The Future of Finance & Accounting: Key Hiring Trends for 2025

Jeremy Tiffin • March 19, 2025

The Finance Industry is Evolving – Is Your Hiring Strategy Keeping Up? 

The finance and accounting profession is undergoing significant transformation. With automation, AI-driven analytics, and real-time financial reporting becoming more commonplace, the skills required to thrive in this industry are evolving. 


Gone are the days when finance professionals were primarily number crunchers. In 2025, companies need professionals who can analyze complex data, leverage AI for forecasting, and contribute to broader business strategy. As the role of finance shifts, so too must hiring strategies. Businesses that fail to recognize these changes will struggle to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market. 


But hiring isn’t just about finding people with the right skills—it’s also about meeting changing employee expectations. The way people view work has shifted. While hybrid work is here to stay, today’s candidates aren’t just looking for flexibility; they want jobs that fit into their lives. Organizations that fail to support this shift in priorities will likely see higher turnover as employees continue to search for workplaces that align with their personal and professional goals. 


With that in mind, let’s take a look at the major trends shaping finance and accounting in 2025, the most in-demand skills, and what companies can do to hire and retain top-tier finance professionals. 


The Biggest Trends Impacting Finance & Accounting Careers 


One of the most significant changes in the finance industry is the widespread adoption of automation. AI and machine learning are now handling many of the manual tasks that once dominated finance roles, such as financial reconciliation, invoice processing, and risk assessment. According to Deloitte, intelligent automation is freeing up finance professionals to focus on strategy and decision-making rather than administrative work. As a result, companies must look for professionals who not only understand AI-powered tools but can also extract meaningful insights from automated processes.) 


Another major shift is the move toward real-time financial reporting. Traditionally, finance teams relied on monthly or quarterly reporting cycles to track performance and inform business decisions. But in 2025, waiting weeks for financial insights is no longer an option. RSM Canada reports that leading organizations are leveraging automation to generate real-time data, allowing finance leaders to respond to market changes faster and more effectively. 


These changes in technology have also elevated the role of finance professionals. Instead of simply managing budgets and ensuring compliance, finance teams are now expected to act as strategic partners within their organizations. KPMG Canada emphasizes that CFOs and finance leaders must be able to drive business transformation and use financial insights to shape corporate strategy. This means that hiring managers must focus on candidates with strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills in addition to technical expertise. 


However, hiring in finance isn’t just about technical skills—it’s also about recognizing changing worker expectations. While remote and hybrid work have become the standard, professionals are no longer just looking for flexibility in where they work. They want jobs that fit into their lives and help build their skill set for the future. In our experience her at Horizon we’ve seen that organizations failing to align with these shifting priorities may experience higher turnover, as employees continue searching for companies that support their long-term well-being. 


The Most Valuable Skills for Finance Professionals in 2025 


As finance teams shift toward automation and AI-driven decision-making, the most in-demand skills are evolving. Companies must focus on hiring professionals with expertise in data analytics, AI-driven finance tools, and compliance management as they integrate the approaches into their day to day operations. 


Data analytics proficiency is now essential. Our team is now hearing more and more that the ability to interpret large datasets and leverage predictive analytics for business forecasting has become a top priority. According to implementation specialist, Velosio, they support this as they emphasize that finance teams must integrate data-driven decision making into their daily operations to remain competitive. 


Equally important is regulatory compliance expertise. As financial regulations become more complex, companies need professionals who understand evolving compliance requirements and risk management strategies. Maintaining high-quality, standardized financial data is critical for ensuring regulatory adherence, making compliance expertise a top hiring priority. 


Beyond technical finance skills, technology adaptability is a must-have. RSM Canada reports that companies investing in automation need finance professionals who understand AI-driven financial processes and can bridge the gap between technology and business strategy. 


Additionally, business acumen and leadership skills are becoming more valuable. KPMG Canada highlights that modern finance leaders must go beyond number-crunching and provide strategic guidance to help businesses navigate economic uncertainty. Employers looking to attract top talent should prioritize candidates who can translate financial insights into actionable business strategies. 


How Employers Can Attract & Retain Top Finance Talent 


As demand for skilled finance professionals grows, companies must rethink their hiring and retention strategies. Skills based hiring is becoming essential, with employers prioritizing expertise in AI, automation, and data analytics over traditional finance degrees. Businesses are increasingly seeking professionals who can leverage technology to drive financial insights. 


To stay competitive, upskilling is key. McKinsey stresses that as automation transforms finance functions, companies must provide ongoing training in AI-driven finance, analytics, and compliance. Organizations that invest in professional development will strengthen their teams and improve retention. Not only is this important for competitive reasons, workers are demanding upskilling too as they realize they need to develop new skills to stay relevant. 


However, hiring isn’t just about skills—it’s also about meeting changing employee expectations. While hybrid work is now standard, finance professionals are looking for more than just flexibility. Organizations failing to offer work-life flexibility, career growth, and a supportive culture will see higher turnover, as employees seek workplaces that align with their values. 


Competitive compensation and meaningful flexibility are no longer optional—they are expected. Top finance professionals prioritize roles offering long-term growth, flexibility, and strong workplace culture. According to MIT Sloan, companies that fail to adapt will struggle to attract and retain top talent. 


By embracing skills-based hiring, investing in upskilling, and aligning workplace culture with employee priorities, companies can build future-ready finance teams and reduce turnover in an evolving industry. 


The Future of Finance Hiring: Are You Ready? 


The finance and accounting industry is changing fast, and businesses must keep up. Automation, AI, and real-time analytics are redefining the skills finance professionals need, while shifting worker attitudes are reshaping what employees expect from their careers. 


Organizations that focus on upskilling, skills-based hiring, and creating a workplace that fits into employees’ lives—not the other way around—will be the ones that thrive. The future of finance hiring isn’t about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. Is your organization ready? 


Horizon’s accounting and finance recruitment division is a trusted leader in Canada, connecting top financial talent with organizations across industries such as insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, and more. Our expert team specializes in sourcing professionals who drive financial performance, compliance, and strategic growth. 


Discover how our tailored recruitment solutions can strengthen your finance team or connect with one of our experts today. 


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