FAQ’s

For Clients

  • I enjoy catching up with my clients at least annually, whether that's virtually, over a coffee, or during an office visit. Building genuine, long-term relationships is important and these conversations help me develop a deep understanding of each business, its culture, and its evolving needs. By staying connected as things change and grow, I can continue to match my clients with candidates who will contribute to their long-term success.

  • I specialise in public practice accounting across New Zealand, covering business advisory, tax, audit, and administration - from intermediate through to senior leadership and shareholder level.

  • Through a combination of building long-standing relationships with candidates, supporting them throughout their career journey, and maintaining a proactive approach to talent engagement. Many of the candidates I work with aren't actively applying for roles, giving my clients access to a broader and often higher-quality talent pool than they would reach through traditional advertising alone.

  • It comes down to understanding both sides properly - your firm’s culture, structure, and direction, as well as the candidate’s goals, values, and working style. I meet with all my candidates to ensure that I can do this and am always keen for frequent catch ups with my clients to keep my knowledge and their expectations up to date.

  • I manage the process end-to-end - from initial introduction through to interviews, offer negotiation, and onboarding - ensuring a smooth and well-communicated experience throughout.

  • Please contact Jaz Thorn at NOVA recruitment to review our standard terms of business.

  • Advertising is a great way to attract active job seekers - but some of the best candidates aren't actively looking. They're busy in their current roles and won't necessarily see your advert. At NOVA Recruitment, we combine targeted search, industry networks, and proactive market engagement to connect with both active and passive candidates.

    Every candidate is personally screened before being introduced, saving you valuable time by ensuring you only meet professionals who genuinely align with your role, your team, and your culture.

  • We understand that recruitment is an investment, and while every placement is made with long-term success in mind, sometimes circumstances change. NOVA Recruitment offers a replacement guarantee, giving you added confidence when partnering with us. If a placement ends within the agreed guarantee period, we'll work with you to find a suitable replacement in line with our Terms of Business.

  • At NOVA Recruitment, you'll deal directly with the same recruiter from your first conversation through to the successful hire - and beyond. We intentionally focus on building long-term relationships rather than high volumes of placements. That means taking the time to understand your business, your team, and what success looks like for your organisation.

    Our support doesn't stop when an offer is accepted. We stay in touch with both clients and candidates with regular check-ins to help ensure a smooth transition.

    It's also the little things that makes NOVA different. From helping you with any ad-hoc recruitment questions, to providing candidate and client welcome packages for successful hires - because recruitment should feel personal, not transactional.

For Candidates

  • Not at all. A lot of the people I work with aren’t actively looking - they’re simply curious about what jobs are out there. Even if you just want a current market update - I’m happy to have a confidential conversation.

  • Working with a recruiter gives you access to opportunities that aren’t always advertised, as well as guidance throughout the process. I help you understand the market, position you properly, provide insider knowledge, advocate on your behalf, negotiate offers and support you in making the right decision.

  • Confidentiality is a priority. Your details are never shared without your permission, and you’re always in control of where your profile goes.

  • That’s completely normal. Part of my role is helping you figure that out - understanding what’s important to you, what’s missing in your current role, and what the right move looks like.

  • I work with NZ professionals across public practice accounting - candidates with 18 months of NZ public practice experience and above.

  • I take the time to understand your goals, preferences, and non-negotiables via a video call discussion, and I do the same with my clients. From there, I only present opportunities that genuinely align- so you’re not wasting time on roles that don’t fit.

  • I’ll help you work through each option, act as a sounding board, and negotiate on your behalf - so you can make a well-informed, confident decision.

  • In most cases, if you’ve applied directly to a firm, or another recruiter has already submitted your application, I won’t be able to represent you to that same firm for a period of around 12 months.

    However, I can still support you in a number of ways. If your details were shared without your knowledge or permission, we can look into how to approach that. I can also help you explore other opportunities in the market, or reconnect with firms once that timeframe has passed.

    My focus is always on making sure you’re properly represented and supported - whether that’s with new opportunities, filling in the gaps, or planning your next step. If you’re unsure - get in touch with me to discuss!

  • Counteroffers are a common part of the process, and it’s important to approach them carefully.

    Before entering the recruitment process, it’s worth taking the time to be clear on your motivations for exploring a move - what’s working, what isn’t, and what would need to change for you to stay. Having that clarity upfront helps you make a more confident decision later on.

    The public practice market is a small and well-connected one, so it’s important to be respectful of the process - for both your current employer and any firms you engage with. Exploring opportunities should be done with genuine intent, rather than as a way to leverage a counteroffer.

    If a counteroffer does arise, I’ll help you work through it objectively - looking at whether it truly addresses your reasons for moving, or if it’s a short-term solution.

    Ultimately, it’s about making a decision that’s right for you, while maintaining strong relationships and your professional reputation in the market.

  • Not always. Many of the best placements come from proactively introducing strong candidates to firms, even when there isn’t an active role. If the fit is right, opportunities are often created.

  • No - there is no cost to you as a candidate. My role is to support and represent you throughout the process at no charge.

  • Every job search is different, and the time it takes to find the right opportunity will depend on your individual circumstances, career goals and what's happening in the market. My focus is on finding the right long-term fit rather than rushing the process, and I'll keep you updated every step of the way so you always know where things stand.

  • Yes - whether you’re moving within New Zealand or considering a lifestyle change, I can help you understand the market, opportunities, and what to expect in different regions.