The demand for qualified accountants has been exceeding the supply for years, urging companies to be inventive in their recruitment strategies. An emerging trend gaining traction is the employment of retired accountants as interim workers.

Kevin Blockx, senior manager at recruitment specialist Robert Walters, says: "Not only are organisations embracing this concept, but also retirees themselves are showing increasing interest in continuing to work beyond their formal retirement age. Doing interim jobs offers them a welcome source of extra income, a way to stay socially involved as well as to transfer their extensive expertise."

This shift in mindset not only provides a solution to the talent shortage, but also brings several benefits for organisations willing to hire these experienced professionals. Kevin lists the main benefits.

Appetite for work

Hiring retired accountants as interim staff brings in a pool of particularly motivated candidates.

"At this stage of life, these professionals have made a conscious decision to remain active in the labour market. Their motivation is no longer driven by the need for career advancement, but rather by a desire to stay involved and continue to make use of their knowledge and skills," Kevin explains.

Flexibility

Kevin: "One of the most valuable attributes of retired interim staff is their flexibility. These professionals are often willing to contribute to the organisation in different ways, whether it is a temporary contract of a few months to cover peak periods, or a more structural role of a few days a week to support day-to-day operations. This flexibility allows organisations to adapt their workforce to fluctuating needs without long-term commitments."

Availability

"Unlike employed candidates who may have a notice period with their current employer, retired accountants are typically immediately available," says Kevin. "This eliminates the need for a waiting period before they can start work, allowing organisations to respond quickly to urgent needs and react seamlessly to changing circumstances."

Expertise

"Another attractive aspect of hiring retired accountants is the extensive experience they bring with them," Kevin knows. "Thanks to decades of practical experience, these professionals do not need a long familiarisation period or extensive training. They can start working immediately and make valuable contributions to the organisation from day one."

Mentorship

"Finally, retired accountants provide a valuable knowledge transfer opportunity within organisations. With their deep expertise, they can mentor and coach younger employees, strengthening the overall skills and qualifications of the workforce. This mentoring role not only contributes to the professional development of individual employees, but can also contribute to a culture of continuous growth and learning within the organisation," Kevin concludes.

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