Global Networks.

The finance and accounting sectors, like many others, are being fundamentally changed by the rapid rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and machine learning. These technologies are transforming key processes and operations and fundamentally reshaping the skills businesses need from their finance teams. With demand for finance and accounting professionals staying strong into 2025, hiring managers need to be aware of the pressures facing the sector. Finance and accounting professionals with crossover technical knowledge are in high demand from industries as varied as healthcare, private equity and tech. Companies are being forced to rethink their hiring strategies to find candidates who can bridge the skills gap between technical expertise and financial acumen. Here’s a closer look at the emerging trends in finance and accounting reshaping the industry and how they will affect your hiring strategy in 2025.

Getting ahead in the finance industry is about more than the latest financial skills. Of course, you’ll need the necessary technical know-how and expertise to do your job well. Ultimately, however, it’s soft skills that set you apart in your job hunt and eventual career path.

While many professionals dream of expanding their skill-sets with jobs overseas, the prospect of getting qualified in a new territory can often be a barrier to making it happen. However, for qualified accountants looking to experience life in a new country, getting the green light to practice internationally may be easier than you think.

Where your finance qualification can take you

This is a guest blog from David Landau, Co-Founder & Director at Richard Lloyd Accounting Recruitment

This article, A Guide to Working as an Accounting Backpacker in Sydney, was originally posted on Richard Lloyd Recruitment's website on 3rd October 2016. Get in touch with them by clicking these links and they'll help you with your planning and finding a job!

The recruitment sector is routinely one of the lowest-scoring when it comes to a healthy work-life balance. It’s not hard to see why: The more hours you work, the more placements you can make, and the more you can earn! Simple, right? Wrong.  

Many accounting and finance professionals underestimate their market value, which can limit their earning potential and career growth. Understanding your worth at every stage of your career through finance salary benchmarking and adopting effective salary negotiation tips can empower you to secure better offers and contract rates.

Two-thirds of accounting professionals find it difficult to hire qualified staff for their teams. Lacking the necessary abilities within a team means that companies are missing out on new clients, business opportunities, and the option to innovate and grow.