Despite recent economic headwinds, 52% of finance and accounting hiring managers are planning to expand their permanent headcount, and a further 40% will be adding talent on a project basis. Professionals in accounting, financial control and reporting are most in demand, with skills in data analytics, business intelligence tools and automation of most interest to employers. With finance talent shortages across the board, manufacturing, retail, real estate and utilities are among the sectors currently most recruiting staff. Automation is a hot topic, with 67% of firms encouraging their staff to explore generative AI tools for the enhancement of day-to-day routine tasks and improved productivity. Also, 50% of leaders are already planning for internal gen AI upskilling programmes, while 34% are introducing AI mentorship programmes to ensure their employees don’t fall behind the AI curve. 45% of finance and accounting employees are expecting pay increases to keep pace with the cost of living, and 20% would consider resigning if their expectations aren’t met. Nonetheless, with tight budgets businesses need to be active with their retention strategies. Finance leaders are planning new perks and benefits for their staff, such as agreed bonuses (19%), flexible benefits (19%) and dental insurance (15%). Flexible working is another benefit businesses need to pay attention to, with many candidates valuing hybrid models that help them balance professional and personal life.
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Enter your region to localise national average salaries. Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.
Corporate accounting Accounting operations Commercial accounting
Position title 25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 126250 171750 202000 Group Finance Director 110750 126250 141500 Finance Director 91000 106000 123250 Shared Service Centre Director 91000 111000 131250 Group Financial Controller 80750 101000 121250 Financial Controller 65750 81750 90000 Finance Manager 54500 63000 67000 Group/Financial Reporting Accountant 55500 60500 65750 Qualified Management/Financial Accountant 51500 57250 63500 Director of Audit & Risk 91000 96000 106250 Internal Audit Manager 58500 66000 71500 Internal Auditor 51000 54500 59750 Treasury Manager 66000 74000 79250 Treasury Accountant 53250 57500 61500 Tax Manager 70750 80750 91000 Tax Accountant 53250 57500 62750
25th Percentile
The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.
50th Percentile
The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.
75th Percentile
The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications

Top jobs in finance and accounting

Financial controller Management / Financial accountant FP&A manager Finance business partner Financial controller Accounts Assistant FP&A manager Management / Financial accountant

Functional areas that businesses are most likely to hire finance and accounting talent

Accounting operations Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) Payroll Leadership and management

Top technical skills in finance and accounting

Financial reporting Data analytics / Business intelligence tools Technical accounting Automation Big data analysis Automation / Business intelligence tools Niche ERP tools Industry/business know-how

Top soft skills in finance and accounting

Critical thinking Leadership Problem solving Creative thinking

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in finance and accounting

ACA ACCA / CIMA AAT CTA

Top industries for finance and accounting specialists

Manufacturing Retail Real estate / property / facilities Utilities / Renewable energy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the UK and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels. Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2024 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and the financial services industry. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK. Disclaimer The Salary Guide is solely for noncommercial use, and the copyright is the exclusive property of Robert Half. This guide cannot be reproduced or disseminated in any part without Robert Half’s written permission. ©2024 Robert Half Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
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