The Legend Leader e-Newsletter

 

January/February 2008

How to Keep Employees Happy

Confessions of job seekers

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SOX Gains Ground
Not just for public companies anymore... 

by Nancy Molloy
President, Legend Global Search, Inc.
   

Knowing why employees consider leaving can help you to retain valued professionals. According to a recent online survey, 15% of employees say they are actively seeking another job. However, a full 50% admit being open to leaving their current employer if a new opportunity came their way. Legend's legal and compliance recruiters speak to more than 5,000 job seekers a year and have a strong sense of what motivates candidates to move on. It may surprise you to learn that money is not the top motivator.

Top Six Reasons for Seeking a New Position:

1.       Desire to advance their career or move into a more challenging position.

2.       A sense of instability in the firm or lack of job security.

3.       More money. While you are already well aware that this is a major motivator, it's not the only one.

4.       Lack of communication with and respect from their immediate supervisor.

5.       Incompatibility with co-workers or the corporate culture of the firm.

6.       Feeling undervalued - contributing more than is recognized by management, passed over for promotions or not feeling appreciated.

Curbing turnover impacts the bottom line, is good for morale and ensures productivity. By focusing on the factors that cause employees to change jobs, hiring managers can build a corporate culture that fosters employee commitment and continuity.


The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, also known as SOX, has had far-reaching effects across public companies, however private companies are also adopting many of its best practices. Implementing such changes may provide a more attractive company to customers and stakeholders and better protection from risks caused by inadequate recordkeeping, reporting and controls. There is discussion that private companies, specifically hedge funds and private equity firms, may also be facing additional regulatory issues in the future.

The cost and headcount required for SOX compliance can be hefty. Compliance costs can be 3% of revenue for a company with revenue of $50 million. However, privately held companies that are hoping to go public or be bought by a public company have to think ahead and get internal controls in place. According to some estimates, getting SOX regulations in place can take two years.

Even for private companies that have no intention of a “public” future, SOX has created harsh penalties for accounting fraud, retaliation against whistleblowers, improper document retention and destruction, ERISA notification failures and mail and wire fraud.

There are myriad reasons for a private company to ensure the accuracy of its financial statements and the security of its accounting systems. For example, in the event a company seeks financing, it must be able to prove the validity of its accounting controls. Here are some ways that privately held companies can step up accounting controls:

  • Implement a system where employees can file complaints anonymously.
  • Consider software or other electronic solutions for help tracking and investing financial records and internal documentation.
  • Work with two accounting firms or hire an independent firm to do yearly audits.

Though ensuring that a company’s accounting practices are operating properly and efficiently can be costly, the risk of not having suitable controls in place is even more costly. As companies continue to realize the risks associated with lagging accounting controls, the need for auditors, accountants and compliance professionals will continue to grow.

The Compliance Division at Legend continues to contact a wide range of highly qualified audit and compliance professionals and conducts intensive one-on-one interviews with the best on the Street in preparation for your staffing needs. Please visit www.complianceHQ.com to see details of Legend’s compliance services and how we screen candidates to get the best match for our valued clients.

Rising to the Challenge of Success

Sometimes, great news comes along with great challenges. Winning large projects, new clients, or increased assignments from current clients grow your business, and that's great news.  But ramping up with personnel who can capably and professionally handle this influx can be problematic on either a short or long-term basis.

Legend has the answer. Our proprietary database of industry-related talent has more than 25,000 pre-qualified candidates, and our dedicated team is available 24/7. Contact Tom Heisler, Director, Business Development, at (201) 214-0101 with any questions or challenges and we'll bring our experience and resources to bear on your behalf.

 

Legend Global Search, Inc.
28 West 44th Street, Suite 218, New York, NY 10036
tel: (212) 293-8920 | fax: (212) 293-8925

web: www.legendglobalsearch.com
email:
nmolloy@legendglobalsearch.com

 

 




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