Analyzing the LinkedIn Profiles of Audit Partners

A Snapshot of Firm Leadership

Stephanie Hairston, PhD, CPA, Da Wu, ABD, and Ji Yu, PhD, CMA

As social media has become increasingly important in the recruiting and hiring process, CPA firm leaders have become increasingly visible on professional social media platforms. LinkedIn is one of the largest and most popular professional networks in the world; businesses use it to attract top talent, establish connections, and build relationships. As a result, it is one of the best places for professionals to promote themselves by listing their professional achievements, work experience, professional skills, and educational background. It has become a critical part of the hiring process, as the vast majority of employers—91%, according to a survey of recruiters conducted by Reppler—screen prospective employees through social network sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook (Erica Swallow, “How Recruiters Use Social Networks to Screen Candidates,” Mashable, Oct. 23, 2011, http://bit.ly/2PVyJ4G).