For many accountants, the decision to look for a new role is rarely sudden. It forms quietly, through reflection, comparison and a growing sense that something is no longer quite right.
By the time January arrives, that sense of clarity is often already there. What follows is a question that feels deceptively simple:
“Should I act on this now, or wait?”
For those who want stronger progression, better alignment or a role that genuinely reflects their ability, the answer is increasingly clear. Exploring the market early is no longer a sign of restlessness. It is a sign of strategy.
The Best Career Moves Begin With Conversation, Not Applications
One of the most common misconceptions in accountancy is that looking for a new job begins with applying for roles.
In reality, the strongest career moves begin much earlier, with discreet, informed conversations that help you understand:
- how your experience is viewed in the current market
- what level you should genuinely be targeting
- which firms would value your skill set
- what progression, flexibility and remuneration are realistic
- whether staying put still serves your long-term goals
Accountants who wait until frustration turns into urgency often limit their choices. Those who explore early retain control.
Why Waiting Rarely Improves Outcomes
Many accountants delay speaking to a recruiter because they feel “not quite ready” or because they assume waiting will strengthen their position.
In practice, waiting often achieves the opposite.
Over time:
- dissatisfaction becomes harder to articulate clearly
- confidence can quietly erode
- opportunities are missed as roles are filled discreetly
- counteroffers complicate decisions
- the move becomes reactive rather than considered
Exploring the market does not commit you to moving. It equips you with information, and information is leverage.
The Market Rewards Prepared Candidates, Not Rushed Ones
Firms do not simply hire the most technically capable accountants. They hire those who present clearly, interview well and understand their own value.
Candidates who engage early benefit from:
- honest feedback on CV positioning
- clarity on role suitability and readiness
- interview preparation aligned to the firm
- insight into firm culture and leadership style
- access to roles that never reach job boards
These advantages are rarely available to candidates who wait until they feel pressured to act.
What Accountants Are Really Looking For Right Now
Across the market, accountants contacting us are not chasing change for its own sake. They are looking for:
- clearer progression and fewer grey areas
- roles that match responsibility with recognition
- firms whose culture aligns with their values
- realistic workloads and sustainable expectations
- leadership that invests, not just relies
- a sense of direction, not just continuity
If any of these resonate, the most effective next step is not to browse job boards, it is to talk.
Why Speaking to a Specialist Recruiter Changes the Outcome
General recruitment advice rarely reflects the realities of public practice.
A specialist recruiter understands:
- how accountancy firms really make hiring decisions
- what Partners look for at each level
- how to position you credibly and competitively
- where progression is genuine, and where it isn’t
- how to protect your confidentiality while exploring options
Most importantly, a specialist can tell you whether moving now actually makes sense, or whether staying put, with a plan, may serve you better.
That objectivity is invaluable.
A Final Thought: Exploration Is Not Commitment
Looking for a new role does not mean you must leave your current firm. It means you are taking your career seriously.
The strongest career decisions are rarely rushed, but they are rarely accidental either. They are shaped by insight, timing and the confidence to ask the right questions early.
If you are even considering a move this year, now is the right time to explore your options properly.
If you’re thinking about your next step, whether actively or quietly, we can help you assess your options with clarity and discretion.
About Public Practice Recruitment Ltd
Public Practice Recruitment Ltd works with accountants at all levels across the UK, supporting informed career moves into firms where people genuinely progress.
A conversation costs nothing. The right move can change everything.
