Warrener Stewart is a leading chartered accountancy firm based in Fulham, West London, with a strong reputation for its US private client tax service. Each year, as the US tax season approaches, the firm faces the critical challenge of hiring 2-3 additional tax professionals. These candidates must be US citizens based in the UK or individuals with a US university education to ensure they have the necessary cultural and tax expertise. Given the niche talent pool and tight hiring deadlines, Warrener Stewart requires a highly targeted recruitment approach to secure the right talent.The Challenge
Recruiting for Warrener Stewart’s US tax team is particularly complex due to several key factors.
The hiring process is highly time-sensitive, with additional staff needing to be in place by late February or early March to meet tax season deadlines. However, strict candidate requirements limit the pool of applicants, as only US citizens based in the UK or individuals with a US university education qualify. Furthermore, the firm's location outside central London makes it even more challenging to find suitable candidates, as fewer individuals meet these criteria.
With tax deadlines being non-negotiable, securing the right professionals quickly is essential to avoid penalties and ensure seamless client service.
Our Strategy
To overcome these challenges, we developed a specialist recruitment approach tailored to Warrener Stewart’s unique needs. Our strategy focused on:
- Expanding Our Network – We strengthened relationships with previously placed candidates, using referrals to identify more qualified professionals.
- Engaging with US Expat Communities – Active participation in LinkedIn groups for US expatriates in the UK allowed us to connect with high-potential candidates.
- Proactive Talent Mapping – Rather than waiting for active job seekers, we built a pipeline of passive candidates ready for the right opportunity. This proactive approach ensured that when Warrener Stewart needed new hires, we had a strong pool of pre-vetted candidates ready to step in.
The Solution
By implementing our targeted recruitment strategy, we have successfully placed seven professionals into Warrener Stewart’s US tax team over the years. This year, we are set to add another 2-3 specialists, ensuring the firm remains fully staffed during the critical tax season.
Additionally, Warrener Stewart’s introduction of the Enrolled Agent qualification within its study package enhances its appeal to top talent, further strengthening its position as a desirable employer in the US tax sector.
The Results
Our strategic recruitment efforts have led to measurable improvements in staffing stability and efficiency:
- Improved Retention – Previously, seasonal hires led to high turnover. By focusing on permanent placements, retention has significantly improved—5 out of 7 hires remain with the firm.
- Seamless Operations – With nearly 100% headcount consistency, the team has met tax deadlines every year, avoiding costly penalties.
- High Offer Acceptance – Our precise candidate matching ensures that professionals not only fit the role but also align with Warrener Stewart’s long-term vision.
Conclusion
Warrener Stewart continues to trust our expertise for their US tax staffing needs. Our swift, strategic, and highly communicative approach ensures they secure top-tier talent every tax season—keeping operations running smoothly, deadlines met, and clients well-served.