Accountancy & Finance Recruitment Update

by Suzanne Burr

2026 has been a stronger and more consistent recruitment market for accountancy and finance compared to last year. While demand for our support remains firmly rooted in energy services, hiring activity has expanded across specialist finance disciplines, mid-market roles and project-based assignments.

One of the most notable trends has been the continued strength of temporary, fixed term contract and interim recruitment. Employers are using these flexible options to deliver transformation projects, support systems implementations, enhance reporting capabilities and access specialist expertise. This marks a shift away from temporary hiring being driven solely by absence cover or transactional backlog work.

Payroll has also emerged as one of the market's standout growth areas. Demand now extends well beyond payroll processing into systems implementation, project support, compensation and benefits, and leadership roles.

Demand remains strong for qualified finance professionals with backgrounds in management accounting, FP&A and commercial finance. Employers continue to place a premium on professionals who can combine strong technical skills with commercial insight, business partnering capability and the ability to support strategic decision-making.

As the year has progressed, we experienced increased demand for Financial Controllers, Finance Managers and Heads of Finance. Treasury has also experienced a particularly strong year, with elevated demand linked to cash management, funding activity and financial risk management across the energy sector.

While traditional disciplines such as JV and hydrocarbon accounting remain core areas of expertise, employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can add value across planning, business analysis, economics, treasury and asset-focused finance.

Growing demand for expertise in cost engineering, estimating, risk management and asset accounting is creating crossover opportunities for candidates from accountancy, commercial finance and project controls backgrounds.

Overall, the market is active and increasingly specialised. Businesses are investing across their finance teams, while candidates with commercial, analytical and project-focused skills are particularly well positioned.

For employers and professionals alike, understanding the recruitment market can provide valuable perspective and we encourage anyone navigating hiring or career decisions to contact our team of specialist accountancy and finance recruiters for insight and guidance.

T 01224 327 000 for a confidential conversation.