Generation Y finance professionals want different things than their older co-workers. Those differences might make them seem lazy and not driven. But those workers come with a different set of wants and desires.

Different Place To Work

In the wake of the huge financial scandals that have shaken the accounting industry, finance officials have to play by a whole new set of rules than before.

Reporting, oversight and ethics are even more important than they used to be. But the accountants who have been around for a few years have not only had to adapt to those changes, but they've also had to adapt to their new co-workers.

Generation Y workers value their down time and don't want 60-hour work weeks.

"A little here and there is fine, but not the norm," says Peggy DeMuse, managing director at the SALO Project in Minneapolis.

For Ryan McCausland, a CPA at John A. Knutson and Co., his company was willing to support him as he prepared for his CPA certification.

"If I didn't have work, they gave me time to study and I still got paid," says McCausland.

Also important to them is their access to senior level executives.

"The company's hierarchy has to change a little for them," notes DeMuse.

Off Site

Generation Y workers have a different relationship with technology than other generations. Computers, Internet and cellular telephones have always been familiar to them. As such, telecommuting and flextime are important

According to a March 2008 survey conducted by Robert Half International, the top issues for Gen Y workers are:

  1. Salary
  2. Benefits (health insurance, 401(k), etc.)
  3. Opportunities for career growth/advancement
  4. Company's location
  5. Company's leadership
  6. Company's reputation/ brand recognition
  7. Job title
  8. In-house training programs
  9. Tuition reimbursement programs
  10. Diversity of the company's staff
  11. Company's charitable/ philanthropic efforts

Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine.