Living and working in Surrey

A thriving location for your accountancy career

Surrey continues to be one of the most desirable locations in the South East of England offering the perfect balance of professional opportunity, lifestyle and accessibility.

For accountants and finance professionals, it presents the ideal combination of career progression, flexible working options and a high quality of life without the daily commute to London.

The county’s economy remains one of the most productive in the UK, generating an annual output of over £43 billion, with more recent estimates placing this figure closer to £50 billion.[1] Surrey is home to a wide range of major accountancy and finance employers – from large professional services firms to ambitious, fast-growing independent practices making it an exceptional location for career growth in the sector.

For professionals looking to make their next move, Surrey offers a wealth of opportunities at every level from newly qualified to Partner, supported by modern hybrid working, outstanding schools and a strong sense of community.

Why finance professionals choose Surrey

Relocating or changing roles can feel like a major decision however Surrey offers the perfect environment for personal and professional growth.

• Outstanding career prospects across audit, tax, corporate finance and business advisory
  
• Many leading firms offer hybrid and flexible working patterns
  
• Higher salary potential to match the cost of living exceeding national averages
  
• Excellent transport links into London and the South East with easy access to Heathrow and Gatwick
  
• Strong professional networks to include accountancy and tax practices ranging from boutique independents to large regional and international firms
  

Leisure and Lifestyle in Surrey

Surrey’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy make it one of the most appealing places to live in the UK. From countryside walks and boutique shopping to fine dining and family attractions, there is something for everyone.

Cultural highlights:
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, the Rose Theatre in Kingston and the New Victoria Theatre in Woking all host touring national productions throughout the year. Whether you enjoy drama, comedy or live music, Surrey’s theatre scene offers an impressive choice of entertainment close to home.

Gastronomic excellence:
Surrey is a destination for food lovers; home to Michelin-starred restaurants including The Tudor Pass in Egham and The Latymer in Bagshot, alongside acclaimed fine dining venues such as Sorrel in Dorking. Across the county you will also find stylish gastropubs, farm-to-table eateries and local producers championing Surrey’s thriving food scene.

Top attractions:
From Hampton Court Palace and RHS Garden Wisley to Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey combines history, heritage and fun in equal measure. The county’s mix of stately homes, landscaped gardens and family-friendly destinations make it a great place to live and explore.

Outdoor lifestyle:
Surrey is renowned for its stunning countryside with Box Hill and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering miles of scenic walking and cycling routes. With numerous golf courses and country parks to choose from, there are endless ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Family fun:
Families are spoilt for choice with popular destinations such as Thorpe Park, Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park in Chertsey and Guildford Lido. Many towns also boast excellent leisure centres, swimming pools and sports clubs – ensuring there’s always something to do at weekends or during school holidays.

Getting around Surrey

Commuting and connectivity are two of Surrey’s biggest advantages. The county has excellent rail connections from Guildford, Woking, Epsom, Dorking and Redhill, with direct services to London Waterloo and Victoria in under 40 minutes.

For road users, the M25, A3, and A24 provide easy links across the South East. Surrey is also well placed for international travel, with both Heathrow and Gatwick within a short drive.

Many local employers now support cycle-to-work schemes and sustainable commuting options, helping professionals maintain an active, eco-conscious lifestyle.

A rewarding place to live and work

For finance professionals, Surrey offers an unbeatable combination of opportunity, flexibility and lifestyle. With a thriving business community, excellent transport links and a wide choice of employers, it’s easy to see why so many accountants choose to build long-term careers here.

Whether you are an Audit Senior seeking a new challenge, a Tax Manager exploring progression or a Partner considering a relocation, Surrey provides the right environment to advance your career and enhance your quality of life.

Start your Surrey career journey

If you are exploring new opportunities in accountancy and finance or Tax across Surrey, our specialist consultants can help.

At Fletcher George Recruitment, we work closely with accountancy, audit and tax professionals at all levels to source roles which align with your goals, values and lifestyle.

References

[1] Surrey County Council, Surrey’s Economic Future (Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee Report, 2021): “Generating annual output of over £43 billion, Surrey is one of England’s most productive county economies.”
mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk (PDF)

Surrey County Council, Growth Strategy 2025 (Business Surrey): “Surrey’s economy contributes around £50 billion a year to the UK economy.”
Business Surrey – Growth Strategy PDF (March 2025)

If you would like more information about our accountancy and finance recruitment services, please get in touch.

Darran Crellin
Director, Fletcher George Recruitment
dc@fletchergeorge.co.uk
01372 364 160