Embracing Transition & Career Moves in Accounting & Finance

Career transitions within A&F are expected as part of a dynamic and evolving career, with approximately 40% of accountants changing their role, specialization, or industry focus at some point. It’s normal and often necessary to explore different roles to find your niche and maximize your career potential.

Whether a shift is motivated by a desire for new challenges, better compensation, or more flexible working conditions, it can feel a bit daunting. So here is some practical advice from someone who’s been in your shoes

Practical advice before making a move:

1. Evaluate Your Current Role: Understand what you enjoy and what you wish to change. Reflect on the aspects of your job that align with your strengths and which elements you're passionate about. Check out our salary guide to help you evaluate where you are and where you want to be.
2. Seek Guidance: Engage with mentors within your network or consider working with a career coach or recruiter who specializes in finance and accounting. Their insights can be invaluable in figuring out your next steps.
3. Network Actively: The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Attend industry seminars, workshops, and webinars to connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
4. Consider Personal Branding: Develop your personal brand by sharing your knowledge online, mostly on LinkedIm. Write articles, participate in podcasts, or even just engaging with others on LinkedIn can help to position you as a thought leader in your area of expertise. Speaking of podcasts, I go into a bit more depth about my career transition and working with recruiters in this episode of The Big 4 Transparency Podcast.
5. Work With a Recruiter: Specialist recruiters in the accounting and finance can offer nuanced advice and access to a hidden job market which might not be publicly listed.

Transitioning is a proactive approach to your career development. Whether it's moving up the ladder or shifting to a parallel track, each move is a stepping stone towards realizing your professional aspirations.