By Emma McGrath, Senior Associate, Accounting & Finance
Why Shouldn’t You Wait Until Busy Season to Make a Move?
For many auditors, the question of whether to stay through another busy season or make a move lingers as year-end approaches. Even if you’re uncertain about leaving, it’s smart to start having conversations with a trusted recruiter now.
Emma McGrath, Senior Associate on our Accounting & Finance team, explains why timing is everything for auditors in Q4 who may be considering a career move.
[Video of Emma McGrath, Senior Associate on Landing Point’s Accounting & Finance team, sharing why auditors should connect with a trusted recruiter before busy season to explore job opportunities and compensation trends.]
Key Takeaways for Auditors
Plan ahead: Even if you’re not ready to make a move, exploring opportunities before busy season lets you evaluate options without the pressure of time constraints. Landing a new role often takes 2–3 months, so starting your search before busy season is essential.
Understand the process: Learning how the recruiting process works sets you up for success when you’re ready to move.
Know the market: Recruiters can provide insights into current roles and compensation levels across various firms.
Does Timing Your Job Search Matter?
Auditors often underestimate the time it takes to move into a new opportunity. A typical search involves multiple interview rounds, compensation discussions, and cultural fit assessments, all while you’re balancing your current workload.
If you wait until busy season is in full swing, your availability is limited, and firms may hesitate to move forward if you can’t commit time to the process. That’s why beginning conversations early — even if you’re not 100% ready to make a move — puts you ahead.
Related reading: Know Your Recruiter: Protecting Yourself During the Job Search Process
Ready to Explore What’s Next?
If you’re an auditor considering a move before busy season, now is the time to start planning. Connect with Landing Point’s Accounting & Finance recruiting team to discuss market trends, open roles, and compensation insights. Or contact us directly to start the conversation.
Transcript
Emma McGrath:
This message is for all of my auditors. If you’re unsure if you want to stay another busy season or not, I would still start chatting with a recruiter now. Learn about the job process, learn about the jobs on the market, and learn about what compensation you could be making. On average, it can take two to three months for you to find your next opportunity, so you want to give yourself enough time before busy season starts up again.
About Emma McGrath
Emma McGrath, CPA, is a Senior Associate on the Accounting & Finance team at Landing Point, specializing in executive search and finance leadership hiring across New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California, and Texas. Emma has experience working at EY in Financial Services Audit and a Hedge Fund, working on Fund Accounting & Operations. She connects top finance talent with leading firms in private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and real estate.
Notable searches include placing Big 4 auditors into FP&A, Finance Analysts, and Fund Accounting & Operations opportunities at dynamic venture capital and alternative investment organizations. Emma advises clients on compensation expectations, hiring trends, and candidate experience, while coaching early-career finance professionals on career pivot planning. Her approach blends analytical precision with empathy and long-term relationship building.
Emma graduated with a B.S. from the University of Scranton and an M.S. in Accountancy from SUNY Old Westbury. She spends her free time visiting family in Ireland, traveling through Europe, and enjoying Pilates and Barry’s classes around New York City.