Skills, Salaries & the War for Talent in Accountancy

The accountancy talent market has never been tougher

Across the UK, accountancy firms are facing one of the most competitive hiring environments in recent memory. Demand for skilled finance professionals is at an all-time high but supply simply isn’t keeping up.

The result? Rising salaries, longer hiring cycles and increasing pressure on firms to differentiate themselves as employers of choice.

At Cathedral Appointments, we’re seeing this play out daily: talented accountants with multiple offers on the table, employers competing for niche expertise and firms needing to think more creatively about how they attract, retain, and develop people.

The skills every accountant needs in 2025

The profession is changing and so are the expectations of employers and clients. Where once technical competence and compliance knowledge were enough, today’s market demands a blend of digital fluency, commercial insight and strategic thinking.

Here are the five core skills shaping the future of accountancy:

1. Digital literacy - Accountants must be comfortable using cloud accounting platforms, automation tools, and data analytics systems. AI isn’t replacing the profession, but those who know how to leverage it will lead.

2. Advisory mindset - The modern accountant interprets data, provides business insight, and helps clients make better decisions.

3. Commercial understanding - Knowing how businesses operate beyond the balance sheet is key to becoming a true partner.

4. Communication & collaboration - The ability to simplify complex information and build strong relationships sets top performers apart.

5. Adaptability - The most successful accountants are those willing to learn continuously and evolve as the industry does.

These aren’t “nice-to-haves” anymore - they’re essential.

The salary surge: what’s driving it

As competition intensifies, salaries across accountancy and finance have risen significantly over the last few years, particularly for candidates with in-demand skills.

We’ve seen mid-level accountants and finance managers commanding salaries 10-20% higher than pre-pandemic levels, with senior finance professionals seeing even greater increases.

Several factors are driving this shift:

• Talent shortages: Too few qualified candidates for too many vacancies, particularly in practice.
• Hybrid working expectations: Firms willing to offer flexibility often pay a premium to secure the right people.
• Specialist skills: Data analysis, digital systems, and advisory capabilities now add real value and employers are paying accordingly.
• Retention challenges: Counter-offers and rapid job changes are becoming more common.

Salary will always matter but it’s not the only factor. Today’s accountants are also choosing employers based on culture, purpose, flexibility, and progression.

Culture and career progression now outweigh pay

While salaries are rising, money alone won’t solve the talent problem. Professionals are increasingly prioritising meaningful work, flexibility, and career development.

Here’s what the most attractive employers in accountancy are doing differently:

• Building clear career paths and structured progression frameworks.
• Investing in training and digital upskilling.
• Offering hybrid or remote-first flexibility.
• Promoting positive, inclusive cultures.
• Supporting wellbeing and work-life balance.

The firms that get this right aren’t just filling vacancies they’re building loyalty.

For employers: how to win the talent war

Recruitment in 2025, going into 2026, is about strategy, not speed. If you’re hiring accountants, here are five proven steps to stay competitive:

1. Move fast - The best candidates won’t wait.

2. Showcase your culture - Don’t just list benefits; tell your story.

3. Offer flexibility - Hybrid and fractional models attract more applicants.

4. Be transparent - Clear salary bands build trust and attract stronger candidates.

5. Partner with specialists - Work with recruiters who understand the nuances of the finance market.

At Cathedral Appointments, we specialise in helping firms identify what sets them apart and connect with talent that aligns with their culture and goals.

For accountants: how to stand out

If you’re looking to progress your career, now is the perfect time but competition is fierce. To stand out, focus on:

• Developing your advisory and digital skills.
• Building a visible professional brand (especially on LinkedIn).
• Seeking mentorship or fractional projects to broaden your experience.
• Staying open to change - the best opportunities often come from flexibility.

The modern accountant isn’t just a number cruncher. They’re a data storyteller, strategist and business partner.

The outlook: a market full of opportunity

The “war for talent” may sound combative, but it’s also a period of exciting growth for the profession. For firms willing to adapt and for professionals ready to evolve, this is a golden era of opportunity.

We’re not just witnessing a change in what accountants do, but who they are. The next generation of finance professionals will be hybrid thinkers combining technical excellence with creativity, technology, and empathy.

Join the conversation

Are you finding it harder to recruit the right finance talent? Or are you an accountant navigating your next career move?

Get in touch with me, Matt Wicks, via LinkedIn or visit Cathedral Appointments to learn more about how we connect great talent with great opportunities.