WHY FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING JOB TRENDS MATTER
It’s no secret that we saw a high level of uncertainty in the financial market at the start of the year, and that has had repercussions throughout the entire financial industry, including on the demand for accountants and financial professionals.
However, while the hiring process has been complicated, the good news is that the finance and accounting job market remains strong. In New England, at least, companies are feeling optimistic that they will add to their staff on a full-time basis in Q3 and Q4. Overall, accounting and finance appear to be solid, stable career options for the future.
That means there’s more competition for open positions than ever before, and staying ahead of the pack means knowing what companies are looking for, which job positions are on the rise, and which skills are most in demand.
Whether you’re a job seeker looking for placement or a company that wants to find the best talent, here’s what you need to know about the finance and accounting job market in 2025 going into 2026.
HIRING AND SALARY TRENDS
Hiring Processes are Slower, but More Intentional
If there’s one clear shift we’re seeing across New England, it’s that companies are taking longer to hire. The big reasons are that they’re prioritizing long-term fit and involving more stakeholders in the decision. So, where there once may have been three people involved in the hiring process, now it’s often five to seven people. Part of the reason for that increase in personnel is how video interviews allow hiring teams to include more voices without stretching candidates’ time too far (so make sure you’re comfortable with doing video interviews).
Essentially, what used to be a 7- to 21-day hiring process now stretches up to around 45 days. This is especially true for senior roles like CFOs, controllers, or directors, which used to take 9 to 12 weeks on average and are going well beyond that now. The hiring processes for mid-level roles, which usually require 2 to 7 years of experience, are moving more quickly, but even those are slower than in past years.
Contact Positions are as Important as Permenant Ones
More industry leaders across the U.S. say they’re leaning more on contract talent — and we’re seeing that play out locally in New England. Early in the year, with the uncertainty in the financial sector, many companies were hesitant to commit to full-time hires. Instead, they brought in contractors or consultants to manage the workload through a busy period or a spike in their business and then reassessed after 3 to 6 months.
That dynamic is starting to shift, and we’re seeing permanent hiring picking back up. The field seems to be moving toward a more hybrid approach to hiring, where companies want to hire a balance of permanent and temporary roles as needed. Securing long-term hires is great for stability and consistency, while contract talent helps companies stay agile during busy seasons or market shifts. For the near future, expect contract roles to continue to play an important role in staffing strategies.
Salaries Growth Has Flattened
After several years of steep salary increases, we’ve seen the curve flatten. Companies are still paying competitive rates, especially for finance jobs that are in high demand, but they’re more measured in their offers.
That doesn’t mean salaries are falling. Talented accountants and finance professionals are still securing pay increases, but we’re not seeing the aggressive jumps in salaries from 2020 to 2024. Employers believe they don’t currently need to overspend to land top talent, so they’re sticking closer to what they consider the market rate.
TOP IN-DEMAND FINANCIAL ROLES FOR 2025
So, what are the hottest financial roles in the New England area? Here’s what we’re seeing for 2025 into 2026. All salary estimates are from KBW’s Finance & Accounting in New England Salary Guide.
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Managers
FP&A managers, and particularly senior financial analysts with 3 to 7 years of experience, are increasingly in demand across New England. This is a great sign, as FP&A functions are inherently forward-looking, so higher demand tells us we’re in a more optimistic business climate.These professionals play a key role in long-term strategic planning. They analyze financial data to identify trends, assess business performance, and support leadership in decision-making. In addition to strong Excel skills, candidates with experience using enterprise planning systems and data visualization tools are especially competitive.Estimated salary range for Senior FP&A positions: $140k – $165k
- Director of Finance
Director-level positions in finance remain highly sought-after and are often a company’s anchor for strategic financial leadership.Directors of finance oversee the accounting and finance departments, ensuring accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and internal controls. They work closely with executive leadership to shape financial strategy, support capital planning, and guide budgeting initiatives. In today’s market, employers are prioritizing candidates with strong leadership skills and the ability to drive process improvements through financial technology and automation.Estimated salary range for director of finance positions: $140k – $165k
- Senior Financial Analysts
Senior financial analysts with advanced data and systems skills are in especially high demand, particularly at companies investing in financial system upgrades or modernizing their reporting tools.These professionals are expected to analyze large data sets, build dynamic dashboards, and deliver insights that support strategic decisions. Companies value analysts who can not only interpret the numbers but also communicate the story behind them to non-financial stakeholders. These roles are ideal for professionals with a strong analytical mindset who enjoy translating data into action, and are experienced in ERP systems and financial modeling.Estimated salary range for senior financial analysts: $110k – $130k
TOP IN-DEMAND ACCOUNTING ROLES FOR 2025
We’re also seeing very high demand for many accounting positions through 2025, from entry-level positions up to senior-level management positions.
