Sixty-three percent of companies said they are willing to provide tuition reimbursement to new hires without college degrees, according to a recent poll of over 2,000 finance and accounting executives across the country.
The survey, conducted by recruiting firm Robert Half Finance & Accounting, found that companies are also willing to forego four-year college degrees in certain areas of a firm, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and credit and collections. However, only 24 percent of those polled would consider hiring a candidate with no degree for general accounting, along with 9 percent for positions in tax and 8 percent for internal audit.
The poll found that larger companies, with 1,000 staff members or more, were more willing to provide professional reimbursement than smaller ones.
"Given the competitive hiring market and historically low unemployment rates, finding a candidate who checks every box isn't realistic," said Steve Saah, executive director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, in a statement. "Savvy companies are becoming more flexible in the hiring process, including considering applicants who may not have all the desired education or experience outlined in the job description but possess the necessary soft skills to succeed in the role and fit with the organizational culture."
"Employers [who] provide education and training offerings could see a number of benefits, including improved recruitment and retention efforts and employees with sharpened skill sets," Saah added.
For more information, head to Robert Half's
