Finance & accounting job market outlook for 2025

Discover the latest finance market trends

Finance candidates and employers alike have grown more cautious about making a move, as shifting economic conditions and changing workforce expectations create uncertainty on both sides.

Despite this, demand for top finance talent remains strong. Keep reading to learn more about the accounting job market, what top finance professionals look for in their next role, and how to prepare so you can hit your hiring goals.

An evolving landscape

Multiple forces are shaping the finance and accounting job market. Demand for skilled professionals keeps rising, driven mainly by fast-moving technology change and a persistent talent shortage.

Technological transformation

New technology is transforming finance at the same pace it's transforming every other industry. AI, automation, and machine learning now handle repetitive tasks, pushing teams to rethink role responsibilities. Candidates who are comfortable with these tools are in high demand.

Securing that talent takes real effort. Many professionals weigh the personal risk of moving jobs carefully, especially in uncertain times.

The accounting shortage

Technology skills aren't the only gap employers are up against. A large share of certified public accountants (CPAs) have reached retirement age, and fewer new recruits are entering the field. 35% of organizations report struggling to hire finance professionals, according to our Talent Trends report.

This shortage can affect companies’ bottom line directly, opening the door to compliance issues and errors in financial statements. As a result, demand for accounting professionals continues to climb.

So, how can you attract top talent?

Appeal to finance professionals' motivations

85% of industry professionals remain open to new roles. The key to retain or attract top finance talent is understanding what motivates them to stay or move. The most successful hires come from a holistic, transparent approach:

• Flexible work arrangements: Return-to-office policies have tightened at many companies, with some requiring in-office presence five days a week. For the large share of finance professionals who consider workplace flexibility essential, this can be a sticking point. Hybrid options or top-range salaries can help you compete.
• Healthy work-life balance: Most finance and accounting employees rank work-life balance as central to job satisfaction. Well-being initiatives like generous PTO and respecting after-work boundaries go a long way toward engaging top talent.
• Competitive compensation: Salary remains one of the top factors professionals weigh when accepting or applying for roles. Check whether you're paying enough to secure finance professionals with our latest salary guides.

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Consider the temporary role route

Hiring timelines for permanent finance roles have lengthened as a result of extensive hiring panels and multiple interview stages.

To work around this, some companies hire finance professionals on a temporary basis first, saving time and budget. For employers looking for a long-term solution, bringing someone on as a temp can serve as an effective trial run before offering a permanent position.

Invest in training and development

With fewer qualified candidates on the market, managers need to develop their existing workforce through training and professional development. Giving people room to build skills and grow their careers improves retention and can also help attract new professionals to your team.

Next steps

Staying on top of industry trends and what motivates today's professionals will help you secure the best talent on the market.

Want a real-time read on how finance professionals feel right now? See our latest market snapshot for current data on job satisfaction, salary sentiment, and what candidates expect from an offer.