- Staff Accountants
Staff accountants are essential to the day-to-day accuracy of an organization’s financial operations and are often the backbone of an accounting department. Typically, early-career professionals with less than 3 years of experience, staff accountants handle routine accounting tasks such as preparing journal entries, maintaining general ledgers, reconciling bank accounts, and assisting with month-end and year-end close processes.Companies hiring staff accountants often look for candidates with strong attention to detail, a solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and proficiency in Excel and accounting software like QuickBooks or NetSuite. These roles are ideal for professionals building foundational experience and working toward CPA certification.Estimated salary range for staff accountants: $60k – $75k
- Senior Accountants
Senior Accountants are mid-level professionals who take on more complex accounting tasks and often act as mentors or informal leaders within their teams. Their responsibilities typically include leading month-end and quarter-end closes, preparing financial statements, managing account reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. They may also help implement process improvements, oversee junior staff, and assist in audit preparation.Employers look for senior accountants with 3 to 7 years of experience, strong technical accounting knowledge, and familiarity with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics. Demand is particularly high for senior accountants who can adapt quickly, work independently, and support cross-functional collaboration, especially during system upgrades or financial transitions.Estimated salary range for senior accountants: $75k – $110k
- Controllers
Controllers are senior-level leaders responsible for the accuracy and integrity of a company’s financial reporting and internal controls. They oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger management, payroll, compliance, financial reporting, and budgeting. Controllers often lead audit and tax functions, ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, and work closely with CFOs to guide financial strategy.In New England’s current market, companies are especially focused on hiring controllers who can modernize accounting processes, lead system implementations, and manage teams during times of growth or restructuring. Strong leadership, deep knowledge of GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and experience with mergers, acquisitions, or consolidations are highly valued.Estimated salary range for controllers: $140k – $185k
KEY SKILLS EMPLOYERS ARE SEEKING IN 2025
Despite the hype you’ve heard about AI, it’s not really topping the list of skills employers are looking for. And that’s largely because New England doesn’t have multi-billion dollar organizations that are all-in on deploying AI agents. So yes, people are using it in interesting ways for finance and accounting, but we’re not hearing employers say “Hey, we want a person who knows AI.”
Instead, they want people that can provide clear storytelling about the numbers and explain it in a way that is approachable and actionable.
- Data Analysis
AI and automation can increase efficiency, but it has a harder time accounting for errors. Employers need professionals who know how to clean, interpret, and validate that information. The ability to manipulate data in Excel or BI tools and turn raw numbers into actionable insights is what separates a great analyst from someone who simply generates reports. Employers are prioritizing candidates who can use data to answer key business questions, identify trends, and support decision-making. - Communication
Today’s finance professionals need to be more than just number crunchers. Employers are looking for individuals who can explain the story behind the numbers: why they matter, what’s driving them, and what actions to take next. As we get more tools that can automatically enter data into ledgers and dashboards, the human role shifts toward interpretation and influence. Employers want strong communicators who can present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in clear, strategic ways. - Critical Thinking
It’s no longer enough to flag a variance or catch an error; companies need team members who can assess the root cause, evaluate options, and suggest realistic solutions. Critical thinking is especially important in fast-paced environments, where finance professionals must balance accuracy with agility to quickly collaborate across departments to drive results. The job seekers getting offers are those who show they can analyze problems, propose solutions, and think strategically. - Solutions-Oriented Mindset
As automation takes over more repetitive tasks, the real value of an accountant or finance professional is how they use their time and insights to improve processes, drive growth, and uncover efficiencies. Employers want employees who are proactive, business-minded, and are the ones who ask, “How can we do this better?” rather than just completing assigned tasks. - Technical Accounting Expertise
Foundational finance and accounting skills remain — and will continue to be — in high demand. This is especially true in areas like taxes, financial reporting, and auditing. Employers are always looking for professionals with deep knowledge of GAAP, SEC reporting, and regulatory compliance. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and others with strong technical skills continue to be sought after for their ability to ensure accuracy, manage risk, and uphold the integrity of financial statements.
