Understanding the recruitment and selection processes of management accountants

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the recruitment and selection processes of management accountants to enhance the understanding of how employers form perceptions of a suitable management accountant. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on 17 interviews with individuals involved in the recruitment of management accountants. Empirical data were collected during the recruitment process at eight organisations. Findings The findings suggest that in the social context of recruitment, technical skills and abilities related to management accounting are increasingly perceived as “taken for granted”, and employers instead focus on evaluating candidates’ appearance and overall credibility. In particular, employers look for individuals who appear to be sociable, dynamic and appealing. Thus, a candidate’s overall appearance and personality are central to the recruitment process, both of which are assessed through characteristics and traits associated with personal charisma. Practical implications The findings have practical implications for both job seekers and recruiters of management accountants. Originality/value This study complements past studies on the role and image of management accountants by elucidating the social nature of their recruitment and selection.