More than half (52%) of hiring managers in the accounting and finance sector are planning to expand their permanent headcount in the next six months, according to recruiter Robert Half.

While the economic climate is characterised by upheaval and uncertainty, demand for finance and accounting experts remains buoyant, the recruiter says. Its recent hiring intentions survey found that a further 40% have plans to boost their temporary resources.

Technology’s role in the future of accountancy

Job seekers in areas of accounting, financial control and reporting are highly sought after, and demand for experience of using artificial intelligence (AI) tools is also ramping up. 

Robert Half says two thirds of finance and accounting employers are encouraging their employees to explore generative AI tools in their daily tasks as demand for accountants proficient in digital transformation, automation and AI ramps up. 

Hannah Szymanski, Market Director, Finance and Accounting at the specialist recruiter, says:“When we look at the roles in demand, financial controllers are at the top of the list for permanent and contract jobs over the coming months, with finance directors, management/financial accountants, and FP&A managers also sought for both full-time and temporary roles.

AI: a hot topic

Employers are reporting demand for technical skills including financial reporting, data analytics, technical accounting and automation. “While artificial intelligence isn’t at the top of this list, it is a hot topic, particularly for staff development,” Szymanski says. 

Dr Sandar Win, Deputy Head of the Department of Finance, Accounting and Business Systems at Sheffield Business School, says: “Due to technological advancements, there have been talks on upskilling the workforce in the accounting industry with knowledge and skills related to big data analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning.” 

Soft skills play crucial role

Win continues: “We should also be aware that soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills will play a crucial role when integrating these advanced technologies such as AI to support in analysing large sets of data. For example, AI has the potential to make up information and generate biased outputs. Hence, there’s a need for accountants to apply critical thinking to identify data inaccuracies and biases.” 

Accountants also need to be aware of sustainability standards to help companies to embed sustainability into corporate strategies, Win says. 

Not surprisingly, the highest paying roles are those that fall into the senior leadership and C-suite categories. National salaries for CFOs currently range between £126,250 and £202,000 depending on experience and tenure. Those working in London can expect up to £246,000-plus. 

Meanwhile, a part-qualified management/financial accountant could expect a salary between £40,750 and £48,500 (or £49,000 to £50,000 in the capital), while financial planning and analysis managers can currently expect upwards of £65,750 (or £80,200 in London).

Hybrid work and cultural fit

Robert Half says pay rises are broadly expected, with 45% of finance and accounting employees saying they expect an increase to their remuneration. In response, employers are increasingly turning to additional perks and benefits to counter this with agreed bonuses (19%), flexible benefits (19%) and dental insurance (15%) the most popular on offer.

Shane Sale, Head of Talent and People Experience at Duncan & Toplis, says to truly harness its potential, a firm must be creative and flexible, and build robust talent strategies that align with the evolving needs of today’s workforce. 

“Attracting top talent isn’t just about offering competitive salaries – today’s candidates prioritise work-life balance and company culture,” he says. “For 70% of potential recruits, finding a company with a strong, supportive culture and clear progression opportunities, without the obstacle of a ‘glass ceiling’, is a key factor.” 

Hybrid working models are also crucial, with many professionals demanding flexibility without feeling penalised for remote working, Sale says. 

Hiring potential over experience

In particular, Sale says a growing awareness of potential rather than strictly focusing on completed qualifications is needed, bearing in mind the large numbers of employers who report difficulties in finding qualified candidates, particularly for roles in credit management and part-qualified accountancy positions. 

“To address this, many firms are reducing reliance on external recruitment agencies, instead building internal talent pipelines to cultivate the skills they need,” he says.

The increasing use of characteristics-based interviews is another notable trend. This approach emphasises not just technical skills but also core attributes such as communication, adaptability and problem-solving abilities. “As employers look beyond years of experience and focus more on the depth and quality of that experience, they are identifying candidates with the resilience and flexibility to adapt to evolving industry needs,” Sale says.

• ‘Addressing the technology skills gap: how to prepare for the future of accounting’ is one of the sessions at this year’s ICAEW Annual Conference. Find out more about the programme, and book your place.