Is It Time for a Career Move? A Guide for Accounting Professionals in 2026
In today’s accounting industry, staying with the same firm for your entire career doesn’t always guarantee long-term success. While your current employer may offer stability, remaining in the same role for too long can limit your growth, earning potential, and overall career satisfaction.
With ongoing skill shortages across the Australian market, accounting professionals have more choice than ever when it comes to shaping their careers. Opportunities to move between firms are creating access to stronger workplace cultures, increased flexibility, and more clearly defined professional development pathways.
At the same time, the structure of accounting roles is evolving. As firms invest more in technology and offshore resourcing to manage compliance work, onshore professionals are increasingly expected to take on more advisory, client-facing, and leadership responsibilities. For many, changing firms can be a way to accelerate exposure to these higher-value areas.
A move can also have a meaningful impact on earning potential. While staying with the same employer often leads to incremental salary increases, changing firms can result in more significant jumps. That said, making a career move should always be a strategic decision, rather than a reactive one.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider before making a transition in your accounting career and help you assess whether now is the right time to explore new opportunities.
Market Analysis: The Accounting Job Market in 2026
If you’re considering a move in 2026, the outlook for accounting professionals in Australia remains strong. The job market continues to be candidate-driven, particularly across public practice, with many firms looking to attract and retain top talent in a competitive environment.
Employers are increasingly investing in professionals who can navigate not only regulatory changes, but also ongoing technological advancements and evolving client expectations. As automation and AI reduce time spent on routine compliance work, there is a growing demand for accountants who can provide more value through advisory and client-focused services.
Accounting practices are placing greater emphasis on professionals with strong technical compliance skills, combined with the ability to offer commercial insights, lead teams, and build lasting client relationships. There is also an increasing expectation that candidates are comfortable working with systems, data, and new technologies as part of their day-to-day role.
Another key shift across the market is the continued rise of offshore resourcing to manage compliance and processing work. While this has helped firms improve efficiency, it is also changing the structure of onshore teams. There is now greater demand for professionals who can review work, manage offshore staff, and focus more heavily on advisory and client-facing responsibilities.
At the same time, this shift, combined with fewer graduates entering the profession has reduced the number of junior roles available in Australia, further contributing to the ongoing talent shortage at the intermediate and senior levels. As a result, firms are continuing to compete on salary, flexibility, and career progression opportunities, with hybrid work arrangements and clearer development pathways now seen as standard rather than additional benefits.
However, while demand remains high, firms are also becoming more selective in their hiring processes. Many employers are prioritising candidates with CA or CPA qualifications, alongside practical skillsets that allow them to deliver immediate value to clients.
As a result, ongoing learning and development will remain critical for professionals looking to stay competitive, particularly those who continue to build both their technical expertise and broader advisory, digital, and interpersonal skills.
Is It Time for a Career Move? Making the Right Choice
Deciding whether to stay with your current firm or explore new opportunities is a significant career step. It’s important to assess not only financial incentives, but also your long-term career goals, current market conditions, and where your role is heading as the profession continues to evolve.
Here are three key steps to help you make an informed decision:
Step 1: Assessing Your Current Situation
Start by evaluating your overall satisfaction with your current role and firm:
Are you aligned with the firm’s values and direction?
Do you feel engaged in your work, and that it has purpose?
Is your firm actively supporting your career development and progression?
Is there a clear pathway for advancement or succession that aligns with your long-term goals?
Are you being compensated fairly for your skills and contributions? If unsure, consider benchmarking your salary against current market rates.
It’s also important to assess how your role is evolving. As many firms shift compliance work offshore and invest more in advisory services, consider whether you are gaining exposure to higher-value work such as client engagement, reviewing offshore output, or providing strategic advice.
If you have experience or interest in areas like tax advisory, business services, or CFO advisory but aren’t getting the opportunity to develop these skills, a move may help you better realise your potential.
Step 2: Identifying Your Priorities
Understanding your priorities will help determine whether a move is the right next step. Consider what matters most to you:
Salary & Benefits: Are you being paid competitively in the current market? If your firm is unable or unwilling to adjust your package in line with demand, it may be worth exploring alternatives.
Professional Development: Are there opportunities for ongoing learning, mentorship, and exposure to more complex or advisory work?
Work-Life Balance: Does your current role offer the flexibility you need, including hybrid or remote options?
Technology & Systems: Is your firm investing in modern accounting software, automation, and efficient workflows, or are outdated systems slowing you down?
