Top finance and accountancy skills employers want right now

Are you interested in finding out what skills are in demand across the finance and accountancy sector? Automation, artificial intelligence, and shifting business priorities mean employers are looking for a broader range of skills than ever before. 

Technical expertise still matters, of course, but hiring managers want professionals who can combine financial knowledge with commercial awareness, adaptability, and excellent communication. 

Whether you're just starting out in finance or are aiming to progress to a senior level, knowing which skills are in demand will help you stand out in applications, perform better in interviews, and build a long-term career. 

We've spoken with a number of clients about the skills finance candidates should be concentrating on, and asked for any insight into what hiring managers might be looking for in the future. Finance professionals that continually build on their skills and react to the market are always the most sought after, and generally do very well throughout their career. 

In this guide, we will explore the most important finance and accountancy skills employers look for, how candidate skill sets have evolved, where the biggest gaps are, and how to showcase your abilities effectively. 

What are the key skills employers look for in finance and accountancy candidates?

Employers assess more than just qualifications when shortlisting candidates. There are a number of things that employers typically look for, especially in junior candidates joining a finance and accountancy team. The following skills are particularly sought after: 

Confidence and communication

Employers consistently highlight communication skills as essential. Finance professionals must be able to: 

• Present financial data clearly to non-finance colleagues. 
• Write concise board reports and commentary. 
• Influence decision-making through clear explanations of financial impact.

Confidence during interviews also plays a big role. Hiring managers want candidates who can express themselves well, handle challenging questions, and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the role. 

Commercial awareness

The finance function has shifted towards a business partnering model. Employers now expect candidates to understand how financial insight drives organisational strategy. Examples ionclude:

• Identifying cost-saving opportunities. 
• Linking reporting to business performance. 
• Understanding sector-specific challenges such as inflation, cyber security, or ESG requirements.

Team fit and collaboration

Finance teams often work in close-knit environments where teamwork is essential. Hiring managers value candidates who: 

• Contribute positively to team culture. 
• Support colleagues when deadlines are tight. 
• Work effectively in hybrid and cross-functional teams. 

Flexibility and willingness to learn 

While experience is always beneficial, employers like to recognise a positive attitude. They want candidates who are adaptable, curious, and open to continuous learning. A candidate willing to take on new challenges and upskill is more attractive than one who relies solely on existing knowledge and isn't willing to learn. 

Tip: In interviews, share examples of how you embraced new systems, adapted to change, or proactively developed your skills. 

How have finance and accountancy skills developed or changed?

The main difference in recent years is that many candidates now tend to lack what might be considered traditional 'qualification skills'. Instead, there is often a broader and more varied skill set, rather than the specific technical knowledge typically gained through formal qualifications.

• Broader experience over strict qualifications: Many candidates now enter the market with varied experience rather than following a single, traditional qualification route. This can be a strength for roles that demand versatility. 
• Greater emphasis on soft skills: Employers place more value on interpersonal and communication skills than ever before. Finance professionals are expected to work across departments and contribute beyond technical tasks. 
• Digital transformation: Knowledge of tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and ERP systems has become almost as important as traditional accounting principles. 

However, at senior levels, technical depth and qualifications remain vital. Roles such as Financial Controller, Finance Director, of Chief Accountant still require ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW qualifications and specialist expertise. 

The biggest finance and accountancy skills gaps

Employers frequently highlight skills shortages in the following areas: 

Fully qualified Accountants 

There is an ongoing shortage of candidates with full professional qualifications. Employers struggle to find professionals who can offer both technical expertise and soft skills - a combination often described as the 'full package'. 

Leadership and management potential 

Businesses need finance professionals who can step into leadership roles. Employers are keen to see ambition and evidence of people management, mentoring, or project leadership. 

Digital and analytical skills

While many candidates are confident with spreadsheets, fewer have advanced data analysis skills or experience with automation tools. Finance professionals who can bridge the gap between finance and data science are highly valuable. 

What do employers look for on a finance or accountancy CV?

Your CV is usually the first chance to demonstrate your skills. Hiring managers typically: 

• Score applications against the job description and person specification. 
• Look for evidence of relevant experience, tailored to the role. 
• Assess cultural fit through personal statements, voluntary work, or extra-curricular activities. 
• Value clarity and structure - clear headings, bullet points, and quantified achievements. 

CV tips for finance candidates

• Highlight both technical skills (e.g. International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS knowledge, ERP systems, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g. stakeholder management, collaboration). 
• Quantify achievements: 'Improved reporting efficiency, reducing month-end close by 3 days', is more powerful than 'Responsible for reporting'. 
• If you are early in your career, include career goals or a personal statement that shows ambition. Employers appreciate candidates with long-term motivation to grow in finance. 

Top interview questions for finance and accountancy candidates

Interviews remain the most important step in the hiring process. Employers often combine technical, competency and cultural-fit questions. Examples include: 

• Organisation knowledge: "What do you know about us as an organisation?" 
• Sector awareness: "What pressures do you think the finance sector is facing right now?" 
• Commercial awareness: "Who would our clients or customers be, beyond the obvious?" 
• Scenario-based: "Tell me about a time you worked under pressure to meet a deadline."
• Team fit: "How would your colleagues describe your working style?" 

Take a look at our blog on the top questions to prepare during an interview, which will give you many more suggestions. We also have a blog on the best questions to ask during an interview. 

Tip: Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer scenario-based questions clearly and impactfully. 

Future finance and accountancy skills employers will look for

Looking ahead, the skills employers value are likely to evolve even further. Key trends include: 

Digital and AI integration 

Finance teams and using automation, AI and predictive analytics to streamline reporting and forecasting. Candidates who can harness these tools will be in demand. 

ESG and sustainability reporting

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are rising up the agenda. Employers will increasingly need finance professionals who can measure, report, and advise on sustainability metrics.

Ongoing professional development

With fewer fully qualified Accountants in the market, employers are investing more in long-term training. Candidates who show commitment to qualifications and continuous learning will stand out. 

Hybrid and cross-functional collaboration

With hybrid and remote working more standard, employers want candidates who can build relationships, manage projects and collaborate effectively across departments and locations. 

The future of finance careers

Success in finance and accountancy requires a combination of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Employers are looking for candidates who are confident, forward-thinking and committed to ongoing development. 

By understanding which skills are most in demand, you can shape your CV, prepare for interviews, and demonstrate the qualities that hiring managers value most. 

Get in touch with us today or: 

• Explore our latest finance and accountancy jobs 
• Speak to our specialist Consultants for tailored career advice 
• Get more tips and resources by visiting our finance and accountancy specialism hub.