Finance & Accountancy

Top finance and accountancy skills employers want in 2026

31 January 2026 5 mins

By Sellick Partnership

Top finance and accountancy skills employers want in 2026

The finance and accountancy sector is evolving. Automation, artificial intelligence, and shifting business priorities mean employers are looking for a broader range of skills than ever before. Technical expertise remains essential, but hiring managers now demand professionals who can blend financial knowledge with commercial awareness, adaptability, and outstanding communication. In fact, according to research, two-thirds of employers are actually prioritising certain soft skills over qualifications.

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for a senior role, knowing which finance skills are in demand will help you stand out. A strong skillset helps you perform better in interviews and build a resilient, long-term career.

In this guide, we explore the most important finance and accountancy skills employers look for, from entry-level to director. We’ll cover where the biggest skills gaps are and how you can showcase your abilities effectively.

The key skills employers look for in finance candidates

Hiring managers assess more than just qualifications. Today, the most sought-after finance professionals offer a balanced blend of technical knowledge and interpersonal abilities.

1. Confidence and communication

Employers consistently highlight communication as a critical skill. Finance professionals must be able to:

Present complex financial data clearly to non-finance colleagues.
Write concise board reports and management commentary.
Influence decision-making through clear explanations of financial impacts.

Confidence during interviews also plays a major role. Hiring managers want candidates who can express themselves well, handle challenging questions, and show genuine enthusiasm.

2. Commercial awareness

The finance function has firmly shifted towards a business partnering model. Employers expect you to understand how financial insight drives organisational strategy. This means:

Identifying cost-saving opportunities and revenue drivers.
Linking financial reporting to overall business performance.
Understanding sector-specific challenges like inflation, supply chain disruption, or ESG requirements.

A strong commercial mindset transforms you from a number-cruncher into a strategic adviser.

3. Team fit and collaboration

Finance teams often work in close-knit, high-pressure environments. Teamwork is not just a buzzword; it is essential for success. Statistics suggest that employees who feel they are a good fit for their role and the culture of their company are 36% more productive. It’s therefore understandable that hiring managers value candidates who:

Contribute positively to the team culture.
Support colleagues when deadlines are tight.
Work effectively in hybrid and cross-functional teams.

4. Adaptability and a willingness to learn

Experience is valuable, but a positive, forward-looking attitude is priceless. Employers want candidates who are adaptable, curious, and open to continuous learning. Someone willing to take on new challenges and upskill is often more attractive than a candidate who relies solely on existing knowledge.

Top tip: In interviews, share examples of how you have embraced new systems, adapted to organisational change, or proactively developed your finance career skills.

How have finance and accountancy skills evolved?

The skillset of a modern finance professional looks different from that of a decade ago. While technical depth remains vital for senior roles, the journey to get there has changed.

Broader experience: Many candidates now enter the market with varied experience rather than following a single, traditional qualification path. This can be a strength for roles that demand versatility.
Greater emphasis on soft skills: Employers place more value on interpersonal and communication skills than ever before. Finance professionals are expected to collaborate across departments and add value beyond their technical tasks.
Digital transformation: Knowledge of tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and modern ERP systems has become almost as important as traditional accounting principles. These are now core digital finance skills.

However, for senior positions like Financial Controller or Finance Director, specialist expertise and formal qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, or ACA) remain fundamental.

The biggest finance and accountancy skills gaps

Employers frequently highlight skills shortages in a few key areas. Focusing on these can give you a significant career advantage.

1. Fully qualified accountants with soft skills

There is an ongoing shortage of candidates who have completed their professional qualifications. Employers particularly struggle to find professionals who combine this technical expertise with strong business partnering and communication skills – a combination often described as the complete package.

2. Leadership and management potential

Organisations need finance professionals who can step into future leadership roles. Ambition, mentoring experience, and project leadership are highly desirable traits, even in more junior candidates.

3. Advanced digital and analytical skills

While most candidates are confident with spreadsheets, fewer have advanced data analysis skills. Experience with automation, predictive modelling, or data visualisation tools is a key differentiator. Professionals who can bridge the gap between finance and data science are highly valuable.

What employers look for on a finance CV

Your CV is your first chance to demonstrate your skills. Hiring managers look for clarity, structure, and evidence of your value.

CV tips for finance candidates:

Highlight different skill types: Create sections for technical skills (e.g., IFRS knowledge, ERP systems, data analysis) and soft skills (e.g., stakeholder management, collaboration).
Quantify your achievements: "Improved reporting efficiency, reducing month-end close by two days" is far more powerful than "Responsible for month-end reporting."
Tailor it to the role: Score your CV against the job description and make sure you have highlighted the most relevant experience.
Show your ambition: If you are early in your career, include a personal statement that outlines your career goals. Employers appreciate candidates with long-term motivation.

Future finance skills employers will look for

Looking ahead, the accountancy skills employers want will continue to evolve. Key trends include:

AI and automation: Finance teams are using AI and predictive analytics to streamline forecasting. Candidates who can use these tools will be in high demand.
ESG and sustainability reporting: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are now a board-level priority. Employers need finance professionals who can measure, report, and advise on sustainability metrics.
Cross-functional collaboration: As hybrid working becomes standard, the ability to build relationships and manage projects effectively across different departments and locations is crucial.

The future of finance careers

Success in finance and accountancy now requires a powerful combination of technical expertise, commercial acumen, and standout soft skills. Employers are looking for candidates who are confident, forward-thinking, and committed to ongoing development.

By understanding which skills are most in demand, you can shape your CV, prepare for interviews, and demonstrate the qualities that hiring managers value most.