Building the perfect accounting team for the modern practice doesn’t depend on the shoulders of just one person, or on just the one type of person.

You’ve probably heard of the terms finder, minder, and grinder. These characterizations are commonly used in professional services firms, including accounting, to describe the archetypal roles of workers.

So, what does each ‘type’ look like and do? And how does this fit into your modern practice as you move away from traditional roles and structures, toward running your firm more like a business? What roles should these progressive accountants have?

Finders are keepers

Finders are generally charming, charismatic, and smooth-talking. They love to promote and can persuade anyone of anything. They’re always up for a challenge and are extremely competitive, but can get bored quite easily.

Finders can often be at the top of the pyramid—perhaps at a Partner level of your firm. The great ones can seem like a different breed, and they’re perfectly suited to sales roles. They’ll thrive if given the responsibility to generate and find new business. You want a finder to be your Business Development Manager—someone who can focus on establishing relationships, gaining trust, and converting your prospects into ongoing, revenue-generating clients.

Minders mind the gaps (and bridge them)

Minders are those accessible types who are on the front line of your firm, maintaining the relationships and coordinating the efforts of their colleagues. They keep everything ticking along and are always across everyone’s activities. Generally, minders are managers.

Minders often spend more time on the phone than their colleagues—they’re happy to take calls and love client meetings—it’s through conversations that they make decisions and get everyone on the same page. They can relate to people with different skill-sets and may find themselves as the link between groups or individuals, especially between the firm and clients. They’re organized and personable, and strive to keep people happy and deadlines on target.

Minders are well-suited to several roles within a modern practice, including Operations and Practice Manager positions, and Onboarding Specialists. Many progressive firm owners are leaving the job of sales to finders and are instead taking the role of the minder—often in a CEO role. A minder is a great fit for this leadership position—they can keep a close eye on and relate to all aspects of the firm, and spend the bulk of their time focusing on strategy and leading.