Since the pandemic, working remotely or hybrid has become the new norm for many. But lately, if you're in finance or accounting jobs in London and early in your career, you might have noticed a push from employers to be in the office more often. Why is this happening? Let’s look at what it means for you, and what to think about when considering your next role.
What’s driving the shift back
· Learning and mentorship
When you're starting out, a lot of your growth comes from observing others: how senior colleagues handle client calls, how reporting is done in practice, how corporate culture works day to day. Employers say having young staff in the office helps with this. It’s easier to pick up tacit knowledge, get guidance and feedback, and build relationships. It’s harder over Zoom or Teams.
· Team collaboration and culture
Finance work often involves tight deadlines, team-based problem solving, and getting quick responses from many departments. Presence in the office can speed up communication, reduce delays, and help sustain the “feel” of a team. Also, being visible means you’re more likely to be included in spontaneous decisions or seen for promotion.
· Manager and business expectations
Most leaders in the financial sector want more office attendance. Surveys suggest many firms plan to increase the number of in-office days. It’s partly about oversight, risk, regulatory compliance. These are all things that can feel more controllable when people are in the same place.
· Signal to clients and stakeholders
In finance, image and confidence matter. Having teams in a shared workspace can help project stability and professionalism to clients, regulators, and partners. Being physically present can also help reassure stakeholders that controls are being followed, and that the business is stable. This is especially true in accounting and audit roles.
What’s changing and what’s not
You won’t generally see full-return mandates everywhere. Hybrid working remains common. Many firms expect you in the office more often, but not necessarily five days a week. Three or four days in the office is what we hear about most. Roles that involve client or regulatory contact tend to require more on-site time. Others with more flexibility in nature of work offer blended models.
Also, younger people are particularly affected. They might have less established home-working setups, smaller or shared living spaces, or less experience with managing from home. They didn’t have exposure to office working pre-pandemic to lay the groundwork.
What you can do as a candidate
· Ask about expectations up front
When you interview, ask how many days in the office are expected, how strict attendance rules are, and whether there’s flexibility. It helps you evaluate whether a job fits your working style and lifestyle.
· Negotiate hybrid or flexible working
If the firm is leaning towards more office work, see if there’s room to negotiate: maybe start with three days a week in-office, or have certain core days where attendance is essential.
· Show value in person
If you are in the office, use the opportunity: network, ask for feedback, join face-to-face meetings.
· Manage costs and wellbeing
Commuting, lunches, and travel can add up. Factor these into your decision.
If you’re early in your finance or accounting career in London, having more in-office time can help you develop more quickly, see how things are done, and build connections. On the other hand, if flexibility is a priority for you, it may be worth being selective about which firms you apply to, or holding out for roles that respect hybrid working.
If you’d like help finding finance and accounting jobs that match your preferred working style, we’re here to help. Register as a candidate.