When you’re considering looking for a new accounting position, especially if you are in public accountanting, the time you decide to begin your search can actually have a substantial impact on your results. By choosing the right time of year, you may find that opportunities are more plentiful. Additionally, a shortage of qualified candidates can work in your favor, allowing you to transition more quickly and potentially reach a higher salary level or access better benefits.
Ultimately, the fourth quarter tends to be the ideal time to look for a new public accounting position. Here’s what you need to know:
The Busy Season is Coming
Generally, the tax and auditing season is in full swing between January and March every year. This means, in order to meet those demands, companies will begin looking for new public accountants between October and December, as it allows them enough time to locate strong candidates, conduct interviews, make offers and get someone comfortable in the position before the busy season strikes.
Additionally, not everyone is interested in making a change right before the busy season starts. Some employees feel obligated, once the fourth quarter has begun, to stay with their current company until the most challenging time of the year is over so that they don’t put anyone in a bind by leaving them potentially shorthanded. This means you may face increased competition for positions between April and June as compared to the 4th quarter.
The only exception to the rule tends to pertain to mid-management and executive positions. Since many companies issue annual bonuses in either February or March, many employees will choose not to vacate their positions until after that time. This means that waiting until the second quarter can lead to more opportunities.
You’re Not Happy with Your Current Role
Often, when you’re thinking about securing a new position, it means you aren’t happy with your current one. Maybe the work is no longer challenging, or the environment is getting to you. Regardless of the reason, if the idea of finding a new employer has become appealing, then it’s time to start looking for something else.
Generally, you don’t have to quit your current job to find a different one. Instead, you can begin sending out applications and scheduling interviews when the opportunity arises. However, managing a search during the busy season can be especially challenging since it can be hard to secure time away from work for interviews when demand is at its peak. That means, if you want to find a new role, the fourth quarter is a great time to start.
If you are interested in securing a new accounting position, you don’t have to manage your search alone. The recruitment specialists at The Squires Group can connect you with leading employers in the area, making it simpler to juggle a full-time role and an effective job search. Contact us today to see how our services can make it easier than ever to secure a new opportunity in the accounting field.
