CFOs and finance leaders aim to stay ahead of economic shifts, technological advancements, and strategic business changes. In addition to operational adjustments, trends also impact how organizations attract and retain top finance and accounting talent.
With talent shortages particularly within accounting and finance, organizations are aligning their hiring strategies to include partnering with executive search and recruiting firms to build their high-performance teams.
Here are the five major accounting and finance trends of 2025 and how they will influence the competition to attract and retain in-demand talent.
- CFOs Must Manage Uncertain Economic and Political Factors
Economic and political uncertainty is making workforce planning more complex. 72% of CFOs are adopting more flexible budgeting and risk management strategies (PwC Global CFO Survey), which extends to talent management as well. Companies are being more cautious about hiring but still need skilled professionals who can help navigate uncertainty.
Impact on Talent
- Increased demand for finance professionals with strong strategic forecasting and risk management skills
- A shift toward contingent and fractional CFO roles to manage volatility
- More retention efforts for critical finance roles to ensure continuity amid uncertainty
2. More Demand Than Ever for Data-Driven Decision Making Capabilities
Data is at the core of modern finance functions, with 62% of finance teams investing in advanced analytics since 2023 (PwC). Companies want finance professionals who can interpret data and drive strategic decisions, not just crunch numbers.
Impact on Talent
- Growing demand for finance professionals with analytics, AI, and data visualization skills
- More upskilling and reskilling initiatives to train traditional accountants in digital finance tools
- Increased competition for finance talent who can bridge data and business strategy
3. An Uptick in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
With M&A activity up 17% in 2024 (PwC), finance teams are playing a bigger role in deal-making, integration, and post-merger financial strategy. This creates both challenges and opportunities in hiring and retention.
Impact on Talent
- Higher demand for finance professionals skilled in due diligence, financial modeling, and post-merger integration
- Potential job disruptions and consolidations post-merger, creating uncertainty for finance employees
- New opportunities for finance leaders who can manage change and drive integration strategies
4. AI Will Inform Accounting and Finance, but Not Define It
AI is making finance and accounting more efficient, but human expertise remains essential. 40% of accounting firms expect AI to improve efficiency by 25–30%, yet only 20% believe AI will completely transform core accounting roles (Thomson Reuters).
Impact on Talent
- Finance professionals who embrace AI will have a competitive edge, while those who resist may struggle
- Companies will focus on hiring and retaining finance professionals who blend AI knowledge with critical thinking
- A greater emphasis on upskilling existing teams to work alongside AI-driven tools
5. Integrating Automation & Outsourcing Will Drive Dual Strategies
Automation and outsourcing aren’t competing strategies—they’re complementary. Companies that integrate both have seen cost reductions of 25% and process improvements of 30% (PwC, Deloitte).
Impact on Talent
- Increased demand for finance professionals who can manage automation tools and outsourced vendor relationships
- Potential job shifts away from transactional roles toward higher-value finance functions
- Companies investing in career development programs to help employees transition to more strategic finance roles
Conclusion
These five trends are reshaping not just how finance teams operate, but how they hire, develop, and retain top talent. Organizations that embrace flexible talent models, and prioritize data-driven decision-making will have the edge in attracting the next generation of finance professionals.
