Every year, thousands of finance professionals make the same plan.
“I’ll start looking in January.”
It feels sensible. New year, fresh start. Get Christmas out of the way, get the bonus sorted, then update the CV and see what’s out there.
There’s just one problem.
Everyone else has exactly the same plan.
Which is why, if you’re already thinking about your next move, waiting until January might not be the smartest strategy.
Here’s why Q4 could be the best time to start.
The “Nobody Hires Before Christmas” Myth
Let’s deal with this first.
There’s a widespread belief that recruitment stops in November and doesn’t start again until the middle of January. It isn’t true.
Plenty of businesses are actively hiring in Q4. Some have budget to use before the year ends. Some need someone in place for a January start. Some have just had a resignation and can’t wait. And some have realised, while planning 2027, that their finance team needs strengthening.
Hiring does slow down in the last two weeks of December. But October, November and the first half of December can be very active months for finance recruitment.
Why Q4 Can Work in Your Favour
1️⃣ Less Competition
This is the big one.
In January, job boards fill up, LinkedIn turns green with “Open to Work” banners and hiring managers receive more applications than they know what to do with. Your CV is one of many.
In October and November, the candidate pool is noticeably smaller. Fewer people are actively applying, which means the people who are get more attention.
2️⃣ Hiring Managers Want to Move Quickly
Employers hiring in Q4 often have a clear reason for urgency. They want the role filled before Christmas, or they want an offer accepted so the notice period can run over the festive break.
That usually means faster processes, quicker feedback and decisions made in weeks rather than months.
3️⃣ More Room to Negotiate
When a business is keen to secure the right person before the end of the year, and there are fewer candidates competing for the role, you’re in a stronger position.
That can help with salary, flexibility, start dates and, importantly for many finance professionals, conversations about bonuses.
4️⃣ You Start the New Year in a New Role
If you accept an offer in November with a one month notice period, you could be starting your new job in January. While everyone else is updating their CV, you’re already settling in.
For more senior roles with longer notice periods, starting now means your new chapter begins early in 2027, rather than drifting into the spring.
“But What About My Bonus?”
This is the reason most finance professionals give for waiting. And it’s a fair one.
If you have a significant bonus due in the first quarter of next year, timing matters. But it doesn’t always mean you have to wait.
Many employers are used to these conversations and will discuss bonus buyouts or adjusted start dates for the right candidate. The key is understanding your terms and talking about it openly at the right point in the process.
How to Make a Q4 Job Search Work
1️⃣ Get Your CV Ready Now
If your CV hasn’t been updated in a while, start there. Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities, give context about the businesses you’ve worked in and make your qualification obvious.
Our guide, Fix Your Finance CV Before the Autumn Hiring Rush, has ten practical tips to help.
2️⃣ Be Clear About What You Want
Before you start applying, think about what you’re actually looking for. More money? Progression? Flexibility? A different sector? A shorter commute?
Knowing your priorities makes it easier to spot the right opportunity, and to say no to the wrong one.
3️⃣ Work Around Year End
If you’re in a finance role with a December year end, Q4 is busy. Be realistic about your availability and let recruiters know when you can and can’t interview. Early morning, lunchtime or video interviews can make things easier.
4️⃣ Talk to a Specialist Recruiter
Many of the best finance roles are never advertised. They’re filled through recruiter networks and conversations that happen before a job ad is written.
A good finance recruiter can tell you what the market looks like, what your experience is worth and which opportunities fit what you want. All in confidence.
When Waiting Does Make Sense
To be fair, there are times when holding off is the right call:
- You have a large bonus due imminently and no flexibility on timing.
- You’re in the middle of a qualification exam period.
- Your personal circumstances make a change before Christmas difficult.
- You’re not sure yet whether you actually want to move.
Even then, it’s worth having an early conversation. Knowing your options means that when you are ready, you can move quickly.
Final Thoughts
January will be busy. It always is.
The question is whether you want to be one of hundreds of candidates applying in January, or the person who already has a new role lined up.
If you’re thinking about your next move, don’t let the calendar make the decision for you.
At We Do Group, we work with finance and accounting professionals across the UK, from part qualified accountants through to Financial Controllers, Finance Directors and CFOs. Whether you’re ready to move now or just want to understand your options, we’re happy to have a confidential conversation.
Because the best opportunities don’t wait for January. Neither should you.
