Transactional Finance Market Update
As we wrap up the last quarter (July – September), it’s clear that the transactional accountancy and finance market has remained active and competitive across both industry and practice settings.
We’ve seen strong demand for roles such as Accounts Payable Assistants, Legal Cashiers, and Payroll professionals on the industry side, while within practice, there’s been consistent hiring for Accounts Assistants, Bookkeepers, and Payroll staff. It’s been a busy few months, with hiring momentum showing no signs of slowing down.
What’s particularly encouraging is that many businesses are hiring to grow their teams – not just to replace staff. This mirrors the trend we began to see last quarter and suggests continued confidence in long-term business planning and performance.
Still a Candidate-Driven Market
Despite high vacancy levels, the market remains firmly candidate-led. Skilled finance professionals continue to have multiple options, which means hiring managers are having to think more strategically about how their roles and organisations stand out.
We’ve seen a clear shift in the kinds of questions being asked by candidates – not just about pay or job title, but about career development, company culture, and long-term opportunity.
A common reason we’re hearing for candidates considering a move is:
“I’m looking for progression.”
But when you dig a little deeper, it doesn’t always mean a promotion or a big salary jump. More often, it’s about having a clear pathway for growth – whether through internal support and mentorship or the chance to pursue professional qualifications like AAT, ACCA or CIMA. Employers who can communicate this clearly in their hiring process are gaining a real edge.
Return to the Office? Not Quite… But the Shift is Noticed
Hybrid working remains a preferred model, but we’re starting to see a subtle shift – especially in transactional roles – toward full-time, on-site working. While this isn’t universal, some organisations are beginning to increase office presence expectations, and candidates are gradually becoming more open to this, provided there’s still flexibility and a strong team culture on offer.
Final Thoughts
The last quarter has underlined what we’re seeing across the board – the demand for transactional finance talent is strong, and businesses that can offer clear development, flexibility, and a standout employer brand are continuing to attract top talent.
If you’d like to benchmark your current offering or hear more about how others in the market are positioning themselves to secure the best candidates, we’re always happy to chat.
Qualified Finance Market Update
The qualified finance market remains fast paced and highly competitive, both for employers looking for the best talent on the market and for candidates on the hunt for their next opportunity.
Scottish employers are actively seeking finance professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional accounting expertise and emerging AI-driven processes. AI-driven automation is processing large amounts of data at high speed, reducing time spent on manual tasks like data entry, invoice matching, and bank reconciliations.
The demand is particularly strong for professionals who understand how to implement and work alongside AI systems rather than fear them. Forward-thinking candidates are positioning themselves as automation enablers, not automation victims.
Data Storytelling & Analytics
Data storytelling (dashboards that drive action), process automation, and ESG/controls experience are the skills boosting interview success rates fastest in Q3 (July – September) 2025. Scottish employers want finance professionals who can transform complex data into compelling business narratives that drive strategic decisions.
This isn’t just about creating pretty charts – it’s about developing the ability to extract insights from data and present them in ways that influence business outcomes. The most successful candidates are those who can demonstrate experience in building automated reporting solutions that provide real-time business intelligence.
Hybrid Finance Business Partnering
The traditional finance business partner role has evolved dramatically. Q3 2025 candidates who are succeeding demonstrate a unique blend of:
- Strategic commercial acumen
- Technology fluency (especially in automation tools)
- Stakeholder management across diverse business functions
- Change management capabilities
The Talent Shortage Reality
Demand remains high for skilled finance and accounting professionals as we move further into 2025. Because of the ongoing talent squeeze and other challenging hiring trends, employers must work harder to recruit and retain top talent.
This scarcity is particularly acute in Scotland for professionals who combine traditional finance expertise with emerging technology skills. Companies are increasingly willing to invest in upskilling existing employees rather than competing solely in the external market.
If you want more information or a confidential chat around your next move – reach out to our Accountancy and Finance specialist recruiters:
Claire McNally – claire.mcnally@iconicresourcing.com (Transactional Finance Market)
Cameron Brown – cameron.brown@iconicresourcing.com (Qualified Finance Market)