Legal Finance Hiring Trends: Q3 Outlook for Global Law

As we move into Q3 2025, regional offices of global law firms across the UK are demonstrating a clear and consistent trend: strategic investment in finance talent is accelerating, and the regions are no longer playing second fiddle to London.

From Birmingham to Bristol, Manchester to Leeds, firms are offering competitive salaries across both strategic and operational finance roles. The data reveals a shift in perception, finance professionals are increasingly seen as key drivers of profitability, compliance and innovation, rather than just back-office support.

Key Hiring Trends

Strategic Roles in High Demand

Positions in commercial finance, tax and finance systems are commanding premium salaries. Roles such as Finance Business Partnering, and FP&A are particularly valued for their influence on firm-wide decision-making. Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield in particular have seen significant growth in these areas with firms growing headcount in the Finance Business Partnering teams, bridging the gap between finance and practice groups.

This focus is set to continue into Q3 with an increased need for experienced Finance Business Partners with extensive stakeholder management, and also experienced Finance Analysts to provide support with data analysis and reporting.

AI Meets Finance Systems

AI is shaking up finance systems teams - how can it be embraced and used to increase efficiencies and ultimately drive performance? Liverpool and Manchester have led the charge with exciting hires, from seasoned leaders managing system upgrades and AI rollouts, to qualified accountants transitioning into systems-focused roles, using their practical accounting experience to ensure finance systems are robust and meeting their needs. This momentum is set to continue into Q3, with firms prioritising system enhancement and innovation.

Treasury Roles on the Rise

We’ve seen a noticeable increase in treasury roles coming to market, particularly in Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield, where we've actively supported firms in building out their treasury teams. This trend is set to continue into Q3 as law firms place greater emphasis on cash flow management, liquidity planning and FX risk mitigation.

With growing international operations and more complex financial structures, treasury teams are being strengthened to ensure financial resilience and strategic oversight. Expect more roles focused on treasury analysis, cash forecasting and banking relationship management to emerge across the regions.

Operational Excellence Still Matters

Senior billing, revenue and credit management roles remain well-paid, but junior to mid-level salaries are under review as firms fight to retain talent. Leeds, in particular, has seen a wave of new and replacement roles, especially in billing and e-billing, with many teams growing and offering clear progression paths.

As we enter Q3, law firms are recognising that operational finance is not just support - it’s strategic. While senior roles are consistently well-paid, there’s a growing focus on retention and progression for junior and mid-level professionals.

Q3 is expected to bring continued hiring momentum, especially in billing, revenue, credit control and e-billing, with many firms reviewing compensation structures to stay competitive.

Regional Strengths:

Birmingham leads with some of the most competitive salaries outside London, especially for senior and specialist roles.
Manchester and Leeds are emerging as hubs for commercially astute finance professionals, with strong demand for niche expertise.
Bristol, Sheffield, and Liverpool offer stable and rewarding environments, with firms recognising finance teams as strategic contributors.

Outlook for Q3

The outlook for Q3 is optimistic. Law firms are expected to continue scaling their finance teams, particularly in roles that support strategic growth and digital transformation. With regional markets maturing and firms expanding their footprint outside London, professionals in accounting and finance are well-positioned to take advantage of diverse career opportunities across the UK.

Download our latest regional salary guide here

Browse our latest legal finance vacancies here