December tends to come with a predictable rhythm: a bit of festive fun, a smattering of holiday cheer, and the comforting hum of plans being made for the New Year.
For accountancy firms across the UK, this often translates to wrapping up projects, tying up loose ends, and (let’s be honest) mentally filing anything new under “2025 Problems.”
But a lot of firms don’t consider the following…
If you’re holding off recruitment until January, you could be missing a huge opportunity.
December isn’t just about mince pies and end-of-year parties; it’s the perfect time to secure the best talent for your team. The firms that thrive even during the January madness are already laying the groundwork now.
Let’s talk about why hiring in December is the game-changer your firm needs and how it sets you up for a smoother, more successful start to the new year.
(spoiler: this isn’t about being busy; it’s about being smart!)
Beat the New Year frenzy
Come January, every firm will be diving into the hiring market. It’s the classic “new year, new me” mentality, except this time, it’s “new year, new team.”
The problem?
Everyone is fishing in the same talent pool. It’s the classic narrative we see play out every single year.
The competition is fierce, the process takes longer, and you’re battling to snap up the best candidates before your competitors do. By hiring in December, you’re getting a head start. With fewer firms actively recruiting, you’ll have your pick of top talent, and you won’t need to wade through a sea of January CVs to find your perfect fit.
Tax Season is coming
We have a lot of recruitment predictions for 2025, but we don’t need to tell you how intense tax season can be.
Deadlines loom, workloads spike, and stress levels can hit the roof. Now imagine having a new hire join your team smack in the middle of it all. They’re trying to learn your systems, processes, and quirks while you’re all drowning in work. Not ideal, is it?
By hiring now, you’re giving new staff the chance to settle in, get to grips with your systems, and bond with the team before the chaos hits.
They’ll hit the ground running when January rolls around, ready to support you through the busiest time of the year.
Candidates are thinking about their next step
December isn’t just about firms winding down. It’s also a reflective time for candidates.
Many accountants are contemplating their career goals for the year ahead, scrolling job boards, and updating their CVs.
For candidates, the idea of starting a new role in January is hugely appealing. It feels like a fresh start, but they’re starting their search now.
That means the best talent is already on the market, right now. If you wait until January, you risk missing out on these motivated, career-focused individuals.
Onboarding is better when it’s quiet
As mentioned above, onboarding a new team member during tax season is like trying to learn to swim in the middle of a storm – messy, overwhelming, and, frankly, not the best environment for success.
When your team is juggling tight deadlines, demanding clients, and high-pressure workloads, carving out the time to properly onboard a new hire often falls to the bottom of the priority list.
That’s where December comes in as the unsung hero of onboarding.
With many clients winding down, the pace of work is usually calmer, giving you and your team the breathing room needed to properly welcome and integrate a new hire.
It’s your chance to:
- Introduce systems and processes: From software and internal workflows to those quirky little shortcuts your team swears by, new hires can take the time to learn everything without feeling the pressure to perform at full speed from day one.
- Build team relationships: A quieter December means more time for team bonding. Whether that’s through shadowing experienced colleagues, joining in on a holiday team lunch, or simply having the space to ask questions without anyone rushing out the door.
- Set clear expectations: Onboarding is all about aligning your new hire with your firm’s goals and culture. December gives you the headspace to outline expectations, provide meaningful feedback, and help your new team member hit the ground running.
End-of-Year budget? Use it or lose it!
If your firm operates on a calendar-year budget, you might find yourself with some funds to play with as December rolls on. Whether it’s earmarked for recruitment or there’s a little flexibility, now is the time to put that budget to good use.
Investing in a new hire now ensures you’re starting 2025 on the right foot, with the right people in place to help your firm thrive.
What’s a better use of resources than bringing top talent into your team?
It’s about being proactive, not reactive
Smart firms view December as their secret hiring weapon.
If you know you’re going to need extra support in the new year, why wait until it’s already a problem?
By taking a proactive approach to recruitment, you’re showing your team (and your clients) that you’re serious about delivering the best results.
Want to be smarter with your recruitment processes? Looking to secure top talent before it’s too late?
If you’ve been nodding along to everything we’ve said, it’s time to take action. Waiting until January might feel tempting, but the reality is this: December is a golden opportunity to secure the best talent, get ahead of the competition, and set your firm up for success.
At Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we specialise in connecting accountancy firms with exceptional talent. Whether you’re looking for an experienced Tax Manager, a rising Audit Senior, or a game-changing Partner Designate, we’ve got the network, expertise, and market knowledge to find the perfect fit for your firm.
Here’s how we can help:
- Exclusive Candidates: Many of the professionals we work with are passively looking and trust us to find them the right role.
- Tailored Recruitment: We understand the nuances of public practice and only connect you with candidates who truly align with your needs.
- Quick Turnarounds: With years of experience, we know how to streamline the hiring process, so you’re not waiting months to find the right person.
Don’t wait for January to start your hiring journey. Let’s chat now and ensure your firm is ready to thrive in 2025.
