Why Now May Not Be A Good Time To Quit Your Tax Job
As we crawl across the finish line of another tax season—exhausted, over-caffeinated, and finally catching up on laundry—you might be thinking: “There’s no way I can keep doing this.” And hey, I get it. This time of year always stirs up thoughts of change. But before you dust off the résumé and fantasize about walking out in a blaze of glory… let’s talk about what’s really happening in the job market.
So… is anyone hiring?
Yes. But not like they usually are.
Traditionally, the post-April 15th period is peak season for reshuffling in the tax world. People leave, new roles open up, and there’s usually a flurry of activity. This year? It’s quieter. Not silent. Not dead. Just… quieter. A mix of market volatility, inflation that won’t quite settle down, and generally cautious corporate behavior has companies moving slower on hiring. Some have even paused or re-evaluated their needs. But it’s not a freeze—it’s more like a careful shuffle instead of a full-blown game of musical chairs. In-house tax departments tend to stay fairly stable, even in rocky times—there’s not a lot of fat to trim. Public accounting firms are a mixed bag: smaller firms are mostly maintaining, hiring only to backfill turnover, while larger firms are being a bit more selective and strategic.
Is it more competitive out there right now? Yes.
Is it impossible to make a move? Definitely not.
Feeling like it’s time for a change? You’re not alone.
Maybe you’re thinking: “Jay… I just can’t do another busy season here. I’m seriously considering a complete change.” Totally fair.
But let me paint you a picture first…
You’ve had it. You walk out. You hear that manufacturing is making a comeback thanks to rising import costs. Next thing you know, you’re applying at a steel mill or a big plastics company making children’s toys. But wait—you spent six years in school and $200k+ to avoid this kind of work. Now your tax job is either being handed over to some shiny AI platform or shipped overseas. Your head’s spinning. Is this real life? Can all of this really be happening at the same time?! Suddenly, your colleague taps you on the shoulder and you snap back. It was just a dream—a very weird dream. The only thing you actually need to worry about is why Mr. Smith forgot to include his business mileage (again).
Back in reality: there’s still opportunity.
Here’s the upside: with so many people hesitating to make a move, there’s less competition for those who do. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that voluntary job changes are way down, which means fewer résumés in the pile when the right role does come up. And while some companies are being cautious, the demand for tax talent hasn’t disappeared. The pipeline of new tax professionals is still shrinking, and many of the skills you’ve developed—technical, advisory, strategic—aren’t going out of style any time soon.
Even with AI and offshoring creeping in, tax is still a field where experience matters. And you’ve got that.
A lot has changed—and a lot is still changing.
Someone recently said to me, “There’s no going back to normal.” They’re right. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad. It just means we’re in a transition. Things are shifting—some for the better, some not. But tax professionals are still critical, and the smart companies know it.
So for now, take a breath.
Reemerge from your busy season hibernation like the glorious tax bear you are. Take stock. And then, if you want to talk options, I’m here.
Whether you’re ready to explore new opportunities or just want to vent about Mr. Smith’s missing mileage log, feel free to reach out. And if you’re hiring or thinking about upgrading your team, let’s connect.
We’re in this together,
Jay McCauley,
Executive Recruiter
303-730-0100