Tips to Attract Top Finance & Accounting Talent in 2025

Hiring in finance & accounting is picking up pace across financial institutions, private equity firms, and asset managers. After a period marked by cost containment and internal restructuring, 2025 is proving to be a more stable year, with demand rising for roles such as fund accountants, controllers, and FP&A professionals.  

“Finance and accounting is a massive space with different drivers than other verticals,” says Anthony McCann, Executive Director and US Head of Financial Operations at Selby Jennings. “Firms need finance talent. But to attract the right people, employers must clearly define impact, growth potential, and compensation.” 

This article draws on insights from Anthony’s episode of the Searching Smarter podcast and exclusive data gathered from finance & accounting professionals for the USA Financial Sciences & Services Talent Report 2025, providing a clear picture of candidate motivations and market expectations this year. 

Salaries are growing, but so are candidate expectations  

While finance & accounting professionals have historically been on the lower end of the compensation curve compared to front-office peers, there are signs of meaningful progress in 2025. Many professionals in this space are now seeing steady base salary increases, with half of all respondents in our survey reporting a raise in the past year. Among those, the majority received increases in the 6–10% range – a strong indicator of employers recognising the need to retain core financial talent amid a competitive market. 

That said, compensation expectations are also evolving. As finance professionals become more strategic partners within organisations – supporting capital planning, fund operations, and financial governance – they’re expecting their pay to reflect that increased value. Very few are willing to move for incremental salary bumps, and most are seeking clear financial incentives to make a change. 

Although 42% of finance & accounting professionals surveyed said they still earn under $100k, this figure also reflects a wide range of entry-level and early-career roles – and with demand rising, opportunities for growth are becoming more accessible. Whether through internal promotion or a lateral move to a new institution, professionals who combine strong technical expertise with business acumen are well-positioned to accelerate their earning potential in the year ahead. 

Bonuses are predictable – and that’s a good thing  

Finance & accounting teams are not traditionally viewed as revenue drivers, which is reflected in their bonus structures. More than half (53%) of professionals in this space said they did not receive a bonus in the past year. 

For those who did, 39% received a bonus worth just 0–10% of their base salary. Yet 71% still said their bonus met expectations, highlighting how transparent and predictable bonus policies can improve satisfaction, even when payouts are lower. 

“People managing the day-to-day finances of a firm tend to have a good sense of what to expect,” says Anthony. “Bonuses are usually standard and clearly defined – especially in mid-senior roles. Buy side firms may offer slightly higher bonuses, but the variation isn’t drastic unless you’re at the executive level.” 

Remote work is common, and flexibility still sells 

In a function often considered essential to day-to-day operations, flexible working is still very much on the table. According to our survey results: 

• 60% of finance & accounting professionals said they have flexible working hours 
• 72% reported having remote working flexibility 
• 38% work fully remotely, while another 32% work from home two days per week 

Even more telling is that 85% said flexible working is important or extremely important when considering a new opportunity, yet 71% would still consider a fully office-based job offer. This suggests professionals in the space are adaptable, but still highly value autonomy and work-life balance. 

“In financial services, office attendance often follows firm-wide policy,” notes Anthony. “But there’s generally openness to flexibility in finance and accounting, especially in smaller firms where people may be expected in-office more frequently.” 

It’s increasingly clear that companies offering hybrid policies are more likely to attract and retain top performers. Gallup’s research shows that hybrid workers are more engaged and less likely to experience burnout than those working fully on-site. 

Tips to attract top finance & accounting talent 

In a sector where compensation tends to be more structured and roles may appear similar on paper, firms must work harder to differentiate themselves. Here’s how to stand out to top finance & accounting talent: 

• Clearly communicate the career path and potential impact: Many candidates are motivated by long-term growth and want to understand how a role sets them up for future progression toward CFO, COO, or other leadership positions. 
• Benchmark compensation realistically: Candidates changing roles expect significant salary increases. Ensure your salary bands are competitive – especially for professionals with public accounting backgrounds or those coming from similar institutions. Read our latest Finance & Accounting Compensation Guide. 
• Offer transparent, structured bonuses: Even modest bonuses can be well received when expectations are clearly set and linked to performance or firm success. 
• Promote flexibility: While most finance & accounting professionals still value in-office collaboration, flexible hours and hybrid options remain a key selling point when competing for top talent. 
• Hire from comparable institutions: Candidates with direct experience in your industry or business model often have an edge – and are preferred by hiring managers looking to reduce ramp-up time. 

Need support hiring finance & accounting talent in 2025? 

Selby Jennings has dedicated finance & accounting talent teams working across the USA and around the globe to connect ambitious professionals with industry-leading institutions. Want to find out more about how we can support your hiring or career goals? Explore our finance & accounting talent solutions, take a look at our current finance & accounting vacancies, or request a call back today.   

More finance & accounting talent insights from Searching Smarter   

Hear more advice from Anthony McCann in the Searching Smarter podcast – watch the full episode here. You can also listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.​