Article written by Emma Murphy, Recruitment Consultant
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to career opportunities. If you're a Newly Qualified Accountant finishing your training contract before Christmas, this offers a golden opportunity to secure your next role in the New Year. Reflecting on my own ACA journey, I experienced how finishing ahead of my peers gave me an edge—and this year, the market dynamics shaped by the pandemic make this advantage even more pronounced. Here’s why now is the perfect time to act.
My ACA Journey
After completing a PG Diploma in Accounting at TUD in 2018 with CAP 1 exemptions, I began my training contract with PwC. Many of my peers took alternative routes to the traditional ACA pathway, like the Master of Accounting, which offered CAP 2 exemptions and a three-year contract. This meant I was able to leave PwC on 31 October, six months ahead of most of my intake. That early departure gave me an edge in the job market—and one less busy season, which was a nice bonus!
The Impact of COVID on Training Paths
The pandemic reshaped the career paths of a number of graduate Accountants. Those who would have pursued sponsored Master’s programmes or Diplomas in 2021 chose to jump straight into training contracts instead. Remote study in a bedroom for another year felt far less appealing than starting work and earning a salary. This shift has led to a noticeable decrease in the number of NQ accountants coming out of three-year contracts in Q4 2024, creating a unique market dynamic.
Why Now is the Time to Act
If you’re finishing your training contract this side of Christmas, the current market works in your favour and here’s why:
- Less Competition: With fewer NQ Accountants available to start new roles in early 2025, you’ll face less competition for roles starting in the new year.
- A Window of Opportunity: Many of your counterparts will remain locked in contracts until April, meaning there’s a unique window to get ahead of the crowd.
- Future Impact: The influx of NQs finishing in April could result in a more saturated job market later in the year.
By acting now, you can position yourself to take advantage of this quieter period to land a role that aligns with your career goals, setting you up for success in 2025 and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Make The Most of this Opportunity
For those finishing their contracts before Christmas, this is your chance to take advantage of this rare window: update your CV, start networking and connect with recruitment consultants to explore your next career move. If you’d like to discuss your plans for 2025, feel free to reach out— I'm always happy to chat or grab a coffee!
Emma Murphy, ACA
Recruitment Consultant | Darwin Hawkins
emurphy@darwinhawkins.com