How to Spot Long-Term Potential in Finance Talent
In a market where technical skills are a given, the real differentiator in finance hiring often comes down to something harder to measure, potential. The best firms aren’t just hiring for the next busy season; they’re thinking about who will still be adding value, leading teams, and driving growth five years from now.
So, how can employers spot that kind of long-term potential during the recruitment process?
1. Look Beyond the Perfect CV
Strong exam results and a solid training background are great starting points, but they don’t tell the full story. Some of the best long-term hires are those who’ve demonstrated resilience, curiosity, or a pattern of continuous improvement, not just a tidy career timeline. Ask candidates about how they’ve adapted to change or what they’ve learned from professional setbacks. These answers often reveal much more than technical achievements.
2. Focus on Adaptability
Finance roles evolve quickly, with technology, regulation, and client expectations constantly shifting. Someone who thrives on change, who’s open to learning new systems or stepping outside their comfort zone, is far more likely to grow with your business. Look for signs of this adaptability in their career moves, examples of taking initiative, or how they’ve contributed to process improvements.
3. Assess Alignment with Your Culture and Goals
A candidate can be technically excellent but still struggle to connect with your team or your clients. Long-term success depends on shared values: integrity, collaboration, communication, and accountability. Discuss real scenarios in the interview: how they handle deadlines, feedback, or client pressure. You’ll quickly see if their approach matches your firm’s way of working.
4. Prioritise Learning Attitude Over Job Title
Ambition looks different for everyone. Some candidates show potential not by chasing the fastest promotions, but by developing deep expertise, mentoring others, or improving systems. When you recognise that kind of growth mindset, you’re investing in someone who will continuously add value to your business.
Where Downey Osborne Adds Value
At Downey Osborne, we look beyond qualifications and job titles. Our approach is to understand both sides of the equation, what motivates each candidate and what each client truly needs for long-term success. Because we specialise in accountancy, finance, and tax recruitment across Northern Ireland and Ireland, we can identify individuals who not only have the right skills today but the right mindset for the future.
It’s not about filling a vacancy quickly. It’s about helping firms build teams that will stay, progress, and strengthen the culture that already exists.