Firm Culture & Leadership: Are you supported by leadership, and does the firm offer a positive and collaborative working environment?
Step 3: Examining the Potential for Change
Before making a move, it’s important to consider the broader market and your position within it:
Job Market Trends: While demand for accountants remains strong, firms are becoming more targeted in their hiring, particularly for candidates who can contribute in advisory or client-facing roles.
Stability of Your Current Role: If your firm is undergoing restructuring, offshoring more work, or experiencing client losses, it may be worth exploring options proactively.
Your Skills & Marketability: Consider whether your current skillset aligns with where the market is heading. If there are gaps such as CA/CPA qualifications, advisory exposure, or leadership experience, it may be worth addressing these before making a move.
✅ Quick Self-Check: Is It Time to Move?
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to explore new opportunities, ask yourself:
Am I still learning and progressing in my current role?
Am I gaining exposure to advisory or higher-value work, or mainly doing compliance?
Is my salary in line with the current market?
Do I see a clear pathway for progression within my firm?
Am I satisfied with the firm’s culture, leadership, and flexibility?
Are my skills aligned with where the accounting industry is heading?
If you’re answering “no” to several of these, it may be worth exploring what other opportunities are available in the market.
Preparing for a Career Move in Public Practice
If you’ve decided it’s time for a change, having a structured approach will help ensure a smooth and successful transition. Here’s how to prepare:
Conduct a Skills Gap Analysis
Start by identifying the skills currently in demand across accounting practices. Reviewing job adverts and speaking with recruiters can provide a clear picture of what firms are looking for.
In particular, consider whether you have exposure to advisory work, client management, or reviewing offshore work - areas that are becoming increasingly important. If there are gaps, look at CPD courses or additional training in areas such as tax advisory, business services, or leadership.
Leverage Your Professional Network
Your network can be a valuable source of opportunities and market insight. Engage with professional associations such as CPA Australia or CA ANZ, attend industry events, and connect with peers.
Building relationships with recruiters who specialise in accounting can also give you access to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, as well as guidance on current market conditions and salary expectations.
Update Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile
Ensure your resume clearly highlights your key achievements, technical skills, and any advisory or client-facing experience. Focus on outcomes and the value you’ve delivered, rather than just responsibilities.
Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date is equally important, as many firms and recruiters actively use it to identify and approach candidates.
Develop an Application & Interview Strategy
Rather than applying broadly, focus on firms that align with your career goals, values, and preferred working environment. Tailor each application to reflect what that firm is looking for.
When preparing for interviews, be ready to demonstrate not only your technical capability, but also your communication skills, commercial thinking, and ability to work with clients. Many firms are increasingly assessing candidates on these broader skillsets.
Be Ready to Negotiate
When you receive an offer, take the time to understand how it compares to current market benchmarks.
Look beyond base salary and consider the full package, including bonuses, flexibility, professional development support, and long-term progression opportunities. Being clear on your priorities will help you make a well-informed decision.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Firms
While the market presents strong opportunities, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the success of your next move:
Focusing only on salary
While a salary increase is important, it shouldn’t be the only driver. A higher salary in a role with limited progression, poor culture, or low-quality work can hinder your long-term career growth.
Moving without a clear progression plan
Not all roles offer the same development opportunities. Before accepting an offer, ensure there is a clear pathway for progression and exposure to higher-value work such as advisory or client management.
Overlooking the type of work you’ll be doing
With the rise of offshore resourcing, some roles may be heavily focused on reviewing compliance work rather than developing broader skills. Make sure the role aligns with the experience you want to gain.
Not researching the firm properly
Culture, leadership, client base, and team structure can vary significantly between firms. Take the time to understand how the firm operates and whether it aligns with your expectations.
Applying too broadly without direction
A targeted approach is more effective than applying for every available role. Focus on firms and positions that align with your long-term goals.
Accepting a counteroffer too quickly
While it can be tempting to stay for a salary increase, it’s important to consider why you were looking to move in the first place. In many cases, the underlying reasons remain unchanged.
Final Thoughts
Making a career move in public practice can be a valuable step towards achieving your long-term goals, but it’s important to approach the decision with a clear understanding of both your current position and the broader market.
With strong demand across the Australian market, evolving role expectations, and increasing opportunities in advisory-focused work, professionals are well positioned to take the next step in their careers. However, the most successful moves are those that are planned, considered, and aligned with your long-term development.
By taking the time to assess your situation, understand your priorities, and prepare effectively, you can ensure that your next move not only improves your immediate circumstances, but also supports your ongoing growth within the profession.