5 Emerging Finance & Accounting Trends Reshaping Hiring in 2025
The finance and accounting sectors, like many others, are being fundamentally changed by the rapid rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and machine learning. These technologies are transforming key processes and operations and fundamentally reshaping the skills businesses need from their finance teams. With demand for finance and accounting professionals staying strong into 2025, hiring managers need to be aware of the pressures facing the sector. Finance and accounting professionals with crossover technical knowledge are in high demand from industries as varied as healthcare, private equity and tech. Companies are being forced to rethink their hiring strategies to find candidates who can bridge the skills gap between technical expertise and financial acumen. Here’s a closer look at the emerging trends in finance and accounting reshaping the industry and how they will affect your hiring strategy in 2025.
Gone are the days when finance teams could afford to wait for month-end to analyse performance. Businesses now demand real-time insights to stay agile. Cloud-based systems, AI-powered dashboards, and integrated ERP platforms are all helping deliver timely and accurate reports. For example, a Commercial Finance Manager armed with real-time data can identify revenue opportunities and cost-saving measures immediately.
Our final emerging trend in finance and accounting means that candidates who can navigate platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Oracle will stand out. To attract them, you need to invest in technology like AI-powered dashboards or cloud-based ERPs and offer hands-on opportunities to work with real-time reporting tools plus the autonomy to use these insights for strategic decisions. To retain talent, support continued tech education and communicate how timely reporting impacts broader company goals to create a sense of ownership and purpose.
The next emerging trends in finance and accounting, AI and machine learning, have become indispensable tools for finance teams. Nearly 30% of finance and accountancy firms already use AI. From automating invoice processing to enabling real-time financial forecasting, the benefits of technology in accounting include saving time but also uncovering insights that were previously hidden in piles of data. Take Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) roles, for example. Advanced analytics powered by AI allow professionals to predict market trends, model potential scenarios, and provide actionable insights with unprecedented accuracy.
Companies need candidates with a hybrid skill set combining solid financial expertise with the ability to interpret and present data from AI tools in a way that adds strategic value, particularly in senior roles. Because of intense competition, offering competitive salaries alone won’t be enough to attract finance talent with these abilities. Instead, use your recruitment processes to emphasise your commitment to technology adoption and continuous learning. Job descriptions should highlight opportunities for upskilling and outline career progression pathways. Retention is equally critical. Invest in training programs to keep employees ahead of the curve and build a culture where candidates can see the impact of innovation on their work. You should also ensure that finance teams have access to tools that make their roles more efficient and rewarding.
Blockchain technology allows organisations in industries where security and transparency are vitally important to exchange data efficiently, safe in the knowledge that it cannot be altered. The very nature of blockchain makes it ideal for everything from auditing to fraud detection. For example, blockchain-enabled smart contracts can streamline agreements between parties, automate payment processing and ensure compliance without manual intervention.
As companies begin to transition to blockchain systems, they’ll need finance professionals who understand it’s practical applications and who can use blockchain-enabled systems to drive efficiency, and accuracy. To attract these candidates, it’s important to showcase your forward-thinking credentials. This could include outlining how you are using blockchain to innovate financial reporting or compliance processes to appeal to those who want to be at the forefront of industry advancements. Retaining talent will require ongoing exposure to new blockchain applications and collaboration with IT teams. Consider offering blockchain-specific training and networking opportunities with tech specialists to create an environment where finance and tech teams can collaborate.
Because finance teams increasingly rely on cloud-based platforms, cyberattacks targeting sensitive financial data have increased. Companies are under immense pressure to strengthen their defences. In this climate, the role of technology in finance is about securing systems and ensuring compliance with stricter regulations like GDPR or SOX.
Expect a rise in demand for finance professionals with experience in risk management, IT security, and regulatory compliance. Senior roles, such as Finance Transformation Director or Head of Finance, will need to demonstrate not only financial expertise but also an understanding of cybersecurity best practices. Attracting and retaining candidates will hinge on empowerment and education. Emphasise the role’s involvement in shaping secure financial processes and collaborating with IT security experts. Candidates are drawn to organisations that prioritise risk mitigation and are transparent about their cybersecurity strategies so promote a strong risk culture, where all employees understand the importance of data protection. Involve finance teams in key decision making to ensure they feel their efforts are supported and valued.
Investors, stakeholders, and regulators are demanding greater transparency around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. This means finance teams must now track and analyse non-financial data alongside traditional metrics. Whether that’s calculating carbon footprints, evaluating social impact, or ensuring governance standards.
Roles like Financial Accountant and Group Accountant now require a broader understanding of ESG frameworks. Candidates with a background in sustainability reporting or experience working with ESG data will have a competitive edge in the job market.
Want to attract and retain talent with ESG expertise? Focus on promoting and committing to your organisation’s values. Today’s professionals want employers who take sustainability and social impact seriously. Highlight your ESG goals and initiatives through case studies, sustainability reports, or awards to make roles more appealing. Establish cross-departmental ESG committees, create achievable sustainability goals, and support professional development in ESG reporting frameworks (such as GRI or SASB certifications) so employees feel they are advancing both their careers and meaningful causes.
How well your business adapts to these emerging trends in finance and accounting is the difference between success and falling behind. Something that hinges on having the right people in place. Building a finance team equipped to handle new technologies and ways of working demands innovative, adaptable hiring strategies.
This is where we come in.
At Global Accounting Network, we help organisations find the finance professionals they need. Our commitment to understanding company culture, skills, and experience means we connect businesses with candidates who truly fit the bill.
Reach out to us today to find out how we can support your hiring needs—or help you take the next step in your career.
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