Hiring help

Small business owners often run most of their operations independently and focus on local customers. A small group can usually take on the work. However, if a business wants to start growing, it’ll need a bit more help to ensure it still runs smoothly. 

The question is, who should be hired first? Resources can be tight and it’s ideal to avoid hiring people whose skills may not benefit the business.  

Sites like  Indeed, Socialnomics and The Small Business Site have different ideas of which roles are more important. That said, most agree that the following roles are essential for any growing business. 

Accountant

An accountant’s job is to keep a business’ finances in order, keeping track of aspects such as income and expenses. They also ensure all records comply with laws and regulations. Some tasks for this position include ensuring the accuracy of financial documents. Other tasks include preparing and analyzing financial reports and preparing tax returns. 

While mostly looking after a business’ financial past, accountants are also in part  responsible for a business’ future. They give advice on risk aversion strategies, appropriate budgets and ways to reduce costs and control unnecessary expenses.   

Chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operations officer (COO)

ACEO is sometimes thought to be synonymous with the business owner or founder. However, this is not always the case. This employee is the highest-ranking executive and in small to medium-sized businesses, often takes on several roles. Briefly, they are responsible for a business’ growth. They are in charge of important decision-making, driving profitability and planning and implementing long-term strategies for expansion. They are also involved in the day-to-day activities of a business and often serve as its public face. It is possible for a business owner/founder to also be the CEO. However, it isn’t always ideal, especially if they do not have much business experience.

While a CEO can oversee daily operations, these tasks may prove overwhelming for them as a business continues to grow. At this time, it may be beneficial to also hire a COO. This individual is the second-in-command to the CEO and reports directly to them. They handle the internal affairs of a business. They look after its daily functions and implement business plans created by the CEO. However, hiring a COO may not be necessary for a smaller business. That is, if the CEO is still capable of fulfilling both roles. 

Human resources (HR) manager 

As the name suggests, the HR manager is there to support employees in many different ways. They are quite literally a human resource. They are responsible for recruiting employees, forwarding suitable applications to a hiring manager or even handling hiring themselves. They schedule interviews, handle paperwork and onboarding for new employees and process payroll.  

The HR manager also maintains positive relations between employees. They ensure everyone is following safety regulations and maintaining  business standards. They also help resolve conflicts  between staff and help update policies. They help to improve employee performance by creating and directing programs for staff. 

Marketing manager

The marketing manager is in charge of generating customer interest through various forms of media. They act as a bridge between a business and its audience. They develop and execute strategies to connect with a business’ customer base.  That may involve identifying and reaching out to a target audience and monitoring industry trends. It may also mean determining the profitability of new products/services, researching market trends and managing budgets for marketing campaigns.  

They are also in charge of a business’ public image and, to some degree, its reputation. Many businesses are now increasing their use of social media platforms. That said, the marketing manager helps to build a brand voice to increase customer engagement. 

The needs of every business can vary depending on their current situation and future goals, and this includes the types of employees needed. However, filling out the roles outlined here can set a good foundation for any business’ growth.