AI is no longer a future trend in accountancy—it’s already transforming the way businesses hire and how finance professionals develop their careers. At Greenwell Gleeson, we’re seeing this shift play out every day across the roles we recruit for.
Over the past 12–18 months, there has been a clear change in what our clients expect from finance talent. The traditional accountant role is evolving, and with that comes a new set of priorities when it comes to hiring.
The move away from transactional finance roles
One of the most noticeable changes we’re seeing is the reduced reliance on purely transactional roles. Processes such as data entry, reconciliations, and basic reporting are increasingly being automated through AI and finance systems. As a result, businesses are placing less emphasis on these tasks when hiring. That doesn’t mean opportunities are disappearing—it means they’re shifting.
More than ever, our clients are looking for individuals who can go beyond producing numbers and instead interpret and add value to them.
The rise of commercial and strategic finance
We’re seeing a significant increase in demand for roles that focus on business partnering and commercial insight.
Positions such as:
- Finance business partner
- FP&A analyst
- Commercial analyst
are becoming central to finance teams.
In these roles, technical ability remains important, but it’s no longer the only requirement. Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates who can:
- Communicate effectively with non-finance stakeholders
- Provide insight and recommendations
- Influence decision-making
Finance is becoming more embedded in business strategy, and hiring is reflecting that.
Technology skills are now a key differentiator
Another major shift we’re seeing is the growing importance of technology and data skills. Candidates with experience in tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and modern ERP systems are standing out in the market. Even a basic understanding of automation and data analysis can give candidates a competitive edge.
From a salary perspective, we’re seeing strong demand—and increased remuneration—for professionals who combine finance expertise with technical capability. These individuals remain relatively scarce, which makes them highly sought after by employers.
AI is changing recruitment too
AI isn’t just impacting finance roles—it’s also influencing how businesses hire.
Many organisations are now using AI tools to:
- Screen CVs
- Shortlist candidates
- Match skills to job requirements
While this has improved efficiency, it has also made the hiring process more competitive.
At the same time, more candidates are using AI to enhance their CVs and applications. While this often leads to more polished submissions, it can make it harder to distinguish between candidates on paper alone.
This is where we believe our role as a recruitment partner is more important than ever. We focus on understanding the individual behind the CV—assessing not just experience, but also cultural fit, communication skills, and long-term potential.
The growing importance of soft skills
As automation takes over more technical tasks, we’re seeing a clear shift towards the importance of soft skills.
Our clients consistently tell us they value:
- Strong communication
- Stakeholder management
- Adaptability
- Commercial thinking
These are the qualities that enable finance professionals to add real value within a business. Candidates who can demonstrate these skills are often the ones who stand out most in the hiring process.
A widening talent gap
Interestingly, while AI is improving efficiency, it’s also contributing to a widening talent gap. There is less demand for purely junior, transactional roles—but significantly more demand for mid-to-senior professionals who can combine finance, technology, and commercial awareness.
The challenge is that there are not enough candidates in the market with this blend of skills. We see this regularly when working with clients who are looking for high-calibre finance professionals. The competition for top talent is strong, and hiring processes need to reflect that reality.
What this means for employers
From our perspective, businesses that adapt their hiring strategy are the ones that succeed in this market. We’re advising clients to:
- Focus on potential as well as experience
- Remain open to candidates from diverse backgrounds
- Invest in training and development
- Streamline hiring processes to avoid losing top talent
In a competitive market, flexibility and speed are key.
What this means for candidates
For candidates, the message is clear: staying relevant means continuing to evolve. The professionals who are progressing most successfully are those who:
- Embrace new technology
- Build their commercial understanding
- Develop strong communication skills
- Remain open to change
A willingness to adapt is becoming just as important as technical expertise.
Final thoughts
AI is not replacing accountancy roles—but it is reshaping them. At Greenwell Gleeson, we see this as a positive shift. It’s creating more strategic, impactful roles within finance and opening up new opportunities for both businesses and candidates.
Those who recognise these changes early—and adapt accordingly—will be best placed to succeed in an evolving market.
