Welcome back to #WeAreGreenKey, where we shine a spotlight on our powerhouse recruiting teams.
Recently, we had the opportunity to meet with Jake Papi, Account Executive on our Accounting Support/Financial Services team at Green Key.
Since stepping into the recruitment industry about two years ago, Jake has been dedicated to matching top talent with the right opportunities. Now an Account Executive at Green Key, he focuses on the Accounting Support and Financial Services division, helping businesses find the professionals they need to thrive. With a strong commitment to relationship-building and a deep understanding of the industry, he plays a key role in connecting clients and candidates for long-term success.
Can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to this role?
I began my career right out of college, working at a software company selling accounting software. I quickly realized I enjoyed the people aspect of sales and wanted a full-cycle sales experience. This led me to a large recruiting firm, where I discovered my passion for connecting with people and helping them find opportunities.
I found success in recruiting, particularly in accounting and finance, and within 6-7 months, I transitioned to the account executive side. After a few years, I joined Green Key, where I’ve been for the past two years. My journey has been about leveraging my people skills, developing lasting relationships, and using prior accounting/sales background to specialize in accounting and finance recruiting.
What are the biggest challenges you face in this role, and how do you overcome them?
Recruiting presents multiple challenges, with one being the need to adapt and improvise quickly. The job and candidate market are constantly changing, as are client needs. It’s essential to expect the unexpected, focus on controlling what you can, and lastly be able to transition/improvise on a moment’s notice.
How do you stay updated on trends in financial services and accounting support?
I stay updated on trends through various streams, primarily online research and continuous learning. However, I find that I learn the most from in-depth conversations with candidates and clients. These discussions provide valuable insights into the industry, which I can then share with our clients/candidates. At the end of the day, no one knows more than the person in the seat!
What strategies do you use to match top talent with the right opportunities?
Other than utilizing Green Key’s top technology, the most important thing for me is having a qualification meeting, whether face-to-face or virtual, to fully understand the business, the business needs/structure and why the position is open. It’s crucial to know how long the position has been open and the business pain if it remains unfilled. By having a thorough conversation and asking challenging questions, I can understand the need and relay this information to my recruiting team and candidates. This helps us sell not just the job requirements but also the client’s value propositions, such as benefits, 401K match, and company culture.
How do you differentiate yourself in a competitive market?
For me, relationships are key. I focus on building genuine connections with my clients rather than transactional ones. I’m constantly in touch, ensuring placements are doing well and following up regularly. It’s more than just finding candidates; I provide market information, account management, insight, and knowledge, fostering a deeper relationship.
What advice would you give to professionals looking to grow in financial services recruiting?
One piece of advice I’d give is to always ask questions and surround yourself with talented people. At Green Key, I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored by a partner who guides and teaches me, allowing me to learn from the best. It’s important to be in an environment where you’re constantly improving and not the best in the room. Building connections in the industry, whether with candidates or recruiters, is crucial for growth. Keep asking questions and continue learning.
What motivates you in your work every day?
What motivates me is truly feeling like a trusted staffing advisor to my clients. My personal “why” is my family, but professionally, it’s the ability to place candidates with the right organizations. I strive to be a trusted business partner, where clients rely on me to meet their needs and trust that I’ll find the right person for the job. Additionally, placing people with amazing organizations is incredibly rewarding. It motivates me to find the perfect match and ensure both the candidate and the organization thrive.