You’re Checking My Credit History Before You Hire Me?!?

Should a job candidate’s credit history be a factor in hiring decisions? A sizable percentage of respondents in an informal poll of Columbus Business First readers indicates a “yes” vote. I speculate that the accounting profession would weigh in with an even higher number.

One school of thought as it relates to jobs within the accounting profession is that the person – CPA or not – is immersed in the financial industry and that they must hold a reasonable degree of financial common sense. Even if that person is not in a position of advising clients on financial matters, many accounting firm partners say that the exercise uncovers potential red flags in revealing how responsible that person may or may not be.

Is it critical that firms check the credit histories of marketing directors, I.T. people and administrative professionals prior to making employment offers? What do you think?