Top 10 tips

When it comes to choosing consulting and staffing firms, it is a jungle out there. Quality, commitment and experience can vary widely. Making the wrong choice can be extremely costly.

Here are our top 10 tips to help you choose a financial consultant that suits your company and your needs.

1. Check the consulting firm’s experience in this area. Make sure that they truly understand your needs.
2. If you are looking for a financial consultant, always use a consulting firm that specialises in finance and accounting.
3. Make sure that the sales person responsible for your account has personal experience of carrying out assignments in the finance and accounting field.
4. Employ a consultant who wants to work as a consultant, rather than someone looking for a permanent position. Working in a line position as an employee is not the same as carrying out a consulting assignment in a line position.
5. Make sure that you receive a written specification of the assignment’s content, timing and price before the assignment starts.
6. Find a consulting firm that is fast, committed and accessible.
7. Demand that the consulting firm selects a suitable consultant (not five CVs that you have to go through) so that you avoid doing the consulting firm’s job.
8. Choose a consultant who is a little more qualified than is actually needed – it is not a question of permanent recruitment.
9. Check about the cost of any overtime. There is a risk that you may have to pay high surcharges.
10. Ensure that the consulting firm has methods for handing over to the client once the assignment is concluded.