Why Ambitious Professionals Should Join a Fast-Growing Team — And Why Timing Is Everything
If you're serious about progressing your tax or accountancy career, where you work is just as important as what you do.
One of the most strategic moves you can make is to join a team that’s actively growing — not just maintaining. In the right environment, growth creates opportunity. But it's not automatic, and it’s not without risk.
Let’s break it down:
✅ Advantages of Joining a Fast-Growing Team
1. Faster Promotions
When a team is expanding, there are more opportunities for internal progression. New roles are created, clients increase in complexity, and strong performers get noticed sooner. You’re not waiting for someone to leave to move up — the structure is building around you.
Example: A senior associate joins a mid-tier firm just as it wins several high-growth clients. Within 18 months, they step into a newly created manager role — ahead of schedule.
2. Broader Responsibilities
Growing teams need people who can wear multiple hats. That might mean stepping into client-facing roles earlier, managing junior staff, or contributing to internal strategy.
This exposure builds leadership skills faster than staying in a narrowly defined role in a static team.
3. High Visibility
In a smaller, scaling team, individual contributions are easier to spot. You have more access to partners, more involvement in shaping the team’s future, and often a stronger say in how things are done.
4. Professional Development
Growth means change — and change means learning. From new systems to new tax specialisms, you’re likely to develop more commercial awareness and technical range than in a slow-moving team.
⏰ Why Timing Matters
Joining a fast-growing team at the right time is key. Too early, and you may be in a team that lacks structure or clarity. Too late, and many of the best roles may already be filled.
Look for signals that suggest a team is at the growth inflection point — when expansion is planned and resourced, but not yet saturated.
🔍 What to Watch For:
New client wins (especially if they represent a step up in size or complexity)
Recent or upcoming partner/director hires
Internal promotions or new team layers being built
Plans to open new service lines, regional offices, or industry verticals
These are signs that a team is not just reacting to demand — they’re investing in scale.
⚠️ What to Be Cautious Of
Not every “growing team” is a great opportunity. Some environments expand too quickly, or without a clear plan. Here’s what to assess:
1. Leadership Quality
Who’s driving the growth? A clear, competent leadership team is essential. Do they have experience scaling teams? Are they people-focused or purely commercial?
2. Support Systems
As teams grow, internal systems need to keep up — from onboarding to billing to tech platforms. Poor infrastructure can lead to burnout and inefficiency.
3. Long-Term Vision
Is the growth sustainable? Is there a clear business plan, or just short-term hiring to plug gaps? Make sure the team isn’t scaling without direction.
🧭 Key Takeaways for Ambitious Professionals
Growth creates opportunity: More movement = more chances to step up.
Timing is critical: Join when growth is planned, not chaotic or already peaking.
Do your due diligence: Ask about team structure, leadership, and vision before committing.
Use growth to your advantage: Take on broader responsibilities, gain visibility, and fast-track your development.
📌 Final Thought
If you're ambitious, don't just look for a bigger salary — look for a bigger stage. The right fast-growing team won’t just give you a job. It will give you a career trajectory.