TIPS FOR COMPETING FOR FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING ROLES
Finance professionals and accountants are in demand, but one of the biggest challenges in today’s job market is being able to find the right fit. Thanks to AI-generated resumes, there’s been a flood of applications online. LinkedIn recently reported they’re seeing up to 11,000 job applications per minute. That massive increase means, instead of creating greater efficiencies, we’re seeing the online application process turn into something like a black hole — a massive void where nothing escapes.
This is incredibly frustrating for job searchers, but it’s also overwhelming for employers. They’re drowning in applicants who either don’t have the right skills or aren’t the right fit, which makes the hiring process longer and more tedious. Here’s just one example: A local Director of FP&A explained they had been trying to hire an analyst for three months, and out of 250 applications, they were able to identify maybe 5 qualified candidates.
Here are our recommendations for job seekers so you don’t get lost in all the noise:
- Know Your Skill Set
Start by clearly defining what you do best and where you bring the most value. Identifying your strengths not only helps you stand out but also ensures you’re targeting roles that align with your capabilities and career goals. Employers are looking for candidates who understand their niche and can speak confidently about their contributions. - Engage Strategically on Social Media
You can’t just set and forget your profile or spam generic messages to contacts. Make an effort to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and tailored to the type of roles you’re pursuing. Identify target companies, research their needs, and connect directly with professionals in those organizations. Send personalized connection requests and follow up with meaningful messages. Success means building relationships, not just a list of contacts. - Leverage Your Network
Speaking of relationships, you should try to stay in touch with peers, former colleagues, mentors, and industry groups. Attend professional events — virtually or in person — and keep your ear to the ground on industry trends. Too many professionals remain siloed in their current roles and miss out on opportunities simply because they’re not actively networking. Don’t let that be you. - Stay Proactive
Look for new roles before you need one. It’s far easier to navigate the job market when you’re already employed. Building and maintaining professional relationships continuously takes time, and in a market where workforce reductions can happen unexpectedly, staying ahead gives you options. - Partner with a Recruiter
A good recruiter can help you handle all of the above by highlighting your strengths and presenting you directly to companies that align with your goals. The best opportunities often come to those already in a recruiter’s network, as they’ll be on top of industry trends and ensure you’ll be among the first to know about new opportunities.
When you work with a recruiter who specializes in accounting and finance, you’re much more likely to break through the noise and get matched to real opportunities. One recent example was with an unemployed IT professional who was super frustrated because he felt he was doing everything right in his job search. He was constantly online applying to jobs, he was regularly on LinkedIn looking up and reaching out to companies — and he was just not seeing results.
Twenty minutes after one of our recruiters consulted with him, we had booked his first interview in over 3 months. The difference wasn’t that he was doing anything wrong; it’s just that he wasn’t able to find and connect with the positions that he was the best fit for.
Finally, a tip for employers: one of the best ways to find your ideal candidates is to streamline your recruiting process. The longer that interview cycle gets, the higher the chance that talented candidates could sign with a competitor. Having a staffing partner like KBW can ensure you find those qualified candidates sooner, so you can move the hiring process along more quickly.
FAQs
Q: What are the current salary expectations for finance and accounting professionals?
A: There is a lot of variation between different positions, and your exact salary will depend on your level of experience, the industry you’re working in, and your location. For the most recent market data points and salary trends in New England, download our Finance & Accounting in New England Salary Guide.
Q: How much can I expect to earn as an accountant or financial professional?
A: If you want to find out a more exact estimate for the salary you can expect, you can get a more customized number by connecting directly with one of our recruiters. After assessing your experience and qualifications, they’ll be able to give a more accurate range of what we would see in the market for your skill set.
