What does the future of the finance and accounting industry look like in 2025? As a leader, staying ahead of the curve is essential for your firm’s or department’s growth and stability. Macroeconomic uncertainty is top of mind for leaders as teams navigate supply chain price volatility while maximizing cash flow. In this post, we’ll unpack the latest accounting trends and finance shifts, offering tips and insights to help you tackle new challenges, make smarter decisions and confidently steer your team through the year ahead.
1. Increased automation and AI adoption in finance
As part of the evolving future of the accounting industry, digitalization and AI continue to redefine how financial tasks are handled. AI-driven software, for instance, automates intricate tasks like tax preparation and auditing, minimizes human error and liberates accountants to engage in more strategic, consultative roles. Tools such as predictive analytics empower professionals to dissect vast amounts of financial data, offer predictions about market trends and help businesses make savvy financial decisions. Meanwhile, blockchain technology is revolutionizing how transactions are recorded and verified, offering high precision and integrity in financial reporting.
For finance and accounting teams, it’s not just about jumping on the tech bandwagon. It’s about genuinely embracing these changes and empowering your teams to use these technologies to their fullest potential.
Read how AI and analytics tools can give small businesses a competitive edge.
2. Public accounting firms adjust perks and pay to attract top talent
Public accounting firms are feeling the pinch with fewer accounting grads entering the workforce. Adding to the talent crunch, seasoned pros often leave their heavy workloads behind for roles in other areas, such as private accounting and the tech sector.
In this competitive climate, firms are updating their recruitment strategies. What do finance and accounting professionals value most? Competitive salaries, of course, but also flexibility in work schedules. To attract top talent, firms must either meet these flexibility expectations or be prepared to pay a premium. In fact, 65% of managers are increasing starting salaries for in-office roles, with 55% offering up to 20% more for employees willing to come in four to five days a week. This trend is especially pronounced in public accounting, where firms embracing hybrid and remote options gain a hiring edge—while those sticking to rigid in-office policies risk falling behind.
3. Financial reporting takes the lead in FP&A hiring
Another accounting trend that will continue this year is the escalating demand for financial planning and analysis professionals as businesses recognize the value of strategic financial planning while navigating uncertain economic conditions. In a recent Robert Half survey, finance and accounting managers identified their top three finance priorities for 2025: accurate financial reporting and compliance, budgeting and forecasting, and refining strategies for financial planning. With financial reporting at the top of the list, businesses are actively seeking skilled professionals who can provide critical insights and support informed decision-making.
Learn how to build a high-impact FP&A team that can drive strategic decision-making.
4. Finance teams welcome more contract professionals
Many firms are turning to contract talent to manage peak workload and bridge specialized skills gaps. Robert Half's research shows that 68% of finance and accounting leaders are planning to increase their use of contract talent in 2025. This strategy allows you to be nimble, adjusting your team’s size and skill set as business needs ebb and flow. Contract professionals can also be a valuable resource during a hiring freeze, enabling firms to maintain essential operations without committing to permanent hires. By bringing in experienced contract workers, companies can address urgent needs, fill temporary gaps, and maintain productivity while navigating periods of limited full-time hiring.
What are contractors being hired to do? According to our research, 32% of managers employ contract workers for financial reporting, 30% for financial planning and 27% turn to contract professionals for budget and analysis. This approach not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also opens up opportunities for potential long-term hires.
5. Firms enhance focus on specialized roles
Due to the complexities of the regulatory environment, financial services firms are shifting their hiring focus toward specialized roles. Key areas include consumer loss mitigation, asset liability management and financial compliance. This shift also extends to recruiting specialists adept at handling reconciliation backlogs and steering mergers and acquisitions.
Continuous learning and upskilling also remain vital as technological advancements reshape accounting industry trends and the finance landscape. To bridge skills gaps, finance and accounting managers are focusing on upskilling (49%) and reskilling (46%) employees, as well as covering the cost of professional certifications (43%).
6. The role of the CFO evolves
The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is undergoing a transformation, extending far beyond traditional financial oversight. In 2025, CFOs must oversee the adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI-driven forecasting, cloud-based accounting solutions and advanced cybersecurity measures to protect financial data. Their position now demands a blend of financial expertise, technological acumen and leadership to guide organizations through an era of rapid change and innovation.
Many CFOs are turning to alternative labor models to build agile, high-performing teams—learn how these models can help finance leaders achieve their top priorities.
7. ESG is an in-demand skill set
Businesses are striving to meet regulatory requirements and respond to investor and consumer demand for greater transparency regarding environmental and social impacts. As a result, the ability to accurately track and report on environmental, social and governance metrics is becoming a crucial skill set in the finance and accounting industries, driving demand for skilled professionals. Compliance officers, in particular, play a key role in ensuring organizations adhere to evolving ESG regulations, making their expertise increasingly valuable as businesses work to maintain compliance and mitigate risk.
8. Cybersecurity threats are escalating
As threats evolve, so must the ability of finance and accounting professionals to recognize and repel them. Regular training is vital. For example, finance teams can engage in workshops focused on identifying and responding to phishing scams, a constant threat in the digital age. Furthermore, team members can benefit from hands-on sessions with the latest digital security tools, including new encryption technologies or secure cloud storage solutions. By embedding these training sessions into the regular schedule, firms can foster a culture where data security is everyone’s responsibility.
9. Companies shift toward value-based pricing
The trend toward value-based pricing is reshaping how accounting firms position their services. It's about aligning fees with the perceived value delivered to clients rather than just the hours worked. This approach demands a deep understanding of clients’ needs and tailoring services to effectively meet those needs. It’s a shift from quantity to quality, focusing on building lasting client relationships based on trust and tangible results.
10. Scalable staffing becomes a strategic tool
Whether managing seasonal workload peaks, tackling reconciliation backlogs or accessing people with specialized skills, scalable staffing offers firms enhanced flexibility. Options range from engaging contract talent and full-time engagement professionals to consulting, custom-built teams and blended delivery models. This strategy not only boosts efficiency but also allows firms to scale staff up and down as needed.
As 2025 unfolds, one thing is certain: It’s bound to throw some curveballs your way. That’s why agility and resilience are so highly prized as leadership qualities. Keeping up with finance and accounting industry trends is crucial, but it might just as easily be your ability to pivot in the face of unforeseen events that sets the course for your team’s success.
