December.
The month of festive cheer, twinkling lights and ‘Out of office’ replies.
For accountants, December offers a much-needed break as the market shifts into a lower gear and firms start to wind down. It’s the calm before the storm when tax season fully kicks off in the New Year, making it the perfect time for reflection.
But here’s the thing…
Waiting until January before kicking off your job search isn’t the smartest move.
If there’s any advice we can give job searchers right now, it’s this:
Don’t make finding your dream role a 2025 problem. 2025 careers start now!
December is actually a golden opportunity for those working within public practice to find their next big career step.
With that being said, let’s discuss why you shouldn’t hit pause on your job hunt this month.
Beat the January rush
January is notorious for being a busy period in recruitment.
At the beginning of every year, we watch hundreds of accountants hit refresh on their careers.
The result?
A tidal wave of CVs flooding hiring managers’ inboxes, stiff competition for every role, and a slower process as firms work through the backlog.
We spoke recently about how the most successful accountants are the ones that don’t follow the crowd. Instead, they trust facts over opinion and trust their intuition to carve out their own path.
By starting your search in December, you’re avoiding that rush. Right now, fewer candidates are actively applying, meaning your application will stand out more. Firms will have more time to review your CV and properly consider your skills without being swamped.
Plus, you’ll already be ahead of the pack when January hits – giving you more time to put your feet up and watch the offers roll in!
The market isn’t as quiet as you think
There’s a myth that recruitment grinds to a halt in December.
Not true.
Yes, things do naturally slow down, but many firms are still hiring in December, especially in public practice.
Here’s why:
- Planning for the New Year: firms are gearing up for a busy 2025, and they know they’ll need talented people in place to handle their workloads and growth plans.
- Remaining budgets: Some firms have leftover budgets they want to spend before year-end, making this a prime time to bring in new hires.
- Avoiding the January bottleneck: firms want to snap up top talent now, so they’re not battling competitors for the same candidates in the new year.
The opportunities are out there, you just need to start looking.
It’s a great time for networking
December is prime networking time. I mean, it is party season after all!
Accountancy events, Christmas socials, and industry gatherings provide the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues, hiring managers, and recruiters in a more relaxed setting. People are naturally more open to conversations during the festive period, and a casual chat could easily lead to an exciting new opportunity in 2025.
It’s the perfect time to update your profile, engage with posts, and put yourself on the radar of firms and recruiters.
Flexibility with start dates
One common hesitation about job hunting in December is the timing.
We know what you’re thinking: “I don’t want to start a new role right before Christmas.”
The good news?
Most firms are happy to negotiate start dates, allowing you to secure a new role now but begin in January (or later, if that suits you). This means you can enjoy the festive break knowing your next career step is sorted, giving you peace of mind as you toast to 2025.
You can reflect on your goals before the New Year
December is naturally a reflective time. You’re already thinking about what you want to achieve in 2025, so why not turn that into action now?
By starting your job search early, you can use this quieter period to really think about what you want:
- Are you looking for more progression opportunities?
- A better work-life balance?
- A firm with a strong focus on personal development?
- A move into a specific niche or sector?
Recruiters (like us!) can help you pinpoint the roles that match your ambitions, meaning you’ll head into 2025 with clarity and purpose.
Interview schedules are more flexible
During the festive period, workloads tend to ease slightly for many firms. This makes it a perfect time for hiring managers to focus on recruitment.
With fewer client deadlines looming, they’re more likely to have the time to schedule interviews and properly assess candidates.
Similarly, candidates often find it easier to book time off in December, thanks to quieter schedules or using up annual leave. This makes it easier to attend interviews without juggling client commitments.
It’s the best time to think about what YOU want
One of the biggest perks of starting your job search in December is the ability to approach it with a clear head.
The year is winding down, the festive atmosphere is in full swing, and you’re less likely to be overwhelmed by work pressures. This is your chance to take stock of your career, identify what you’re looking for in a new role, and really prioritise your professional happiness.
By January, you might find yourself swept up in busy season madness or feeling pressured to accept the first offer that comes your way.
In December, you’re in the driver’s seat (or Santa’s sleigh, if you will).
Want to start 2025 in a job you love? Or maybe you’re simply exploring your options?
At Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we’re experts at helping accountants find their perfect roles in public practice. Whether you’re looking for a step up, a move into a different area, or simply a firm that aligns with your values, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What’s our approach?
We work exclusively within public practice, meaning we know the market inside out. From helping you perfect your CV to prepping you before interview, we’ll make sure you’re ready to shine.
So, why wait until January?
Drop us a message or give us a call today, and let’s get started on finding your dream role.
Here’s to finding a career you love (and maybe even fitting in a mince pie or two along the way!)