There’s no point in casting a metaphorical grenade as you exit stage left from your accounting job. That does damage to your professional brand, as well as remove any chance you have of returning should the need arise. Instead, there are some key strategies to keep in mind when it comes to quitting an accounting job with class.
How to Quit Your Accounting Job
Strategy 1: Timing is Everything
It’s 7 o’clock, you’ve got tickets lined up to see a movie and your manager asks for ‘one last thing.’ It’s the final straw and in a moment of frustration you announce you’re quitting. This is what Steven Feiner, author of the Art of Resignation calls a “freak out moment” and it can cause things to go seriously awry. He recommends considering your timing carefully. Do you have something to transition to? Great! Are you leaving yourself high and dry, with no viable source of employment? Not so good.
To see more of Steven Feiner’s tips read this article from the Globe and Mail.
Strategy 2: Letter of Resignation
Offering a formal letter of resignation that crosses all of your t’s and dots all of your i’s is a critical part of quitting your job with class. Review employee manuals, your original letter of offer and any employment agreement. This will help you understand any period of notice requirements. Include how many weeks of notice you’re giving (specify what your last day will be), say something positive about working for the organization and keep it as professional as possible. How much notice you give can be determined by the role you hold within the company. Most employees can exit with two weeks’ notice, but for more senior roles a greater amount of time may be necessary.
For tips on writing a resignation letter read this blog.
Strategy 3: Smooth Transition
Try to make your transition as smooth as possible. Even if you have consistently been a gold-star employee, your final two weeks will ultimately colour how you’re perceived. Wrap up your workload as best as you can. Offer to answer any questions your replacement might have for their first two weeks and thank everyone for helping you succeed in your role. Be as gracious as you can.
Strategy 4: Be Positive About the Organization
Stay positive about your organization. The accounting and finance world in Toronto is small. Even if your experience was negative, select one thing that helped grow your professional skill set and focus on messaging about that. This applies not only to your final two weeks on the job (or however long you gave notice for), but also after you transition out of the role. It’s not worth it to burn a bridge you may have to try and cross again one day.
It can be tempting to quit your job in a blaze of glory. What you really need to remember, however, is that it’s a small world. Choose your timing carefully. Offer adequate notice and a professional letter of resignation. Speak positively about the organization. By quitting your accounting job with class you preserve the equity you’ve accumulated in your professional brand and avoid burning any bridges you might need later on.
Your Next Step
No one should walk the job search or hiring road alone. At Clarity Recruitment we help others realize their success through a process that marries proprietary technology with unwavering commitment. Contact us today to take control of your career, or to partner with us to hire well.
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