Finance & Accounting USA Hiring Outlook 2026

Finance & accounting teams move into 2026 after a year dominated by return-to-office mandates, salary pressure, and increasing strain on already-lean teams. While demand for finance, accounting, and tax skills remains steady, experienced professionals are becoming more cautious about moving roles. Meanwhile, firms are reassessing how they hire, structure teams, and use technology to manage workload and burnout.

In this outlook, Tori Baliatico, Vice President – Financial Operations and Sam Ramey, Principal Consultant – Financial Operations Lead at Selby Jennings, share how these trends will influence hiring challenges, skills demand, and retention across finance & accounting functions in 2026.

What changed in finance & accounting in 2025, and how will it shape 2026?

"One of the biggest changes in 2025 was the push toward return-to-office mandates. This has had a noticeable impact on finance & accounting professionals, particularly accountants, who often feel that their work can be done just as effectively remotely. Many candidates question why they need to be in an office when their role is largely computer-based.

"This has made the market more candidate-driven and has influenced lifestyle decisions. Some professionals are unwilling or unable to relocate or commute, which limits mobility and affects how firms attract talent. These expectations around flexibility will continue to influence hiring decisions in 2026."

What hiring challenges will the finance & accounting sector face in 2026?

"One of the biggest challenges is the volume of unsuitable applications. Finance & accounting roles often attract a high number of applicants, but only a small proportion meet the technical and experience requirements. Internal teams rarely have the time to screen this volume thoroughly, which slows hiring and increases pressure on already-lean teams.

"This is an area where Selby Jennings can support firms directly. We find, shortlist, and qualify candidates upfront, reducing the burden on internal teams and ensuring hiring managers only engage with candidates who are genuinely aligned to the role. We can also advise on whether a need is better addressed through an external hire or by promoting internally, based on team structure and long-term workload.

"From a candidate point of view, experienced and high-performing professionals are also less inclined to move. Ongoing market uncertainty has made many cautious, and strong candidates will only consider a change if the opportunity is clearly better – again slowing hiring and making it harder to fill roles."

What are the hardest-to-fill finance & accounting roles in 2026?

"Staff accountant positions continue to be among the most difficult to fill. Employers often want candidates with one to three years of experience, ideally from a Big Four background. Many professionals leaving these firms, however, are looking to move away from traditional accounting roles, which narrows the talent pool.

"Tax roles also continue to present challenges. Demand is consistent, but busy seasons make candidates difficult to engage. Many tax professionals are too overloaded to take calls, interview or seriously consider new roles, even when opportunities are strong."

How should firms update their finance & accounting hiring strategy for 2026?

"Hiring processes need to be quicker and more focused, as lengthy interview cycles cost firms candidates. In most cases, two or three well-structured interviews are enough.

"A strong method is a short initial conversation to assess communication and fit, followed by a longer panel interview that covers technical ability and stakeholder interaction. Delays between interviews or long waits for decisions often results in candidates accepting other offers – speed and clarity are critical.

"Firms can also benefit from external market insight by working with a talent partner. This includes understanding where talent is realistically available, what compensation levels are competitive, and whether a role would be better filled through promotion rather than external hiring – all helping to reduce time-to-hire while improving retention."

How are candidate expectations changing in finance & accounting in 2026?

"Return-to-office requirements and compensation are top priorities. Many professionals remain resistant to increased office attendance, particularly where flexibility was previously available.

"Salary expectations have also risen, and professionals willing to move roles often expect a significant increase to justify the risk. Flexibility, career progression, and compensation are closely linked, and firms that fail to address these points usually struggle to attract interest."

How will AI change finance & accounting teams in 2026?

"Technology is beginning to ease administrative workload. Invoice processing, forecasting and parts of AP and AR can increasingly be handled through automation.

"This is less about removing roles and more about reducing repetitive tasks. Finance professionals can spend more time on analysis, decision-making and value-added work. Adoption is expected to be gradual, with workflows evolving rather than changing overnight."

Which regulations will impact finance & accounting teams in 2026?

"There are currently no major regulatory changes expected to materially affect finance & accounting teams in 2026. While guidance continues to evolve in some areas, nothing is currently anticipated that would significantly alter hiring plans, team structures, or workload next year.

"For most firms, regulatory pressure will remain consistent with recent years, allowing leaders to focus more on resourcing, retention, and operational efficiency rather than preparing for new compliance-driven change."

What will be the biggest growth areas in finance & accounting in 2026? 

"Financial operations is expected to remain a key area of growth, particularly within financial services organizations. As firms focus on efficiency and scalability, operational finance teams continue to expand to support day-to-day performance.

"Tax also remains in steady demand due to its ongoing complexity and the constant pace of change within the function. FP&A and corporate finance are seeing increased interest as firms rely more heavily on forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning to support decision-making in uncertain conditions."

Where are firms increasing their finance & accounting headcount in 2026?

"Most firms are adding headcount selectively rather than across the board. Corporate accounting roles are often filled as backfills, while other areas are more likely to see new positions created.

"FP&A, tax, and financial operations teams are where firms are most actively adding roles, particularly where additional capacity is needed to support forecasting, reporting, and workload management. These hires are often tied to longer-term planning rather than short-term gaps."

What finance & accounting compensation trends will impact hiring in 2026?

"Compensation expectations continue to rise across the sector. Entry-level salaries have increased, driven in part by pay rises at the Big Four, which has lifted salary benchmarks across the wider market.

"Candidates are also placing greater emphasis on guaranteed compensation. Base salary has become more important than variable pay for the majority of professionals, particularly where bonuses have been inconsistent, so firms that fail to meet expectations are finding it harder to attract and retain talent."

For the latest base salary and bonus benchmarks, download our Global Finance & Accounting Compensation Guide.

How should firms adjust finance & accounting pay and incentives to stay competitive?

"Strong pay is of course essential, but that alone is no longer enough. Candidates are paying closer attention to benefits, paid time off, and overall work-life balance when evaluating job opportunities.

"Firms that expect long hours without appropriate compensation or flexibility will also struggle to compete, especially in functions like tax. Competitive packages now need to balance salary, benefits, and sustainability to attract experienced professionals."

What’s causing finance & accounting retention challenges in 2026?

"Retention pressure is coming from multiple directions. Market uncertainty makes professionals cautious, while long hours and understaffed teams increase burnout. In some cases, offshoring adds concern around job security, which affects engagement.

"Progression also plays a major role in retention. When employees cannot see a path forward, they are more likely to disengage or leave when opportunities arise." 

How can leaders reduce attrition risk and strengthen retention in finance & accounting?

"Retention improves when leaders actively plan for development, not just headcount. This includes identifying promotion-ready employees, adjusting responsibilities as teams grow, and ensuring workloads remain manageable.

"Succession planning and promotion mapping also helps firms retain strong performers while maintaining continuity. Combined with competitive compensation, realistic resourcing, and encouragement to take time off, firms can reduce burnout and support long-term team stability and loyalty among teams."

How can leaders build stronger finance & accounting teams in 2026?

"Strong teams in finance & accounting are built by looking after and investing in people. Paying competitively, managing workload and wellbeing carefully, and avoiding unnecessary offshoring all play an important role. Teams perform better and stay longer when they feel valued, supported, and confident in their future with their organization."

Speak with the Selby Jennings finance & accounting talent team

If your company is hiring across finance & accounting this year, you can request a call back from Tori, Sam, and the specialist team at Selby Jennings. As well as helping you source and secure the right experts for your team, they can also support with a wide range of value-added services such as compensation benchmarking, competitor analysis, and workforce and succession planning. Learn more about our finance & accounting talent solutions.

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