Recruiting Strategies, Firm Growth & Candidate Experience: A Conversation with Josh Gerdes

Chris Wittich | 03.11.26

In this episode, Chris Wittich sits down with Josh Gerdes, Director of Recruiting Solutions at Boyum Barenscheer, to discuss how CPA firms can attract, hire, and retain top accounting talent in a competitive hiring market.

Josh shares insights from nearly two decades in recruiting, including how a candidate-focused hiring process, proactive recruiting strategies, and a strong firm culture can significantly improve hiring outcomes. The conversation explores the evolution of recruiting within CPA firms, the importance of creating an efficient and positive candidate experience, and how firms can identify the right long-term fit for both candidates and their teams.

They also discuss the growing demand for specialized accounting and finance professionals and how recruiting expertise can support both internal hiring and client staffing needs.

This episode offers practical insights for CPA firm leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to strengthen their recruiting strategy and build high-performing teams.

Meet the author

Chris Wittich

Chris Wittich started his career with Boyum Barenscheer in 2007 as an intern, became a partner in 2020, and is now head of our tax department. He completed his MBT degree from the University of Minnesota and became a licensed CPA as he started his career. He took a primary role in the firm’s response to the COVID legislation helping clients with PPP and ERC. He works with primarily the salon industry helping empower business owners so they can understand their business and thrive on their own terms. Chris is the host of Traction with the Tiger, a Boyum Barenscheer podcast featuring conversations with colleagues across the firm on accounting topics and beyond.

His passion for educating others is evident through the webinars and blogs posted on the firm’s website. He carries that devotion into volunteering as he began volunteering at a VITA site for low income taxpayers when he was in 10th grade.

Recruiting Strategies, Firm Growth & Candidate Experience: A Conversation with Josh Gerdes

Meet the author

Chris Wittich

Manufacturing in Minnesota: A Conversation with James Woelfel