The holiday season is often seen as a time for rest, celebration, and reflection. For many, it’s a period to slow down, take a break from work, and spend quality time with family and friends. However, if you’re an accountant or finance professional actively job hunting, you might be wondering if it’s worth continuing your job search during this time. The truth is, hiring for accounting and finance positions doesn’t slow down during the holidays. In fact, it can be an advantageous time to secure your next opportunity.
Here’s why you should keep your job search going during the holidays:
1. Companies Are Planning for the New Year
The end of the year is a critical time for many organizations, and the accounting function is no exception. As companies prepare for the new fiscal year, HR teams are strategizing what their accounting and finance teams will look like in the upcoming year. This often includes identifying gaps in their workforce and making strategic hires. Whether it’s for a newly created position or a replacement role, many accounting departments are actively hiring to ensure they start the year with the right talent in place.
Moreover, year-end budgets create urgency. Many companies must utilize their remaining budget allocations before the year’s end, making it a prime time to fill key roles, including those in accounting and finance. HR departments are tasked with utilizing these resources quickly, which often leads to faster hiring decisions in December.
2. Fewer Competitors in the Market
While many job seekers pause their search during the holiday season, this can create an opportunity for those in the accounting field who continue applying. With fewer people actively seeking roles, the talent pool is smaller, meaning there is less competition for open positions. If you keep applying, your resume has a better chance of standing out.
Waiting until January to kick off your job search could put you up against tougher competition. Historically, January sees a 15% increase in job postings, creating a surge in competition as many candidates jump into the market after the holidays1. By keeping your job search active during the holidays, you’ll have a head start on the competition when hiring accelerates after the new year.
3. Opportunities Are Still Open, Including Temporary Roles
It’s important to remember that hiring doesn’t stop just because it’s the holiday season. Employers are still actively seeking the right fit for their teams, whether it’s a permanent role, a contract position, or a special project. In fact, many organizations have set deadlines to fill positions before the year ends to ensure they start the new year fully staffed. If you’re in the midst of your job search, these roles can be an excellent opportunity to land your next position.
Additionally, the holiday season is a prime time for companies to hire temporary or contract accountants to help manage year-end financial reporting, tax filings, or other special projects. These short-term roles can be a great way to gain additional experience, make valuable connections, and even transition into a permanent position. Many companies hire accountants on a temporary basis during this period, which can help you build a relationship with the organization and showcase your talents, potentially leading to future opportunities.
4. New Year, New Opportunities
If you’re applying now, you’re positioning yourself well for new opportunities in the new year. Many companies use the beginning of the year to ramp up hiring and begin new initiatives. By applying during the holidays, you’ll have a head start on the competition when hiring accelerates after the new year.
Conclusion
While the holiday season is often seen as a time for slowing down, it can be one of the most strategic times to advance your career in accounting. Don’t wait for January’s rush—keep applying, stay engaged, and start the new year with a fresh opportunity that puts you ahead of the competition in your job search.
If you’re ready to explore new opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at JFSPartners. We specialize in connecting talented accounting professionals with top employers, and we’re here to help guide you through the process. Contact us here!
Sources
