Consultant of the Quarter: Linda Scott, Burlington F&A Flex

When Linda Scott arrived at her first assignment as a consultant for Kforce Finance & Accounting, she was in the unenviable position of having to prove not only her skills, but also of winning over a client that was already hesitant about using temporary workers because of a previous bad experience with another staffing firm.

What’s more, Linda wasn’t even their first choice of consultants from Kforce; she was covering for the original consultant who had been called away due to a family emergency.  But her skills, exceptional service and pleasant demeanor quickly won the client over – and earned Linda recognition as Kforce Finance & Accounting’s inaugural Consultant of the Quarter.

“This was our shot to show how Kforce is exceptional and that Linda was the perfect match.  The client absolutely loves Linda and, because of [her], has overcome her fear of using consultants,” said Katie Rush, Account Manager, Kforce Finance & Accounting, in her nomination.  “Linda’s experience has added value to the client, and they are very appreciative of this.”

In fact, the work Scott did for the company was so exceptional that what was originally a very short term assignment has expanded into what will soon be a permanent position.

Scott’s path to Kforce was somewhat non-traditional.  She played a key leadership role in an oil company for 23 years, managing the financial as well as most other aspects of the small business.  Thus, while she had the solid finance and accounting background Kforce looks for in its consultants, it wasn’t immediately apparent from her resume.

Rush, however, took the time to look past the resume and found that Scott was exactly what Kforce – and its clients – wants in a consultant.

“It wasn’t corporate America,” said Scott of her professional history.  “I have a very strong accounting background, but it doesn’t show up on paper.  Katie took a chance and it paid off wonderfully… I worked hard and got the job done.  As I progressed in the position, the client saw that I have what it takes.”

It was precisely that “can-do” attitude that earned Scott the title of Consultant of the Quarter.  She takes great pride in her work ethic and is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her responsibilities to the client’s complete satisfaction.

“She has been a joy to have working for us and has stepped up to the plate in every way.  Linda has proven to our client that Kforce offers exceptional service and they will absolutely use us again,” said Rush.

For Scott, who had her own negative experience with another staffing agency, the opportunity to help Kforce shine is a gratifying outcome for a firm that was willing to take a chance on someone with a strong but non-traditional background.

“They got me into this position, and it’s probably the best thing that has ever happened to me.  It is a great company to work for.  They follow up and everyone is wonderful and helpful,” she said.