A&F Newsletter | Q4 Highlights
Qualified Finance Insights
The qualified finance market has experienced a less buoyant quarter than anticipated, influenced by governmental budget announcements and their ripple effects on business hiring strategies. Notably, the planned National Insurance rise is already impacting financial planning across organisations, with finance teams preparing to manage the increased cost.
- Interim & Temporary Opportunities
- Interim and temporary roles have remained consistent, reflecting businesses’ caution around committing to permanent headcount amid economic uncertainties. This trend is expected to continue as companies navigate cost pressures.
- Compensation Trends
Pay rises planned for 2025 may fall below initial budgets, potentially affecting employee morale and increasing movement in the market. For businesses that can maintain competitive salaries, there’s a significant opportunity to attract top-tier talent during this period of uncertainty.
- Role-Specific Demand
- Technically Minded Accountants: Financial reporting roles have dominated live vacancies, with organisations struggling to secure talent due to the reduced number of newly qualified professionals entering the market.
- Commercial Finance: The latter part of the quarter has seen a rise in commercially focused roles as businesses gear up for strategic growth in 2025.
- Tax Specialists: Tax continues to be a challenging area, with high demand from both accountancy practices and in-house teams. Differentiation is key for businesses looking to stand out in this competitive space.
- Flexibility & Work-Life Balance
Hybrid working remains highly valued among candidates, particularly at senior levels. However, the growing expectation of increased office presence (e.g., moving from 3 days to 4) has sparked frustration in some, leading to candidate movement. Businesses offering flexible hybrid options will continue to attract a broader and more motivated talent pool.
Transactional A&F Trends
The transactional finance sector has faced its own set of challenges and opportunities as businesses work toward year-end efficiency.
- High-Demand Areas
Senior payroll and legal finance roles remain in high demand, driven by year-end processes and a need for experienced oversight.
- Return to Office Dynamics
While many companies push for in-office collaboration to strengthen culture and productivity, resistance among employees remains strong. Balancing the benefits of in-person engagement with flexibility is crucial to maintaining morale and retaining talent.
- Career Progression & Development
Candidates are increasingly drawn to employers that demonstrate a commitment to professional growth through clear advancement pathways and industry-recognised training opportunities. This dual focus on competitive pay and long-term development enhances both attraction and retention strategies.
- Temporary Staffing Solutions
Contract and temporary staffing continues to provide critical support during peak workloads and transitional periods, showcasing the sector’s reliance on flexible hiring solutions to meet evolving demands.
Looking Ahead
As we close out 2024, businesses face both challenges and opportunities. Those that adapt to candidate preferences, invest in employee growth, and maintain agility in their hiring strategies will be well-positioned for success in the year ahead.
Have questions about your recruitment strategy? Our team is here to help you navigate the ever-changing finance market and secure the talent you need.