Hiring managers often scratch their heads when a seemingly happy and high-performing accountant hands in their notice.
But behind most departures are common and increasingly predictable push factors we see time and again when speaking with the globally mobile accountants we work with.
💬 We recently asked our audience: “Why do you think accountants leave their jobs?”
Here’s what they said:
🔹 58% Long hours and burnout
🔹 40% Slow career progression
🔹 2% Not being challenged enough
And those numbers reflect exactly what we hear every day.
1️⃣ Long Hours and Burnout
Even with well-being initiatives and hybrid working, many accountants still report 60 to 70 hour weeks during busy season.
As one newly relocated Audit Manager told us:
“I loved the team and the work, but there was just no room to breathe.”
The issue is not only the hours but the lack of flexibility and balance. Millennials and Gen Z accountants are increasingly willing to move for a role that offers better lifestyle alignment, even if the pay remains the same.
2️⃣ Career Progression That Feels Too Slow or Too Political
Ambitious accountants want clarity and fairness in promotion. When pathways are vague or overly hierarchical, many look elsewhere, especially when peers abroad are moving faster, gaining varied exposure, and advancing their careers.
3️⃣ Not Being Challenged Enough
Some accountants are not leaving from something, they are running toward something better.
Whether it is tax-free income in Bermuda, higher pay in Australia, or the slower pace of life in the Channel Islands, international relocation often offers career growth, financial gain, and a lifestyle upgrade all in one move.
🌍 According to the ICAEW, international experience is now a highly sought-after asset on CVs, particularly for those aiming for leadership roles.
Other reasons gaining ground include:
✔️ The desire for more meaningful work such as ESG, internal audit, or advisory roles
✔️ Toxic culture or poor leadership
✔️ Lack of compensation transparency
Understanding these motivations is key for firms hoping to attract and retain top audit talent.
At Think Global Recruitment, we connect talented accountants with international opportunities that align with both their career goals and their quality of life.
