com/in/giles-pearson-fca-8a175843 https://www.accountests.com/ Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode. Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/ Review Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Subscribe Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app! This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media