Over half of accountancy professionals are thinking about searching for a new job in 2026, while only 27% have no plan to change jobs, found a survey of accountancy professionals conducted by specialist recruiter Spencer Clarke Group.

Nearly half (45%) of respondents to the survey cited a healthy work-life balance as the benefit they valued most, followed by 21% who prioritised remote work.

Among those considering a job search in 2026, 39% are looking for ‘better career progression’, followed by 24% who cited the key reason for changing jobs was the ‘opportunity for more flexible work’. Only 15% of respondents said a higher salary was the reason they were planning to change jobs.

However, on the financial front, 73% said performance based pay was important or very important to them, with one respondent saying: ‘I receive a performance-based bonus and I work in a hybrid office/remote arrangement, which benefits me’, another pointed to the overall package, stressing it was ‘important to consider total benefits, not just salary, holidays and pension’.

But despite concerns about flexibility, the specialist nature of the business means that 76% of respondents said they were ‘very likely’ to stay in the accountancy sector for the next five years with no plans to change profession.

One accountancy professional said: ‘Being able to adjust your schedule or work remotely when needed helps you maintain focus and reduce stress, often leading to better performance.’

For 63% paid time off and holiday policies were ‘very important’ when searching for a new job. Company culture was another important issue with 97% saying it was ‘important’ or ‘very important’ in any decision to change employer. This was clearly an issue as only 24% of those surveyed said their current company culture was ‘very good’; by contrast, 20% said it was ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’, while 29% said it was ‘average’.

Career progression was also key for 39% of respondents, both as an important consideration in their current roles and when looking for new opportunities.

Lauren Fisher, accountancy recruitment specialist at Spencer Clarke Group, said: ‘Accounting professionals are questioning whether upper management prioritises career motivation and employee development, with many feeling that recognition isn’t always matched with clear or genuine paths for growth.

‘With long careers ahead and a continued drive for progression, accountants want employers who value their efforts and offer flexibility, as well as clear internal paths for advancement.’

Ensuring flexibility at work is critical, particularly in a very competitive environment where firms are struggling to find specialist staff, particularly for senior management roles.

In the accountancy sector, some employers are tightening their return-to-office policies although the majority of the larger firms and corporates do take a flexible approach to remote and hybrid working. The latest ONS figures show that 28% of people work hybrid in the UK, while a further 14% work from home exclusively.

‘Transparency about hybrid working is important. Companies pushing for a return to the office and trying to justify this in the name of “collaboration” remove the flexibility that employees are looking for,’ said one accountancy jobhunter.

Accountancy professionals are looking for firms to offer a more flexible approach by maintaining hybrid working policies and prioritising work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

Fisher said: ‘If accountancy professionals want to maintain hybrid working and other flexible options, employers that respect these needs will be the ones that succeed in attracting and retaining top talent.’

Concern about the threats from technology and AI are also rising, with 20% of respondents citing this as a key risk, up from only 10% in 2024.

Spencer Clarke Group report, What Accountancy Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2026