Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Advice for Finance & Accountancy Professionals

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a major transition...

Especially when you’re balancing childcare, adapting to a new routine, and stepping back into a professional environment that may have evolved while you were away. Whether you're excited to return or feeling anxious about the change, it’s completely normal for the adjustment to take time. With the right preparation and support, you can make the transition as smooth as possible.

Below, we’ve outlined key considerations and practical steps particularly relevant for those working in accountancy, finance, and the broader professional services sectors.

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Understanding Your Employment Rights

Returning to the Same Role

If you return to work within 26 weeks (ordinary maternity leave), you are entitled to return to the same job, on the same terms, including salary, benefits, seniority, and working location.

If you’ve taken additional maternity leave (more than 26 weeks), you still have the right to return to your original role wherever possible. If organisational changes mean that returning to your old position is not feasible, you must be offered a suitable alternative role on no less favourable terms — including pay, holiday entitlement, and responsibility level.

What Counts as a ‘Good Business Reason’?

In some organisations, restructures or departmental changes may have taken place during your absence — for example, finance systems upgrades, team reshuffles, or shifts in reporting structures. These may legitimately affect role availability.

However, your employer cannot simply retain your maternity cover and offer you a different role instead. There must be a clear, demonstrable business reason for any change.

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Requesting Flexible Working

All employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service have the right to request flexible working. Many returning parents in finance and accountancy consider options such as:

• Part-time hours

• Term-time working

• Hybrid or home working

  

• Job sharing

• Adjusted start/finish times

It’s important to remember that you have the right to request, not an automatic right to receive. Your employer must properly review your request, but they may decline it if there are legitimate business grounds — for example:

• Increased costs

• Inability to reorganise workloads

• Negative impact on performance or deadlines

• Reduced capacity during critical finance periods (month-end, year-end, audit)

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Practical Tips for a Smooth Return

Consider Using KIT Days

Keeping In Touch (KIT) days allow you to work up to 10 days during maternity leave. These can be especially helpful in accountancy and finance roles where legislation, systems, and reporting cycles change frequently. KIT days can support you in:

• Staying connected with the team

• Keeping up to date with system changes or regulatory updates

• Attending key meetings or training sessions

Both you and your employer must agree to them — neither party can insist.

Try a Phased Return

Using annual leave to structure a phased return can make the first few weeks far more manageable. For example:

• Working shorter weeks initially

• Reducing hours temporarily

• Avoiding the busiest periods (e.g., month-end) during your first week back

Many finance professionals find this helps reintroduce routine while managing childcare adjustments.

Schedule Regular Check-Ins

Book consistent catch-ups with your line manager, especially in the first few weeks. This gives you both space to:

• Review what’s working and what isn’t

• Adjust responsibilities or handovers

• Discuss expectations around workload or flexible hours

• Address challenges early — such as conflicting deadlines or new processes

This is particularly useful if you’re returning to a role involving project work, business partnering, or financial reporting deadlines.

Ask for Support When Needed

It’s easy for colleagues to assume everything is fine if you don’t speak up. Whether you need clarity on new systems, time for refresher training, or help reprioritising tasks during busy periods, open communication is key.

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Resources for Further Guidance

• Maternity Action

• ACAS: Your Maternity Leave & Rights

• Citizens Advice

(Links available on their websites for up-to-date guidance.)

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Looking for a New Finance Role After Maternity Leave?

If returning to your previous role isn’t the right fit, or you’re ready for a fresh challenge, we can help.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in recruiting temporary, interim, and permanent accountancy and finance professionals across Yorkshire and beyond. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants offer tailored advice, market insights, and access to a wide range of opportunities.

📩 CONTACT US today for expert support with your next career move.

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