In early 2023, Stephanie Shine and Christopher Chunn made the bold decision to leave their long-standing roles at a Fortune 500 staffing firm to establish their own Arkansas-based company specializing in accounting, finance, human resources and executive-level placements.
Despite facing a 12-month non-compete agreement, they used the time strategically to plan and lay the groundwork for their new venture. Finally, in February, they officially launched Arkansas Talent Group in Little Rock, and their year of preparation proved invaluable, allowing them to quickly gain traction in the local market.
“Every day, we planned for the business,” Shine said. “We also launched the Arkansas Talent Podcast during this time, which showcases influential business professionals in Arkansas across a variety of industries where they share their journey, knowledge and thought leadership. Launching a business like this demands significant passion and drive. However, we believe it has addressed a crucial need in our state, as evidenced by the positive feedback we received from our clients and candidates over the past 10 months.”
Shine credited much of the company’s success not only to strong connections in the industry but also to the supportive spirit of Arkansans, who are eager to see small businesses thrive. This career shift of now owning an Arkansas-based business allows the duo to engage more authentically with fellow Arkansans and actively participate in the growth of businesses that are vital to the region’s vitality.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful,” Shine said. “There is a clear need in our state for the resources offered by a local search firm like ours. We believe that successful business is built on trust and strong relationships, prioritizing these relationships over transactions. Recruitment serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change, enabling us to significantly impact our state by helping both candidates and businesses thrive in a competitive market.”
The biggest challenge right now in recruitment is the lack of qualified talent. The Arkansas unemployment rate is at 3.3 percent, which is lower than the national average and has remained steady. There are fewer available workers than job openings.
“This situation is even more difficult in specialized fields like accounting and finance where the demand for skilled professionals often outpaces the supply,” Shine said. “There are other contributing factors to the lack of supply of accountants, as there are fewer students pursuing accounting degrees and obtaining CPA certifications. The positive news is that we have a strong hiring market in the state. Companies are continuing to hire and add new roles. We think the future looks bright, and we believe this will continue into 2025.”
In recent years, companies have had to expand benefits packages and really focus on company culture to compete in the tight labor market. Flexibility and hybrid work are probably the top asks for job seekers right now. Companies are also expanding personal time off and benefit offerings, even paying more for health insurance. Some companies are offering 100 percent paid health insurance and other incentives to attract talent.
“Companies have also made a push to focus on employee wellness,” Shine said. “Many offer access to on-site workout facilities, discounts on gyms, personal trainers and other things to help their employees both physically and mentally. In regards to culture, this has been a big focus for organizations to attract talent, as it’s not just about the money and benefits. It seems since COVID[-19], employees are looking for a better work-life balance and want to work for companies that align with both their values and mission.”
Shine has been a member of the board of Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance for 12 years and is the current president of the central Arkansas chapter. She said women are making progress in these fields.
“We have many successful women accountants and HR professionals in senior positions in the state and have featured several of them on our podcast,” Shine said. “We are trying to grow our chapter this year, and our focus is offering a local group for like-minded accounting and finance women to connect, advance and lead.
“Joining professional industry groups such as AFWA provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and knowledge sharing, empowering women to navigate challenges and rise in leadership roles in their fields. By connecting with peers, members can share insights, resources and experiences that enhance their career and contribute to a more inclusive industry.”
Read the full 2024 Arkansas Money & Politics Power Women list here
