How to Secure the Best Finance and Accounting Talent in a Competitive Market
How to Secure the Best Finance and Accounting Talent in a Competitive Market
The dilemma for employers in 2025
Recruiting finance and accountancy professionals in 2025 is more competitive than ever before. Skills shortages, digitalisation, and rising salary expectations mean that employers can’t rely on old approaches. Hybrid working is now an expectation for many candidates, and clear progression opportunities must be shown before they will even apply. Those companies that address these trends are the ones that will attract and retain the best people.
Start with a Focused Role Brief
A well-prepared role profile is the foundation of successful accountancy recruitment. Clearly state what success will look like in the first 6–12 months, outline the main skills required, and specify the systems and procedures candidates will use. Keep it concise and realistic. Instead of producing a long list of “nice-to-have” skills, focus on the essentials that truly matter.
For example, if experience with ERP software is essential, highlight that—but avoid overwhelming candidates with a list of every system under the sun. The more targeted the brief, the better the likelihood of attracting professionals who are both suitably qualified and confident in performing the role.
Develop a Faster, Candidate-Friendly Process
The best candidates are often interviewing with multiple employers at once. A slow or unclear recruitment process risks losing them to competitors. Limit the process to two or three interview stages, and use structured questions to test key competencies. Incorporating a short case study allows candidates to demonstrate practical capability.
Be transparent by advertising salaries and benefits upfront, respond quickly, and always provide feedback. A smooth and efficient process reflects well on your business, showing professionalism and respect for the candidate’s time.
Offer What Today’s Professionals Desire
Salaries remain important, but they are no longer the sole deciding factor. Applicants now expect hybrid working, flexible hours, and meaningful career development opportunities. Study support, mentoring, and clearly defined promotion routes can be just as persuasive as a higher salary.
Showcasing success stories of employees who have progressed internally reassures candidates that they will not be stuck in the same role for years. Add in wellbeing initiatives or performance bonuses, and your offer becomes even more attractive.
Strengthen Your Employer Brand with Specialist Help
A robust employer brand is often what seals the deal. Job adverts and careers pages should highlight your culture, values, and the impact new hires will have—rather than just listing responsibilities.
Candidates want to know who they’ll be working alongside, what technology they’ll use, and how your company supports personal growth. Partnering with a specialist recruiter like JMF Associates ensures this is achieved with precision. With industry expertise, salary benchmarking, and access to both active and passive candidates, we connect firms with finance talent that fits both the role and company culture.
FAQs
Skills shortages, rising salary expectations, and the demand for hybrid working have created a more competitive market than in previous years.
It ensures only suitably qualified candidates apply, making the hiring process more efficient and accurate.
Hybrid working, flexible hours, career development, and wellbeing initiatives are all highly valued by candidates today.
Specialist recruiters like JMF Associates provide industry expertise, access to a wider candidate pool, and tailored matches for cultural and technical fit.
We help firms across the UK recruit with confidence by providing access to top finance professionals, benchmarking salaries, and streamlining the hiring process.
Contact JMF
Looking to hire the best accountancy and finance professionals? JMF Associates helps employers across the UK make recruitment easier and hire with confidence. Call us today on +44 (0)20 8663 6699.
