How to resign: a simple four-step guide

Changing jobs is a natural part of career development, but knowing how to resign professionally can feel challenging.

Whether you’ve accepted a new job offer, are pursuing a career change or are ready for greater responsibility, handling the resignation process correctly can make a real difference to your future career.

For UK tax professionals, reputation matters. The tax market is relatively small, and the relationships you build throughout your career can support future opportunities.

Taking a professional approach when resigning from a job can help you leave on good terms while setting yourself up for success in your next role.

Here are some simple step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the resignation process with confidence.

Step 1: Review your employment contract before resigning

Before communicating your intent to resign, take time to review your employment contract.

Pay particular attention to your notice period, any restrictive covenants and your employer’s company policies regarding resignations.

If you’re part-qualified and being sponsored by your current employer, ensure that you’re fully aware of any claw back fees you may incur.

Notice periods in the UK are often one, three or even six months depending on seniority.

Before moving forward, make sure you have formally accepted your new job offer and received written confirmation of the key terms.

Verbal agreements can change, so it’s important to ensure everything is finalised before resigning.

Understanding the expectations set out in your employment contract will help you prepare for discussions with your line manager and the HR department while avoiding misunderstandings later in the resignation process.

Step 2: Speak to your line manager first

Once you’ve made your decision, arrange a face-to-face meeting with your line manager. If you work remotely or can’t meet in person, a video call is usually the next best option.

Professional courtesy dictates that your manager should hear the news directly from you rather than through colleagues or internal systems.

During the conversation, be clear and positive about your intent to resign.

You don’t need to provide an extensive explanation, but you should be prepared to discuss your reason for leaving in a professional manner.

Common reasons include:

• Career development opportunities
• Increased responsibility
• Specialist tax exposure
• A move into a broader in-house role
• A wider career change

If your employer wishes to retain you, they may present a counteroffer. While a counteroffer can be flattering, it’s important to think carefully about why you decided to leave in the first place.

In many cases, progression opportunities, company culture or long-term career goals are bigger drivers than salary alone.

Throughout the conversation, focus on maintaining your professional reputation. The tax market is highly connected, and leaving professionally can help preserve valuable relationships.

Step 3: Submit a formal resignation letter

After speaking with your manager, follow up with a formal resignation email or resignation letter.

Most employers will require written confirmation for HR records, and it provides a clear record of your notice period and final working day.

Your message doesn’t need to be lengthy. A simple resignation letter or email template might look like this:

Dear [Manager Name],

Following our conversation today, I am writing to formally confirm my resignation from my role as .

In line with my notice period, my final working day will be [date].

Thank you for the support and opportunities I have received during my time with the business. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and thorough handover before I leave.

Kind regards,

[Name]

Keep the tone positive and professional. This isn’t the time to highlight frustrations or provide detailed feedback. The goal is simply to confirm your resignation clearly as you prepare for your next role.

Step 4: Make the most of your notice period

Your notice period is an important part of the resignation process and a chance to leave a positive lasting impression.

How you approach your final weeks can influence your professional reputation long after you’ve moved on.

One of your main priorities should be completing a thorough handover.

Tax professionals often manage compliance deadlines, tax reporting processes, advisory projects and key stakeholder relationships, so clear process documentation is essential to ensure business continuity after you leave.

Your handover should include:

• Current projects and key deadlines
• Important stakeholder contacts
• Ongoing tax compliance and advisory work
• Key systems, processes and reporting requirements

Where relevant, screenshots can be particularly helpful when explaining internal systems or technical tax processes.

Applying a degree of quality control to your handover materials will help ensure information is accurate, complete and easy for others to follow.

Alongside preparing your handover, continue to perform at a high standard and remain engaged until your final day.

Most employers will also arrange an exit interview, giving you an opportunity to provide constructive feedback in a professional manner.

Before you leave, make sure any company property, including laptops, phones, access cards and other equipment, is returned in line with company policies.

By making the most of your notice period, supporting colleagues and helping to create a smooth transition, you can leave on good terms while protecting your professional reputation for the future.

How we can help

Whether you’re considering planning a career change or exploring new in-house tax opportunities, we can provide market insight, career advice, salary benchmarking and access to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.

Get in touch today to discuss your career goals.