By Emma McGrath, Senior Associate, Accounting & Finance
What to Know Before Year-End Bonus Season
As Q4 approaches, many professionals start thinking about their year-end bonuses — and whether it’s the right time to explore new opportunities. A common misconception among candidates is that they need to wait until after bonuses are paid out to make a move.
The truth is, timing your job search around bonus season doesn’t have to hold you back. When you understand how firms approach year-end bonuses and stay transparent with your recruiter, you can explore new opportunities confidently.
[Emma McGrath, Senior Associate at Landing Point, explains how year-end bonuses impact job searches and why candidates shouldn’t wait to start conversations with recruiters.]
Key Takeaways
You don’t always have to wait for your bonus to be paid out. Many candidates assume they can’t begin a job search until their current firm issues bonuses, but that’s not necessarily true.
Be transparent about your expectations. Let your recruiter know the amount and timing of your anticipated bonus so they can communicate that information effectively to potential employers.
Employers are flexible. Most firms understand you won’t walk away from a full year’s bonus. They may offer to pay it in full or partially, or adjust your start date so you can receive it before transitioning.
Start the conversation early. The best time to plan your next move is before bonus season hits. Early discussions allow your recruiter to align opportunities and negotiate the best outcome for you.
Being proactive doesn’t just help with timing — it also demonstrates professionalism and foresight. Recruiters and employers value candidates who think strategically about their career transitions. Whether you’re considering a move now or in the near future, discussing your bonus expectations ensures you can navigate offers confidently and without financial sacrifice.
Ready to Explore What’s Next?
At Landing Point, our Accounting & Finance recruiters partner with professionals across asset management, private equity, hedge funds, and corporate finance to find the right career opportunities at the right time.
If you’re thinking about a change but unsure how your year-end bonus fits into the process, we can help you map out your options.
Transcript
Emma McGrath:
Year-end bonuses — let’s talk about it.
Most people have the idea that you have to wait for your bonus to get paid out at your current firm before looking for a new job. That’s not always the case. Let your recruiter know what you’re expecting regarding your bonus and when you expect to get it paid out.
Your future employers will know you’re not going to walk away from a full year’s bonus, so they will either pay it out in full, pay it out partially, or wait until you get it paid out and then have you start afterward.
So start having that conversation now.
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.