What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2025
28 January, 2025
Summary
We are delighted to release the report ‘What Accountancy & Finance Professionals Are Looking for in 2025’ which details the preferred salary, perks, benefits, flexibility and work culture of accountancy and finance professionals in 2025.
The report draws on extensive research, insights and data from professionals in accountancy practices, local authorities and the private sector and explores topics including workplace satisfaction, salary expectations and professional development goals.
According to the report, 36.7% of accountancy professionals chose higher salary as their main reason for looking for a new job and a further 30% opted for career progression opportunities.
One Senior said they wanted, “the salary to start reflecting that we're skilled professionals,” and another said “the salary that I earn does not match my role as a Senior Accountant.”
Employee satisfaction was also explored in the report with 50% of accountancy and finance professionals believing their current salary and benefits don’t reflect their actual value.
According to our findings, 56.7% of accountancy and finance professionals wouldn’t accept a lower salary for a better work-life balance, valuing a higher salary and opportunities for career progression as more important.
When delving into this, the report found that professionals in the finance sector in particular were motivated by a healthy work-life balance more than those in accountancy.
Our findings noted that 18% of finance professionals said they were concerned about having no flexibility and 21% considered a four-day working week to be the most desirable perk.
A Senior Finance Manager said, “Businesses have developed an expectation that accountancy and finance professionals work beyond contracted hours. We rarely get the time back and end up spending much more time at work than others, so generally the work-life balance of an individual within finance is pretty poor.”
The report reflects a growing demand for flexible work arrangements to reduce stress, achieve a healthier overall lifestyle and increase job satisfaction.
Despite the challenges, the finance sector is optimistic that a better work-life balance and the relevant help from employers can lead to greater performance. The respondents suggest that they want businesses to offer a better salary for the long hours they work and more opportunities for career progression.
One participant said, “Accountancy and finance professionals continue to seek a well-rounded combination of competitive compensation, work-life balance, and professional growth.”
Finance recruitment specialist, Shannon McGarry said, “In the competitive job market which it is, it’s so important for employers to take note of what employees are really looking for or they simply lose out on top talent and get left behind.”
Shannon added, “Offering the right combination of salary, benefits, work-life balance and flexibility for each individual is a strong recruitment strategy. It has to be tailored to the individual though because what works for one doesn’t work for another.”
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Accountancy and finance recruitment specialists
As a specialist accountancy and finance recruitment agency, we understand how to support accountancy practices and private sector businesses in their mission to attract, engage and retain the best talent.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, get in touch with Shannon McGarry on 01772 954200 or sm@spencerclarkegroup.co.uk to see how we can help.
If you’re searching for your accountancy or 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.
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