Chiene + Tait Chartered Accountants

Facing a skills shortage in certain specialist areas of accountancy, Chiene + Tait, one of Scotland’s leading independent accountancy firms, have been looking overseas for the answer to the skills gap.

"Every appointment we make is on merit when seeking the best person for the job,whatever their nationality",said Kenny McDowell,a partner in the firm."We have found,however,that going further afield has helped us to recruit the best people where there is a shortgage in a particular skill area at home."

Chiene & Tait,based in the centre of Edinburgh,has a recent history of various international recruits.The firm has a total workforce of over 120 and sees the overseas professional recruitment market as a benefit to the firm's diversity.Recent employees have originated from across Europe,including Poland, and Australia.

The company,  provides accounting, assurance, personal and corporate taxation services along with management accounts, risk advisory and corporate finance services.  They also offer specialist sector advice and tax, IT and HR consultancies to a UK-wide client base.

Recently, the main skills shortages are in the areas of and advisory ,business support and risk advisory services,and the firm has adopted a policy of ensuring vacancies in these fields are promoted as widely as possible.This involves employing Edinburgh recruitment agents with global networks that inform overseas professionals about job opportunities in Scotland, advertising vacancies on the firm's website and increasingly advertising on other internationally accessible vacancy boards.

According to Kenny McDowell,"One of the advantages is a wider diversity of skills and welcome international contribution to the business.Inevitably,there are cultural differences, but this doesn't usually present a barrier to someone who has undergone all the rigours of obtaining professional qualifications."

“We have found, however, that going further afield has helped us to recruit the best people where there is a shortage in a particular skills area at home.

“Although there is no formal induction for overseas staff who may not have lived in Scotland before, each partner in the business takes a personal interest in the people who work with them to help with any problems.

“We tend to address any differences as they arise and the informal, personal approach seems to work.”

Each staff member at Chiene + Tait undergoes a three-month appraisal when any issues being experienced can be aired and assistance provided if needed.

On a more practical level, the company smoothes the way by helping with obtaining work permits, visas and national insurance numbers, and Scottish Government staff are on hand to assist.

The company also gives its overseas staff, should they need it, advice on matters such as opening a bank account and finding accommodation, and advises them to contact Relocation Advisory Service via this website,  . info@scotlandistheplace.com

For more information please visit www.chiene.co.uk

Information correct at May 2008