Accounting and finance enters 2026 with a more stable hiring outlook, supported by steady turnover and continued demand for qualified accountants, transactional finance, payroll and part-qualified professionals.
Recruitment is being driven by replacement needs, business growth and transformation. Employers are investing in automation, systems improvements and upskilling, while using career development, flexibility and moderate pay rises to attract and retain experienced talent in a competitive market.
60%
of teams forecast stable turnover in 2026, and 32% expect conditions to strengthen.
24%
of teams give their internal recruitment team up to two weeks before going external.
86%
of accounting teams aren't planning to outsource their functions in 2026.
Qualified, transactional and shared services accounting
• Senior Financial Accountant
• Financial Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Statutory Accountant
• Tax Accountant
Legal
• Finance Manager
• Billings Manager
• Billings Officer
• WIP Manager
• WIP Supervisor
Property, manufacturing and mining
• Senior Finance Manager
• Finance Manager
• Portfolio Accountant Senior
• Portfolio Accountant Junior
• Cost Accountant
Management
• CFO
• Commercial Manager
• Financial Controller
• Finance Manager
• Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
Our process begins with a detailed consultation. We meet with you to understand the role, required skills, experience level, and cultural fit. This ensures the search is tailored to your business needs.
Once the brief is clear, we promote your vacancy across job boards, LinkedIn, our AI tools, and internal database. Our recruiters also headhunt passive candidates, ensuring you reach both active job seekers and hidden talent.
We review applications, conduct phone or video interviews, verify qualifications, and check references. Only the top candidates are shortlisted, saving you time and ensuring you meet the most suitable professionals.
Shortlisted candidates are presented to you for interview. We manage scheduling, prepare candidates, and provide you with market insights to help evaluate and compare applicants effectively.
After you choose your preferred candidate, we assist with salary negotiations, and manage counter-offers. We also follow up after placement to ensure long-term success.
"Employers looking to attract and retain accounting and finance staff should focus on strategies that enhance productivity and offer incentives tied to those improvements. Over the past 12 months, we have seen this approach work particularly well for us, as it keeps employees engaged in the day-to-day business and allows them to grow professionally, with financial incentives and significant learning and development in return.
The accounting profession has historically been viewed as financial custodians. As we look ahead to 2025, the skills required for both junior and senior accounting professionals are evolving beyond traditional financial stewardship. I strongly encourage accounting staff to invest in critical areas such as business partnering, project management, strategy execution, and machine learning."
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, providing your business with a competitive edge in today’s uncertain labour market.
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