It’s all about the people.
For the past two years, the finance recruitment market has been tough. Vacancies stalled, processes dragged, and many CFOs told us the same thing: “It’s not that we don’t want to hire, it’s that the market just isn’t moving. We're going to wait and see what happens."
Now, as we head into the final quarter of 2025, there are signs of change. It feels like we’re finally turning the corner, but it’s a huge corner, and we’re only part of the way around.
The Numbers
We all know these numbers don’t really apply to us in the finance community. So what do they actually mean? Conditions are loosening slightly. There’s more movement than last year, but this isn’t a market running hot. It’s a market slowly rebuilding momentum.
Finance & Accounting Insights
Outlook for 2026
There is a sense of optimism. A measured, risk-averse sense of optimism.
What This Means for Senior Finance Professionals
For Employers
To retain your best employees, relying solely on pay is insufficient. Career progression is at the forefront of the minds of top performers. They want clarity on how their role evolves, whether that involves acquiring new skills, exposure to transformation projects, or future leadership opportunities. Without this, they will listen to competitors who are offering a clearer path.
Compensation needs to remain competitive, but the real differentiator now is the total value proposition:
Upskilling is no longer optional. The finance function is undergoing rapid changes with the advent of automation, ESG reporting, digital tools, and compliance demands that are reshaping roles. Employers who fail to invest in training will not only lose staff, but they’ll also fall behind operationally.
Planning is essential. Think succession, future skills, and the roles you’ll need in 2026. Waiting until you’re desperate will put you at a disadvantage.
Building a high-performance culture is the ultimate retention strategy. Skilled professionals stay where they feel valued, stretched, and inspired.
For Candidates
While the market has been tough, momentum is building. Employers are cautious, but they are still moving for the right talent, especially those who can combine technical finance expertise with strategic value.
To stand out, don’t just present yourself as a technician. Show how you’ve:
Adaptability is the currency that counts. Employers are looking for people who can pivot, not just repeat the same tasks year after year. Transferable skills such as leadership, systems knowledge, and analytical capability are what make you resilient across industries.
And resilience is key. This market is improving, but it still requires persistence. Keep networking, stay visible, and remain proactive. The right role is out there, but you need to be prepared to move quickly when it appears.
Final Thought
The market isn’t booming, far from it, but it is improving. We’re turning a corner, and while it’s a big one, the signs are heading in the right direction.
The businesses that will succeed are those that continue to invest in their people, act quickly when strong candidates emerge, and tell a compelling story about why their finance function is a place to grow.
HPR Consulting: Your Partner in Navigating the Finance Recruitment Market
With decades of experience in the finance sector, our business, HPR Consulting, is here to support you, whether you’re hiring or looking to elevate your career. We’ve got the insights, the experience, and the connections to help you succeed in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re hiring now or just need advice, please don't hesitate to reach out.
