The world of finance and accounting is changing fast. Gone are the days when accountants were seen only as number crunchers. Today, they’re strategic advisors, technology adopters, and data storytellers. If you’re planning to hire finance and accounting professionals in 2026, you need to know what’s shaping the industry—and what top talent is looking for. 

The Big Picture: A Market in Transition

The accounting job market has cooled slightly since the pandemic boom, but demand for specialized roles remains strong. Positions like controllers, tax managers, and FP&A analysts are still hard to fill. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that some of the largest increases in average unemployment duration since 2023 have been the financial activities sector. In financial activities, unemployed workers spent about 20 more weeks searching for a job in 2025 than they did in 2023, the largest jump of any sector. 

Automation and AI are taking over repetitive tasks, reshaping roles and changing what accountants do on a day-to-day basis. According to Gartner’s survey of more than 200 CFOs in August 2025, 39% of CFOs rank accelerating AI use in the finance function in their top five priorities, while 33% rank driving enterprise AI investment impact in the top five. 

Additionally, business complexity—from global operations to ESG reporting—means finance teams need broader skills than ever before.

Trend #1: AI and Automation are Here to Stay

AI-powered tools are no longer a future concept. From invoice processing to reconciliations, automation is streamlining traditional accounting tasks. Generative AI is even helping draft financial reports and analyze trends. Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI, predicts in a recent Forbes piece that 2026 is “The Year AI Reshapes Banking and the Financial System.” 

What does this mean for hiring? 

• Employers need accountants who can work with AI tools, not fear them. Top talent, on the other hand, is looking for employers who understand the impact of AI. 

• Skills like data interpretation, risk analysis, and ethical decision-making are becoming just as important as technical accounting knowledge. 

Trend #2: Tech Skills Are Non-Negotiable 

Accounting is no longer just about debits and credits. Today’s professionals need to understand cloud systems for collaboration and scalability, blockchain for secure transactions and smart contracts, data analytics tools for forecasting and visualization, and more. 

In a report earlier this year, Deloitte highlighted the coming augmentation of roles by emerging technology, saying “corporate finance leaders should focus on recruits who display both the functional expertise and some foundational technology and AI fluency.” 

If your job descriptions still focus only on “traditional” accounting skills, you risk missing the mark. 

Trend #3: Real-Time, Secure, and Compliant Accounting 

The traditional monthly close is becoming a thing of the past. Companies now expect real-time financial visibility, powered by cloud platforms and automation. This shift means accountants aren’t just reporting numbers—they’re providing insights on demand. 

But with speed comes responsibility. As financial data moves faster and across more systems, cybersecurity and compliance are critical. Accountants must ensure sensitive data stays protected while meeting evolving regulations like ESG reporting requirements. 

What this means for your people strategy: 

• Existing employees and candidates need tech fluency—comfort with cloud systems, dashboards, and automation tools.  Additionally, With 75% of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) set to retire within 15 years, firms face a major talent gap and loss of expertise. To keep the current workforce up to speed and prepare the future workforce, digital training in AI, analytics, and cloud technologies is becoming increasingly sought after. 

• They also need risk awareness—understanding data security, compliance frameworks, and ethical standards. 

In short, today’s accountants must balance speed and security while delivering actionable insights.  

What Finance Talent Wants in 2026 

A recent global survey of finance professionals revealed some clear priorities: 

• Flexibility: 76% want hybrid or remote work options. 

• Career growth: Many expect double-digit salary increases and opportunities to learn new skills. 

• Tech training: Only 32% of professionals say their employer offers AI-related training—yet most see it as critical for their future. 

• Purpose-driven work: Over two-thirds want to work in roles connected to sustainability or ESG initiatives. 

In short: today’s accountants want more than a paycheck. They want flexibility, learning, and meaningful work. 

How Employers Can Win in 2026 

Here are five practical steps to attract and retain top finance talent: 

1. Offer Flexibility 

Hybrid and remote work aren’t perks—they’re expectations. If your roles require on-site presence, explain why and offer other forms of flexibility, like compressed workweeks or flexible hours. 

2. Invest in Upskilling 

Provide training in AI, analytics, and emerging technologies. Make learning part of your culture, not an afterthought. 

3. Highlight Career Paths 

Show candidates how they can grow—from staff accountant to controller, or from analyst to CFO. Clear progression builds loyalty. 

4. Emphasize Purpose 

If your company is involved in ESG reporting or sustainability initiatives, make that part of your employer brand. Many professionals want to work for organizations that make a positive impact. 

5. Stay Agile with Hiring 

Consider temporary professionals for specialized projects or peak seasons. Flexible staffing helps you manage uncertainty and fill skill gaps quickly. 

Accounting Roles Are Evolving—Fast 

Automation and AI aren’t replacing accountants—they’re changing what accountants do. The future of finance is about strategy, technology, and insight, not just compliance. Employers who adapt now—by offering flexibility, investing in skills, and embracing tech—will have a clear advantage in 2026 and beyond. 

Ready to Build a Future-Ready Finance Team? 

Ledgent Finance & Accounting can help you stay ahead of the curve. We offer: 

• Flexible staffing solutions for short-term projects and long-term needs 

• Specialized talent in areas like AI, analytics, ESG reporting, and technical accounting 

• Support for upskilling and adaptability, so your team remains competitive 

Let’s talk about your 2026 hiring strategy. Contact Ledgent Finance & Accounting today and start building the team that will keep your business strong and future-ready.