Knowing your net worth: Changing jobs in accountancy and financial services

Changing jobs in accountancy or financial services can be a daunting, yet necessary change when looking to grow your career.

In my case, I had been with a large firm for 17 years before finally making the decision to leave.

If, like me, you’ve been with a company for a long time, it’s a huge decision – “Should I Stay or Should I Go”?
In the words of The Clash, it's the biggest dilemma you'll face when thinking about changing jobs in accountancy and financial services.

The new calendar year – and often a very stressful time for accountancy and financial services professionals – brings with it the pull of new years’ resolutions – join gym, eat healthily, move jobs...

“Over the last three years, decision-makers globally (defined as LinkedIn members with director-level-and-above positions) are 55% more likely to start a new role in January compared to the other months of the year”, states Carla Intal, Data Insights at LinkedIn.

Top CV also sites a 2023/2024 survey which identified over 20% of UK workers wanted to kickstart the new year with a new job.

With over 20 years’ experience, and as Associate Director of Financial Services, I’ve help source, place and replace many careers in financial services, including banking, investment management, private equity and insurance.

It’s not an easy decision – which is why our approach at Trace is both important and innovative – so taking a step back and considering all options is an important part of the process when looking for a jobs in accountancy and financial services.

What opportunities can I build on? What is this current role’s/business’ trajectory? Do I get the full support I need as part my employment? What environment do I not just work in best, but thrive in best?

With over 20 years accountancy and finance recruitment experience in the London Financial Services market, I had a huge network of professionals - both looking for a career in finance and looking to place experts within their accountancy and finance teams.

The thought of reconnecting with people I'd lost touch with and getting out and about more for coffees, drinks, lunches etc was really appealing, so I backed myself and “thought what's there to lose”?  

Joining the team at Trace, the grass has definitely grown greener. I’m working with a great team and building many new, but also re-establishing lost, candidate and client relationships across accountancy and financial services roles.  

Building careers with candidates and teams with clients is a privilege. My advice to anyone considering changing jobs in accountancy and financial services, is to either accept things as they are or make the first, positive step towards a new opportunity with confidence and clarity.

 Anyone looking for jobs in accountancy and financial services, or wanting to build a team in financial services - feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss where to start!