By Lucas Mehlhopt – C3Talent
Over the past nine years I’ve worked in recruitment, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with clients and candidates across the Accounting & Finance market. More recently across 2025 I’ve noticed some clear shifts that are reshaping the roles businesses are hiring for, and the skillsets that candidates need to stand out. I thought it might be helpful to share a few of these trends.
- Technology & AI are redefining finance roles
This year I’ve worked on multiple assignments where the brief has gone beyond traditional accounting skills. Clients are increasingly seeking professionals who can combine deep financial analysis with advanced data analytics and automation capabilities.
These “hybrid” candidates often bridge the gap between Finance and Data teams, typically holding both CA/CPA qualifications and degrees in areas like Data Science. Their remit often includes:
- Analysing large data sets to generate meaningful insights for decision-making
- Automating functions and processes within analysis
- Applying tools like Python, SQL, R, or even machine learning models
This blend of skills is something I hadn’t seen requested so frequently until this year. It’s a trend that’s only gaining pace.
- ESG & sustainability reporting are moving up the agenda
The demand for finance professionals who understand integrated and sustainable reporting frameworks is growing rapidly. With regulatory changes looming across several industries, Accountants who can combine technical expertise with strategic business partnering are in high demand.
Those who can adapt quickly, leverage digital tools, and bring ESG knowledge to the table are positioning themselves as invaluable assets for organisations preparing for the next wave of reporting requirements.
- Job postings are down — but top talent is still scarce
One of the most striking dynamics in Brisbane right now is the contrast between fewer job postings and the continued struggle to secure high-calibre finance professionals.
According to the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS), recruitment difficulty stood at 54% in the June quarter of 2025. That means more than half of employers are still finding it challenging to fill vacancies.
The challenge isn’t about volume, with applications per vacancy are higher than previous years. The skills mismatch is widening and the pool of truly qualified candidates isn’t growing at the same pace as demand. With the big four reducing their university graduate intake due to AI, the quantity of high calibre big four trained Accountants is likely to continue falling.
Despite softer overall activity, the need for finance professionals remains strong and quality candidates are still being snapped up quickly – so moving at pace and focusing on your overall offering (flexibility, culture, education) is crucial.
Final thoughts
While the market has shifted, one constant remains: quality finance talent is hard to find. Businesses that take a proactive and strategic approach to recruitment are securing an advantage over those who only react to resignations. Organisations who are engaging talent before the need becomes urgent and ensuring they have a pipeline of strong talent (or a great relationship with a specialist Recruiter!) are winning the battle for talent.
It’s an exciting time to be in the Accounting & Finance recruitment space, and I look forward to seeing how these trends continue to shape the market in the months ahead.
If you’d like to discuss how these trends are shaping the finance talent market, or how I can support your next hire, please feel free to reach out on 0410 636 986 or at lucas@c3talent.com.au.
