To land and keep standout talent, above all, you have to run a business that’s great for your employees.
For Nicole McMillan, People & Culture leader at Canopy, cultures of micromanaging and little work/life balance aren’t going to survive.
“Build a place that people would want to work at, and you’ll find [talent],” McMillan said in a recent interview.
McMillan has been selected as a speaker for Universal Accounting Center’s GrowCon 2025, to be held in Provo, Utah from May 5 to 7. During her presentation, she will tackle a question facing the industry at all stages of growth: effective hiring and retention strategies. Be sure to grab your ticket, whether you can join in person or virtually.
With years of experience in human resources, McMillan brings a fresh perspective to the accounting profession, where a shortage of new talent is becoming a growing concern, McMillan said. Here’s what attendees can expect from her session at GrowCon.
The Urgency to Hire and Retain Talent
McMillan will dive into best practices for hiring and retention—two areas that are increasingly challenging in the accounting industry.
With many accountants nearing retirement and fewer individuals entering the profession, McMillan said focusing on employer branding, looking for candidates in the right places, and identifying red flags in candidates is of paramount importance for premier accounting firms. Her session will explore ways to optimize hiring processes and assess company culture to gain a competitive edge in a competitive job market.
“Attracting and retaining employees is always important, but in the accounting field, it’s especially urgent right now,” McMillan explains. “I want to help firms optimize their hiring processes and ensure they’re creating a workplace culture that attracts the best talent.”
What Attendees Can Expect to Learn
Attendees of McMillan’s session will leave with actionable insights on how to refine their hiring and retention strategies to address the current workforce challenges. Here’s what participants can expect to take away from her presentation:
-Best Practices for Hiring: McMillan will share proven strategies to streamline your hiring process, making it more efficient and effective at attracting the right candidates.
-Improving Retention: Learn how to keep top talent within your firm and reduce turnover by creating a culture that employees are eager to be a part of.
– Optimizing Company Culture: McMillan will discuss the importance of company culture and how a positive, inclusive environment can be a powerful tool for both hiring and retaining employees.
-The Role of Pay & Perks: Discover ways to identify what people in your accounting firm really want and provide creative perks to build culture.
McMillan’s Key Takeaways for GrowCon Attendees
For McMillan, the key to finding great staff starts with having a great business. “Build a place that people would want to work, and you’ll find the talent you need,” she says. “Cultures that rely on micro-management and offer no work/life balance won’t survive in today’s market.”
Her advice to GrowCon attendees is clear: focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. By doing so, firms can build teams that are not only talented but also loyal and engaged.
Don’t Miss Nicole McMillan at GrowCon 2025
Nicole McMillan’s session at GrowCon 2025 is a must-attend for anyone looking to improve their hiring and retention strategies. With her wealth of experience in human resources, McMillan will provide valuable insights that attendees can implement immediately in their own firms.
Whether you’re struggling with recruitment or looking for ways to strengthen your team, this session will offer the tools and strategies you need to attract and retain top talent.
Prepare to walk away from McMillan’s session with a deeper understanding of how to optimize your hiring process and build a culture that supports long-term success.
GrowCon 25 will be held in Provo, Utah, from May 5 to 7 at the Utah Valley Convention Center. Tickets are available now. VIP tickets include lunch at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon, an adventure at Labyrinth Reality Games, Dinner at Rodizio, and a Casino Night with speakers and Universal Accounting Staff.
Be sure to check out highlights from previous editions of the conference, and contact our team if you’re interested in starting or improving your own accounting firm at 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment online.
