Finance and Accounting Salaries and Trends: What to Expect in 2025

Article

Key trends shaping the finance and accounting industry in 2025

Companies invest in training to address skills gaps
Skills that boost salaries for finance and accounting jobs
What turns off finance and accounting job applicants
The rise of hybrid work in finance and accounting
Finance and accounting in the age of AI
In-demand finance and accounting jobs for 2025
Industries hiring finance and accounting professionals

To remain competitive, finance and accounting employers need to know what’s new in the job market as 2025 approaches. The 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half looks at the main trends shaping these fields in the year ahead.

As finance and accounting managers attempt to address skills gaps in a challenging job market, many know better than to hold out for “perfect” candidates, which delays the hiring process. They are instead selecting high-potential professionals who may not have every technical skill they’d like but whom they can bring up to speed through training.

For example, public accounting firms short on financial planning experts are now hiring from private companies and offering targeted training. Other employers, unable to find seasoned payroll staff, are bringing on bookkeepers with basic payroll knowledge and training them for more complex roles. Firms are also considering other staffing strategies, such as investing in upskilling programs for existing employees and bringing in contract talent.

To tackle digital skills shortages in areas like enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business intelligence, firms are tapping both in-house and outside resources. This helps staff stay current with fast-evolving technologies and business practices.

Check out this article for more tips on how to upskill your staff for the future of work.

Research for the 2025 Salary Guide reveals in-demand skills that can increase salaries for finance and accounting jobs. Employers are willing to pay a premium for candidates with expertise in:

Financial reporting (38%) — For creating accurate, timely financial statements and regulatory filings

Financial modeling (33%) — For forecasting, valuation and strategic decision-making

Leadership and management (32%) — For guiding teams and driving organizational success

AI and automation (31%) — For improving efficiency and gaining insights from large datasets

Data analytics (31%) — For interpreting financial data and supporting business strategies

These findings highlight a clear trend: The finance and accounting fields have become more complex and technology-integrated, and decision making is more data-driven. Professionals who combine traditional financial skills with technological know-how and leadership abilities are likely to be in high demand — and generously compensated.

To attract top talent, managers need to know what makes candidates walk away. The Salary Guide reveals the top five deal-breakers for finance and accounting professionals:

Vague job responsibilities (40%)

High staff turnover (36%)

No salary range provided in job description (36%)

Requirement to work fully on-site (35%)

Mismatched job title for experience level (33%)

Clear, honest communication is fundamental when hiring. To avoid losing great finance and accounting candidates, companies need to be specific about job duties, transparent about company culture and upfront with salary information.

Remote work options have become a game-changer in recruitment and retention. Nearly half (47%) of employers now offer hybrid options to attract the cream of the finance and accounting crop. This shift acknowledges the growing importance of work-life balance and also recognizes that flexibility can boost productivity. Flexibility isn’t just about attracting new hires — it’s essential for keeping current staff happy. The guide shows that 4 in 10 finance and accounting professionals who aren’t job hunting cite their employer’s flexible work options as a key reason for staying put.

Want to make sure you're adapting to your workforce's needs? Read this article to learn how to master the hybrid work model.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in particular is transforming finance and accounting, creating new demands for data and tech-savvy professionals. Companies are actively seeking data scientists, engineers and analysts who can wrangle complex financial information using AI tools.

The emergence of AI means professionals at all levels will need to adapt. Visionary and innovative companies are:

Rolling out ongoing learning programs

Providing focused AI training

Emphasizing ethical AI use and result verification

Although companies are integrating AI into more and more of their processes, the need for core financial and accounting knowledge will always be critical. Certain roles are becoming increasingly pivotal as the finance and accounting sector evolves. The Salary Guide highlights these positions that are in high demand:

Accounts receivable/accounts payable clerks

Financial analysts

Financial reporting accountants

Payroll administrators/coordinators

Senior accountants

The guide also emphasizes the importance of certifications and skills that can give candidates an edge in the job market. Some of the most valued credentials include:

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Also, proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel, Power BI and various Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is key for finance and accounting professionals. Teams skilled in these technologies can boost productivity, enhance data insights and support faster, more informed business decisions.

The demand for finance and accounting talent spans various sectors, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. The construction industry may need professionals adept at project-based accounting, for example, while healthcare organizations often require experts in complex billing systems and regulatory compliance. This underscores the universal need for financial expertise across the Canadian economy.

The finance and accounting field in Canada continues to change, featuring new in-demand skills and shifting workplace expectations. Explore the full 2025 Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half today to access detailed salary data, in-depth analysis of industry trends and expert insights that will position your firm for success in the coming year.

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