Start the Year Strong: Finance & Accounting Roles to Fill in Q1

For finance and accounting leaders, Q1 is when year-end results are finalized, new budgets take shape, and organizations set the financial tone for the months ahead. Having the right talent in place early can make the difference between a reactive year and a proactive, high-performing one.

Whether you’re navigating audits, implementing new systems, or preparing for growth, these are the key finance and accounting roles to prioritize filling in Q1 to start the year strong.

Why Q1 Hiring Matters in Finance & Accounting

Q1 is uniquely demanding for finance teams. Year-end close, audits, tax preparation, and board reporting often overlap with new initiatives like system upgrades or process improvements. Staffing gaps during this period can lead to burnout, missed deadlines, and costly errors.

Filling critical roles early in the year allows teams to:

• Maintain momentum after year-end close

• Improve accuracy and compliance during audits and reporting

• Support strategic planning and forecasting

• Reduce strain on existing staff

Key Finance & Accounting Roles to Fill in Q1

Accountants (Staff & Senior Level)

Accountants are the backbone of Q1 operations. From closing the books to reconciling accounts and preparing financial statements, demand for experienced accountants spikes early in the year.

Why they’re critical in Q1:

• Finalizing year-end close and adjustments

• Supporting audit requests

• Ensuring accurate monthly and quarterly reporting

Financial Analysts

As organizations evaluate performance and set goals for the year ahead, financial analysts play a vital role in turning data into insights.

Why they’re critical in Q1:

• Budgeting and forecasting for the new fiscal year

• Variance analysis and performance reporting

• Supporting leadership with data-driven decision-making

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Specialists

Cash flow is king, especially at the start of the year. AP and AR professionals help keep payments timely and collections on track.

Why they’re critical in Q1:

• Cleaning up outstanding balances from the prior year

• Improving cash flow visibility

• Supporting vendors and customers during high-volume periods

Payroll Specialists

Payroll errors can damage employee trust and create compliance risks. Q1 often brings tax updates, benefits changes, and reporting requirements.

Why they’re critical in Q1:

• Managing W-2s and other year-end payroll filings

• Ensuring compliance with new tax regulations

• Supporting onboarding as hiring ramps up

Internal Audit & Compliance Professionals

With audits underway and regulations constantly evolving, internal audit and compliance expertise is invaluable early in the year.

Why they’re critical in Q1:

• Preparing for and supporting external audits

• Identifying process gaps and risk areas

• Strengthening controls before issues escalate

Finance Systems & ERP Support Roles

Many organizations kick off ERP enhancements or new implementations in Q1. Finance systems experts help bridge the gap between accounting and technology.

Why they’re critical in Q1:

• Supporting ERP upgrades or post-go-live stabilization

• Improving reporting and automation

• Reducing manual work during peak periods

Flexible Hiring Strategies for Q1 Success

Not every Q1 need requires a permanent hire. Many organizations find success with contract, contract-to-hire, or project-based professionals to manage seasonal workloads or specialized initiatives.

Flexible staffing through INSPYR Solutions (previously BGSF Professional Services) can help:

• Address peak workloads without long-term overhead

• Bring in niche expertise quickly

• Allow teams to scale up or down as priorities shift

Start the Year Strong

Q1 sets the tone for the entire year. By prioritizing the right finance and accounting roles early, organizations can reduce risk, improve performance, and position themselves for long-term success. If you’re planning your Q1 hiring strategy, now is the time to act. The right talent today can make all the difference tomorrow.

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BGSF Professional Services is becoming INSPYR Solutions: We provide flexible, on-demand finance and accounting expertise to help you close 2025 confidently and start 2026 with a clear financial foundation. Contact us today!