In the fast-evolving world of accounting and tax auditing, it’s not uncommon to feel a bit stuck or uninspired at times. Maybe you've been in the same role for years, or you're starting to question if there might be a better fit out there. A career pivot doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning your hard-earned skills; instead, it can be an opportunity to apply them in new and exciting ways. So how do you know if it's time for a change, and what should you consider when making that move?

Almost daily, our recruiters have career conversations with accounting professionals. Here are some of the signs they’ve heard that indicate it might be time to think about a career move or pivot:

1. You’re No Longer Challenged or Engaged in Your Current Role

One of the clearest signs that it might be time for a change is when your work feels too predictable. If you find yourself coasting through tasks on autopilot, the lack of challenge can lead to decreased job satisfaction. Accountants thrive on problem-solving, precision, and continuous improvement, so if your current role doesn’t allow you to grow, it could be a signal to look for new opportunities.

Ask yourself:

• Are there additional responsibilities I can take on in my current position?
• Have I considered pursuing a specialization or niche area that excites me?

Even if you decide to stay in your role, pursuing further education or certifications (like Chartered Professional Accountant [CPA], Certified Internal Auditor, or Chartered Business Valuator) can re-ignite your passion and open doors to new responsibilities.

2. Your Skillset Isn’t Fully Utilized

If you’ve invested time and effort in developing skills—whether it’s expertise in financial forecasting, data analysis, or even soft skills like leadership and communication—but aren’t able to use them, it’s time to reassess. When your abilities are underused, not only does it hinder your career growth, but it can also lead to boredom and frustration.

According to a report from the World Economic Forum, the digital transformation of industries has created a demand for new skills in accounting, from cloud-based solutions to data analytics. If your current role doesn’t allow you to leverage these emerging skills, it might be time to pivot towards a more modern and tech-focused position.

3. You’re Curious About a Different Specialization

Sometimes, a career pivot isn’t about escaping a role you dislike but about exploring new horizons. Perhaps you’ve always been intrigued by forensic accounting or  . Moving into a new specialization can be a refreshing change and keep you engaged in your career.

For example, forensic accounting has seen a significant rise in demand as organizations focus more on fraud prevention and detection. Alternatively, you might be interested in environmental accounting, which aligns financial reporting with sustainability efforts. If curiosity has sparked your interest in a new area, it’s worth researching and networking with professionals in that field to explore possibilities.

4. You’re Facing Burnout

Burnout can be a subtle but powerful indicator that your current role isn’t sustainable. Accountants often face high-pressure deadlines, particularly during tax season, which can lead to stress and exhaustion. If the thought of continuing in your current job fills you with dread, and no amount of time off seems to alleviate the feeling, it’s worth considering other paths.

Burnout doesn’t mean you should leave the industry altogether, but perhaps it’s time to look for roles with a different pace. For example, switching from tax auditing to internal auditing might provide more predictable hours while still allowing you to use your expertise.

5. The Industry is Changing, and You Want to Keep Up

The accounting and tax auditing fields have evolved rapidly over the last few years, especially with the adoption of technology like automation, AI, and blockchain. These innovations are making traditional roles less reliant on manual data entry and more focused on analysis, advisory, and strategy.

If you’re interested in staying at the forefront of the industry, but your current role isn’t offering the chance to develop new skills, it’s a good time to consider a shift. Moving into roles that embrace technology, like data analytics or IT audit, could help future-proof your career.

6. You’re Seeking Better Work-Life Balance

One of the most common reasons for career pivots is the desire for a better work-life balance. Many accountants and auditors find themselves working long hours during peak seasons, and if this is no longer feasible for your lifestyle, it may be time to explore roles that offer greater flexibility.

Positions like financial planning and analysis (FP&A) or corporate accounting can provide more regular hours. Additionally, remote work opportunities are more abundant than ever in Canada, making it easier to find roles that suit your lifestyle needs.

How to Make a Successful Career Pivot

If you’ve identified with any of the signs above, here are some steps to make your transition smooth and successful:

1. Assess Your Current Skills and Interests: Evaluate what you enjoy about your current role and where your skills can be transferred to other areas.
2. Self-Promotion: Don’t be shy; promote your self on LinkedIn as a subject matter expert. You’ll not only connect with other accounting professionals, your news feed will be more relevant and offer industry-leading news but you’ll start seeing roles to consider. How do you get started? Read more here.
3. Seek Advice from Industry Peers: Network with colleagues who have made similar transitions. Their insights can provide guidance on what to expect and how to prepare.
4. Invest in Further Education: Certifications or short courses can help bridge the gap between your current role and your desired new position. Consider courses offered by CPA Canada or provincial CPA bodies.
5. Leverage a Recruitment Partner: Agilus can help you navigate this transition by matching your skills with the right opportunities and providing insights on the job market.

Embrace New Opportunities with Agilus

At Agilus, we understand that career pivots can be daunting but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you're seeking a new challenge, a better work-life balance, or a way to stay ahead of industry trends, we’re here to help. Our team is dedicated to connecting skilled professionals like you with the best job opportunities that match your aspirations.

Need help with your resume or interviews? View our job seekers resources, subscribe to our blog or check out our job board with hundreds of open positions in Canada. We are actively interviewing and hiring job seekers. Agilus’ recruitment consultants place over 10,000 candidates yearly in temporary, permanent and contract positions. We are Canada’s largest, full service, privately-owned recruiting firm collaborating with the top employers in Canada hiring for Technology, Engineering & Technical skills and Office Professionals roles.