The senior finance and accounting recruitment market has remained strong during the past quarter, with steady job flow, continuing the momentum seen at the beginning of the year.
In terms of hiring volumes, the market has stayed in line with H1 figures, indicating continued confidence in core finance functions across leading firms.
Encouragingly, opportunities have emerged across a broad range of finance specialisms, rather than being confined to one particular niche. This variety reflects a healthy market and offers more strategic flexibility for senior finance leaders considering their next move.
Key growth areas
1. Commercial Finance and Pricing
This remains a consistently busy area. Firms are continuing to recruit for roles in commercial finance and pricing, particularly seeking candidates with strong financial insight and commercial acumen. This area has long been a pillar of recruitment activity and shows no signs of slowing down.
2. Senior Revenue Operations (Newly Created Roles)
A particularly exciting development has been the introduction of senior revenue roles that have a strong operational focus.
These newly created positions go well beyond traditional revenue management. They involve working closely with senior partners and overseeing revenue processes from a strategic, global perspective - driving efficiency, improving systems and workflows, strengthening working capital cycles and developing teams.
Firms are increasingly open to considering candidates from broader finance operations backgrounds at manager or director level, signalling a shift towards more versatile leadership profiles.
3. International Tax
Tax continues to be a growth area, especially in the increasingly complex field of international tax.
Many of the larger law firms are building out their in-house tax capabilities. As such, there is a sustained demand for talent who can navigate the regulatory landscape across multiple jurisdictions.
Given it is such a niche area, there is a significant lack of talent in the Partnership Tax space, especially those with International Partnership Tax experience. As a result, firms are having to be more flexible and consider candidates with International Corporate Tax experience. Additionally, those with strong International Corporate Tax experience are paid a premium, making it quite challenging and competitive to secure talent at that level.
Notably, US-headquartered firms are seeking UK-based tax professionals to support their operations across the UK and Europe - recognising the distinct differences in tax frameworks from their home markets.
4. Finance Systems Support (US Firms Expanding in London)
We are seeing an interesting trend in finance systems recruitment. While finance systems teams for US firms have historically been based at their US head offices, growing international operations are now prompting investment in London-based support.
In the first half of the year, we’ve seen newly created roles specifically designed to provide regional support across UK, European and Asian time zones. This is likely to continue as firms scale their operations and require more localised systems expertise.
Senior-Level Movements and Trends
At the top end of the market, we’ve seen notable movement at Head of Pricing level. Six such roles have gone live over the past six months, setting off a domino effect across the sector.
As a result, some firms are hiring externally from outside the legal sector, to introduce fresh commercial thinking.
For senior finance professionals in other industries, this could present a valuable entry point into the legal and professional services market.
Salary Outlook
From a remuneration perspective, whilst there are pockets where there have been some salary increases (Tax, Systems and Commercial Finance/Pricing) salaries at the senior end have remained relatively stable.
This stability points to a mature and steady market, especially reassuring in a climate where other sectors have seen more volatility.
Overall, the senior finance recruitment market remains strong, diverse, and strategically interesting. With continued hiring across commercial finance, operations, tax, and systems, as well as significant leadership moves in pricing, it’s a dynamic time for those looking to progress, pivot, or expand their remit.
Now more than ever, it’s worth staying engaged with the market, whether you're actively looking or simply exploring how expectations are evolving in senior finance leadership.
For senior professionals aiming to future-proof their careers and align with where the market is heading, the signs are clear: opportunity abounds, and readiness is key.
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