How To Choose an Accountancy Practice That’s Right for You

In this blog, you will learn: 

• Important factors to consider when looking for a new accountancy practice.
• How to find and apply for the best accountancy jobs.

If you're a qualified Accountant looking for a job in the UK, it’s important to choose an accountancy practice that’s right for you and will allow you to thrive. 

Finding an accountancy practice that fits what you’re looking for in terms of size, location, culture, work-life balance and benefits is vital for ensuring you are happy and fulfilled at work.

With this said, in our latest insights piece, we delve into important advice if you’re on the lookout for a new accountancy practice. 

How to choose an accountancy practice that's right for you

Important factors to consider when looking for a new accountancy practice:

• The size of the accountancy practice.
• The location of the accountancy practice.
• The company culture.
• The additional benefits.
• The clients.
• The accountancy practice’s reputation.
• The training and development opportunities.
• The work-life balance.

The size of the accountancy practice

The size of the accountancy practice you choose to work for can have a significant impact on your experience. 

Larger firms may offer more opportunities for career progression and development, as well as access to a wider range of clients and projects. 

However, smaller firms may provide a more supportive and flexible working environment, as well as the opportunity to work closely with senior colleagues and gain exposure to a variety of tasks.

The location of the accountancy practice

The location of the accountancy practice can also be an important factor when choosing where to work. 

You may want to consider whether the firm is located in a city or a rural area, as well as the commute time and transport links. 

Some firms may also have multiple offices, which could provide opportunities for relocation or working in different locations.

An accountancy practice in the city will have many benefits such as nearby shops and better networking opportunities, however, a practice located in a rural setting might offer beautiful surroundings and outdoor areas to unwind during breaks. 

The company culture

The culture of the accountancy practice can have a significant impact on your job satisfaction and overall experience. 

You may want to research the firm's values, mission, and work culture to determine whether it aligns with your own personal and professional goals. 

Consider whether having a social relationship with your colleagues outside of the office is important to you, or whether you’d prefer to keep work at work.

Look for reviews from current and former employees, as well as information on the company’s website and social media channels.

The additional benefits

The benefits offered by an accountancy practice can also be an important factor when considering a job offer. 

Some practices may offer perks such as flexible working arrangements, bonus schemes, pension contributions, or health insurance. 

You may also want to consider the opportunities for training and development, as well as the potential for career progression within the firm.

The clients

The clients that an accountancy practice works with can also be an important factor when choosing where to work. 

You may want to consider the types of clients the firm serves, as well as their size, industry, and reputation. 

Some accountancy practices may specialise in certain industries, such as technology or healthcare, while others may work with a diverse range of clients.

The accountancy practice’s reputation

You might also want to consider the reputation of the accountancy practice before making the decision to apply for any roles there. 

Look for information on the firm's track record, awards, and certifications, as well as any news articles or press releases related to the accountancy practice.

You may also want to consider the practices’ corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as their commitment to sustainability, charitable causes and helping the local community.

The training and development opportunities

The accountancy practice you choose to work for should provide ample opportunities for learning, development and career progression. 

You may want to inquire about the training programmes available and support for professional development, such as mentoring or coaching programmes, access to online resources, and opportunities to attend industry events and conferences.

If career progression is important to you, it’s vital to explore a practice’s options for this in advance.

The work-life balance

Finally, the work-life balance offered by the accountancy practice is also an important factor to consider when choosing where to work. 

Look for firms that offer remote or hybrid working opportunities, as flexible working is an important factor for helping to improve wellbeing. Opportunities for additional time off, such as sabbaticals or extended holidays should also be considered. 

You may also want to inquire about the firm's policies around overtime, workloads, and time management before making any decisions. 

In conclusion, choosing the right accountancy practice to work for requires the careful consideration of a variety of factors to ensure you’ll be happy working there. 

By considering the important factors above, you can make an informed decision to ensure your career move is a success! 

Accountancy jobs

If you’re searching for your next accountancy job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Accountancy recruitment services

As specialist accountancy recruiters, we support practices nationwide with their permanent recruitment needs. 

Whether you’re searching for a tax, audit or payroll specialist, we will help you to find whoever you need to make your practice thrive.

If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Senior Consultant Lauren Fisher on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?

Meet Lauren Fisher

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.