Leaving Gifts for a Finance Colleague

Who it's for: whoever has been handed the leaving card and the collection envelope for a finance colleague who is moving on or retiring.

What you'll get: gift ideas, how to run a collection fairly, ways to send someone off well, timing tips and ready-made card messages.

Reading time: about 4 minutes. Less time than it takes to find out who hasn't signed the card.

This is a gift guide from the Month End Club shop.

Why a good send-off matters

Finance is a small world. The person leaving may be your next manager, your auditor or your next reference. A thoughtful send-off thanks them for the closes they got you through, and shows the people staying how the team treats its own.

From the Month End Club shop

Everything in the shop works as a leaving gift. Here's the current range.

  • The Team Mug (£11.99). An 11oz ceramic mug printed on both sides with their team: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, FP&A, Financial Control, Audit, Tax, Treasury or Leadership. Dishwasher and microwave safe. A reminder of the team they're leaving, for the desk they're going to.
  • Caps and beanies (from £22.99). The Dad Hat and Washed Cap have the Month End Club logo embroidered on the front and a small tick on the side; the Beanie keeps the walk home after a late close warm. Works well from a team collection. A good pick for a retirement, when weekends become every day.
  • Phone cases (from £16.99). Tough, clear and MagSafe cases for iPhone and Samsung, with designs like "Professional Sceptic?", "Do Not Disturb" and "Airplane Mode until the books close". A small daily reminder of the team, whatever phone they take with them.
  • Bags (from £24.99). Printed and embroidered shopping bags, including "Debits Credits Done", plus a crossbody bag for the commute. Useful for the new commute.

We're adding new products and designs all the time, so check the new in page for the latest.

Everything is made to order and usually dispatched in 2 to 5 working days, plus delivery. Notice periods make timing easy: order in the first week.

Ideas beyond the shop

  • A card everyone actually writes in. Pass it round early and ask for one specific memory each, not just "good luck".
  • A leaving lunch or drinks outside close week. Include a non-alcoholic option and a time that works for part-timers.
  • A short speech from their manager. Two minutes on what they changed and what the team will miss.
  • A LinkedIn recommendation. Free, lasting and useful to them. A specific example of their work makes it count.
  • A group gift that suits them. A voucher for an experience, something for their hobby, or a donation to a charity they care about.
  • A "best of" document. Their finest variance commentary lines, the team in-jokes, the month-end that went to Day 9. Keep it kind.

Running the collection

  1. Start it as soon as the leaving date is public, so remote and part-time colleagues can join in.
  2. Make contributions anonymous and voluntary. Suggest a small amount; never chase.
  3. Use a digital collection or a sealed envelope, and keep a note of the total (old habits).
  4. Agree the gift with one or two people who know them well.
  5. Give it before their last day, in case that day gets taken up by the handover.

If the company is paying for the gift rather than the team, payroll or HR usually check the tax treatment first; the gov.uk trivial benefits guidance covers small gifts.

Ready-made card messages

  • "Your balance with us: fully reconciled, nothing outstanding. Good luck."
  • "Thanks for every close you got us through. The next team is lucky to have you."
  • "Leaving the team, never the club. All the best."
  • "Period closed. New period open. Wishing you a great start."
  • For a retirement: "Final close complete. Enjoy every month-end you never have to do again."

Key takeaways

  • Start the card and collection early, and keep both voluntary.
  • A specific memory in the card means more than the gift.
  • A team mug or cap is a lasting reminder of the team.
  • A LinkedIn recommendation costs nothing and helps them most.

FAQs

How much should go in a leaving collection?

There's no set amount. Many people give a few pounds; close colleagues often give more. Keeping it anonymous takes the pressure off.

What if they're leaving on bad terms?

Keep it simple and professional: a signed card and a short, warm message. Avoid jokes about why they're going.

Should the gift be finance-themed?

If they enjoyed the work and the team humour, yes. If they're leaving finance altogether, a gift about their next chapter may suit them better.

Related guides

More in Gift Guides.

From the Club

You can leave the team. Nobody leaves the club. The Team Mug · The Dad Hat · The Washed Cap

Join the Club. New guides, new designs and early access. Join here.

This guide is general information about common practice. It isn't tailored to any business, and standards, tax rules and figures change. Check your own circumstances, the latest rules and, where needed, a qualified professional before acting.

Last reviewed: October 2026.