Accountancy Practice / Advisory Market Overview – Q1 2026
The first few months of 2026 have made one thing clear. This is not a year of steady, incremental change. Firms across accountancy and advisory are actively rethinking how they operate, deliver work, and create value for clients.
What was previously in discussion is now in action. Leadership teams are making real decisions around structure, services and growth plans.
The market is changing
The accountancy and advisory market continues to reshape itself through consolidation, and this trend remains one of the biggest forces influencing career opportunities in 2026. Firms, especially in the mid-tier, are pursuing mergers and acquisitions to scale their client base, broaden service offerings, enhance geographic reach and secure the skills needed for future growth. The majority of mid-tier practices in the UK have already completed at least one acquisition and expect further deals over the next few years, with private equity investment playing a major role in accelerating this activity. In some cases, consolidation is bringing smaller local practices into larger platforms backed by PE or national networks, creating new leadership roles and broader service teams. This also means the landscape for senior professionals is changing: there are more varied career pathways, more cross-office opportunities, and increasing demand for leaders who can help integrate teams, drive growth and position their firms for the next stage of evolution.
If you’re operating at Senior Manager, Director, or Partner level, the landscape you are navigating is very different from even two years ago. The UK accountancy and advisory market is undergoing significant change. AI is embedded into day-to-day work, advisory is moving to the centre of client relationships, and firms are consolidating and modernising faster than ever.
For talent, this means opportunity is plentiful, but expectations are higher. Firms are looking for individuals who can combine technical excellence with commercial insight and client-facing influence.
AI is no longer optional
Automation and AI have transformed how routine work is delivered. Simple compliance tasks that once required a team of juniors can now be handled by software, freeing up professionals to focus on advisory, strategic insight, and client relationships.
For candidates, this is an opportunity. Those who embrace tech, learn to interpret data, and provide judgement-driven insight are in high demand. Firms want people who think commercially, not just technically.
True advisory skills are sought after
Compliance work will always exist, but it’s advisory that is shaping careers. From CFO advisory and performance improvement to transaction support and turnaround work, clients want professionals who deliver insight and create value, not just reports.
If your experience sits at the intersection of technical skill and commercial advisory, you are exactly the type of professional firms are looking to hire now.
Scottish market movers
Several firms in Scotland are making waves, creating exciting opportunities for senior talent:
- Forvis Mazars is expanding its risk and assurance team in Glasgow, creating senior leadership roles in advisory.
- Henderson Loggie is investing in VAT and technical advisory expertise in Aberdeen.
- Johnston Carmichael took a notable step by appointing its first ever independent non‑executive directors (Les Clifford and Michael Timar), bringing extensive audit and leadership experience to the firm’s governance structure.
- Cooper Parry has signalled its Scottish growth ambitions by appointing Neil Norman as Tax Partner and Regional Head, bringing deep local experience and broad commercial advisory expertise to a firm active in multiple acquisitions.
- BDO recently hired Kyrk Macmillan as Director of Scale-Ups in their Consulting, Risk & Outsourcing practice
For candidates, this means there are real openings for influence, leadership, and career progression right here in Scotland.
Your Next Move
Approaching the Easter break, now is a great time to evaluate your career options. Whether you are seeking a more commercial advisory role, a path to Partner faster, or a firm investing in tech-enabled growth, there are opportunities in Scotland and across the UK that match your ambitions.
At Iconic Resourcing we work closely with firms to understand exactly what they need from senior professionals, and we help candidates position themselves for these roles. We can help you find opportunities where your expertise, judgement, and client experience will make a tangible impact and accelerate your career.
Final thoughts
The market is going to reward talent that combines technical excellence, commercial insight, and leadership capability. If that’s you, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of opportunity and accelerated career progression in Scottish accountancy and advisory.
Executive Search – Advisory & Consulting
Jeff McCaskill – jeff.mccaskill@iconicresourcing.com