November 2002

Website of the Month: CPACareerNet

By Susan B. Anders, PhD, CPA, St. Bonaventure University

Many specialized websites offer employers and job seekers assistance in connecting with each other, and the accounting field has particularly good resources in the employment search area. In May 2002, this column covered CareerBank.com, and will attempt over the coming months to review other accounting-related job search websites.

CPACareerNet (www.cpacareernet.com) was established by several professional accounting organizations that offer a variety of services to independent CPA firms and accountants. CPACareerNet is an online recruiting service that provides CPA firms with assistance in locating qualified employees, with a fee structure based on unlimited or one-time job postings.

Job Seekers

Job seekers have free access to information on job openings with the website’s subscriber employers in 32 states, including New York. Applicants must register and provide basic background information and indicate preferences for locations and positions. Rather than filling in a resume template, the job seeker can quickly upload a professional-looking resume from a document or text file. The user can store multiple resumes tailored to specific employment options.

Job seekers can search job postings by location or position. Because position titles are very specific, job seekers should try different position titles. Users can submit an application to an employer online and choose which of their resumes to submit.

Employers

Employers must register to receive authorization from the site before they can post a job. Once this is complete, employers have access to any applicant who interests them, across the country. Positions posted on the website can automatically be posted to the employer’s website as well. Firms can narrow the potential pool by including a list of five prequalifying questions for applicants in their announcements. Employers can also search the database of job seekers who have allowed their resumes to be published, then contact potential candidates online.

In addition to connecting employers and job seekers, CPACareerNet offers other information of interest to both groups. Job seekers can get tips on resumes, cover letters, power words, and interviewing. Additional features for employers include access to interviewing assistance, personnel assessment, and developing position descriptions.

Even those not looking for an employee or a job can check out the website’s free salary report or the Bureau of Labor Statistics Report about the accounting profession.