2026 job market snapshot for FCAs

Overall outlook

Demand for FCAs remains consistently strong, driven by organisations seeking experienced leaders who can deliver governance, transformation, and strategic financial direction. While some areas of recruitment are stabilising, FCA hiring remains comparatively resilient.

Where FCAs are most in demand

Professional services

• Senior advisory, transformation, and director/partner‑track roles
• Expansion of ESG, risk and technical advisory

Corporate and multinational sector

• CFO, Deputy CFO, Head of Finance
• Finance transformation, FP&A leadership, group reporting
• Strong demand in tech, pharma, life sciences, and financial services

SMEs and indigenous businesses

• Strategic finance leadership
• Scaling, funding, and professionalising finance functions

Public sector (ROI & NI)

• Senior finance leadership roles linked to reform and transformation

  International

• Strong demand in UAE, Australia, Canada, US, and Cayman Islands

Salary and reward trends

• Salary growth stabilising, but FCAs with transformation, digital finance, or governance expertise still command premium packages
• Attractive bonus structures and enhanced benefits
• Flexibility (hybrid working) continues to influence decisions as much as base salary

Skills most valued in FCAs

• Strategic leadership and team development
• Board‑level communication and stakeholder influence
• Governance, risk, assurance, and regulatory insight
• Finance transformation, systems implementation, automation
• Data literacy: BI tools, ERP expertise, digital finance capability
• AI literacy: A working understanding of how AI can assist with some accountancy processes

Recruitment trends

• Longer, more rigorous processes with multiple stakeholders
• Combination of virtual and in‑person interviews
• Increased use of assessments, including leadership profiling
• Executive search dominant at FCA level

Summary