Learning Objectives:

- You will be provided a market update on the status of accounting talent in the New Orleans area and specifically for accountants in the construction industry. 

- You will be provided a market update for hiring trends and demand in the construction industry (high level field roles, officer roles in operations etc).

- You will be provided some examples of tips to improve and be more marketable in hiring, how to navigate holding your team together during a project downturn, and tips on how to efficiently navigate the recruitment process with construction professionals. 

• Jim Schneider, CPA, CIA serves as the President & Managing Partner at The Personnel Consulting Group. He is responsible for supervising the accounting, HR, & tech recruitment divisions, along with managing the day-to-day administration of the firm. Before becoming a recruiter, Jim served as an auditor with Big 4 and regional firms, in addition to industry accounting roles as a controller.  Jim is the immediate- past president of the New Orleans Chapter of the La Society of CPAs, treasurer for the American Association for Finance & Accounting, serves on the advisory board for the LSU Department of Accounting, at-large board of the New Orleans Chapter of the Inst. of Internal Auditors, and is on the membership committee of the Construction Finance Management Association. He has spoken at continuing education classes sponsored by the LCPA, CFMA (BR and New Orleans Chapters), IIA (New Orleans Chapter), Hospitality Technology & Financial Professionals, B-Sides NOLA (cybersecurity), Jefferson Chamber, and a variety of university accounting honor societies.
   

• Toby Toups - Toby was born and raised on the bayou in Thibodaux, LA but has called Lakeview home since graduating from LSU in 1998. He has been in the recruiting business for 15 years and here at PCG for the last 11, where he started the Construction and Engineering Division from the ground up and is now a Partner leading that division. Toby has been successful placing everything from Superintendents to Senior PMs and estimators on the general contractor side as well as all manners of civil engineers including structural, transportation, geotechnical, marine and other niches inside of civil engineering. If you work in one of these areas, chances are there are opportunities he’d love to share.
   

• Sam Grayson - Sam Grayson joined The Personnel Consulting Group after spending time in the consulting and accounting world. Sam grew up in Covington and attened Saint Paul’s School before then heading off to Louisiana State University where he graduated in 2020. An avid racquet sports player, pickup basketball player (very mid) and golfer, he enjoys fierce competion through sports, especially with friends and family. Now in his 3rd year with PCG, Sam believes relationships are at the heart of the business and enjoys working with both clients and candidates to ensure goals and interests are aligned for successful outcomes.