The new year is here, and many accounting professionals from both public accounting firms and the private sector are busier than ever and possibly looking to advance their career through an accounting recruitment firm. But despite the rush the holidays bring to any position, don’t become complacent in your career! It can be easy to hold off on thinking about major changes while the work piles up, but keeping your career moving forward should always be top of mind. The question you should be asking yourself right now is: should you stay where you are, or seek out better opportunities?

In order to determine what move would be best for you and your career, consider the following questions:

• Is the fit, cultural or otherwise, still right in your current position?
• Will you continue to be challenged?
• Do you see upward mobility in your current role?
• Do you feel undercompensated compared to your colleagues in a similar role, and if so, will that change this year if you stay?
• Do you feel you are given more work and responsibility without any additional recognition and will that change if you stay at the same firm?

If you answer “no” to one or all of these questions, it is most likely time to move on to a more rewarding and challenging position. We know change, especially in your career, can be nerve-wracking—there are numerous factors that can keep you comfortably situated in your current position. However, Elisa Dammacco, Managing Director of The Execu|Search Group’s Accounting/Finance division, has the following advice:

“You must take the initiative to change your personal career path for the better this year. Don’t allow comfort to drive your career,” Elisa says. “Even the little things can make us complacent: familiarity with our subway commute, where we get breakfast every morning, etc. But if you take advantage of the New Year (and a continuing growing economy) and step out of your comfort zone, it will help you grow as a professional rather than remain stagnant.”

The growing economy, as detailed in The Execu|Search Group’s new Whitepaper, The Rise of the Contingent Workforce , is resulting in all-time highs of employment—especially in Accounting. In fact, accounting roles have made it to the “Top 8 Hottest Jobs of 2014” according to Salary.com. So don’t allow a fear of the job market scare you into staying at your current position if you are unhappy or unchallenged in your current role.

“2013 was an in-demand year for quality accountants, and as experts in the field, we see that trend only continuing through 2014 ,” says Gary Grossman, The Execu|Search Group’s President of Accounting/Finance Recruiting. “All indicators are pointing toward an upward trend.”

And while money is always a factor in your career, don’t let it hold you back. In fact, make it a motivator: find a position that has the salary requirements you want as well as the growth potential your career needs. There are a lot of skills and qualities that are best developed and sharpened by staying abreast of the industry, and two such qualities are drive and initiative—which you can show by recognizing your position’s limitations and moving on when there is no momentum left.

“Bonuses and raises are just about behind us,” says Gary, “so it’s time to start looking forward. We consider a lot before making our career decisions but, ultimately, it comes down to one deciding factor: growth potential.”