On paper, January 2026 looks like it’s months away. But in recruitment terms, it’s already here.
Why? Because in finance and accountancy, three-month notice periods are the norm. That means if you want professionals in post for the new year, your hiring season has already started.
Delaying permanent recruitment planning doesn’t just push back timelines — it risks leaving your business under-resourced at the very moment you need to be driving growth.
The Early Hiring Advantage
Companies that treat September as the start of hiring season benefit from:
- Stronger candidate choice – you access the top tier of talent before they commit elsewhere.
- Controlled processes – more time for thorough interviews, stakeholder buy-in, and onboarding planning.
- Strategic alignment – building finance and business support teams that are ready to hit the ground running in January.
What Happens If You Wait
Too many firms still begin their search in November or December. The result?
- Missed opportunities – the best candidates are already off the market.
- Rushed decisions – hiring becomes reactive instead of strategic.
- Q1 disruption – vacancies carry over into 2026, slowing delivery and piling pressure on existing teams.
Why Start Your Perm Search Today
Notice periods don’t shrink. If you need someone in January, you need to be interviewing in September.
Talent is moving now. Finance recruitment agencies are already placing candidates into January 2026 starts.
Expert support makes the difference. Working with accountancy recruitment experts ensures your process is proactive, not last-minute.
How ALF Recruit Can Help
At ALF Recruit, we’re supporting finance leaders with:
- Permanent recruitment planning tailored to long notice periods.
- Access to high-calibre candidates across finance, accountancy, and business support.
- Strategies to secure talent early — before competitors catch up.
2026 might feel far away. But if you want the right people in place, hiring season is already here.
