Salary and Career Progression Remains Top Priority for Accountancy and Finance Professionals in 2025
27 Feb, 20251-2 minutes
As accountancy practices and businesses compete to attract, engage and retain top talent, understanding the motivations and preferences of jobseekers has never been more critical.
In the accountancy and finance sector, rising living costs and fixed salaries are driving dissatisfaction, reinforcing the need for competitive pay and career development opportunities.
The accountancy and finance sector is facing increasing pressure in the evolving job market as professionals seek higher salaries and better career progression with many feeling undervalued.
To determine what accountancy and finance professionals are looking for in a job in 2025, we conducted our own research with professionals ranging from juniors to seniors across accountancy practices, local authorities and the private sector.
Low salary was identified as the most pressing career concern for professionals in 2025 with one in four claiming to be dissatisfied with their current earnings due to an increased cost of living and salaries not rising in alignment with it.
Skilled professionals expect their earnings to reflect their value and expertise, particularly in areas like tax, which some feel is an underpaid sector.
One female professional said, “We’re looking for the salary to start reflecting that we're skilled professionals.”
There is concern that without competitive salaries, professionals will leave the sector to seek better career development opportunities and earn a better salary. 36.7% of professionals cited low salary as their leading reason for looking for a new job.
One Finance Manager said, “Accountancy and finance professionals need to be prepared to move for even a small salary increase. Cost of living issues means people have to be prepared to follow the money.”
Finance recruitment specialist, Shannon McGarry said, “Offering attractive salaries and growth prospects is no longer optional but essential for retaining top accountancy and finance professionals.”
Shannon continued, “In a competitive job market and with the impact of the cost of living crisis, if you can’t give employees what they want, they will find an employer that can.”
Discover more insights in the SCG What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2025 report.
Accountancy jobs
If you’re searching for your next accountancy job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Accountancy recruitment services
As specialist accountancy recruiters, we support practices nationwide with their permanent recruitment needs.
Whether you’re searching for a tax, audit or payroll specialist, we will help you to find whoever you need to make your practice thrive.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Management Consultant Lauren Bailey on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Finance jobs
If you’re searching for your next finance job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Finance recruitment services
As specialist finance recruiters, we support businesses nationwide with their permanent recruitment needs.
Whether you’re searching for a Financial Controller, Management Accountant or Head of Finance, we will help you to find whoever you need to make your business and finances thrive.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Managing Consultant, Shannon McGarry on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Meet Shannon McGarry
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
