Late 2025 and 2026 Finance and Accounting Jobs: Trends and Skills

Navigating the job market in accounting and finance

As the end of 2025 approaches, advances in technology and AI continue to reshape how many professionals navigate their careers. The pace of this change is not slowing down and will continue into 2026.

To succeed in corporate and public accounting roles, it is critical that you develop the skills needed to lead and manage in an environment shaped by these emerging trends. With a willingness to embrace change, you can thrive in the dynamic present – and future — of finance and accounting and find stability and job security.

The evolving landscape for accounting and finance in 2025 and 2026

The accounting and finance industry has changed significantly over the past decade, but with change comes opportunity. The industry is seeing profound shifts driven by advancements in technology and the connectivity of global economies, which is creating new ways for accountants and finance professionals to provide value to their organizations.

Automation and AI are driving shifts in the industry and have become integral for daily operations. The common systems being, Generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. As the hype continues around these tools, its important to acknowledge they are not entirely new but more effective than ever.

The “big four” public accounting firms — Deloitte, EY, PwC and KPMG — have already tapped into AI to transform their financial audit processes and internal workflows, such as managing audit reviews and approvals,” reports Oracle Netsuite in early 2025.

AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks and enhance decision-making. Across industries, you’ll find common applications in accounting include streamlining data entry and expense categorization, as well as enabling real-time fraud detection and risk management, helping reduce errors and save time.

Advanced use cases include leveraging AI for predictive analytics in financial forecasting, automating audits, and simplifying tax compliance. It’s important to note that AI is only as effective as the parameters humans set. To get actionable results, you must manage the tool, ask the right questions, and provide clear direction. Today, AI supports accounting professionals by making everyday tasks faster, allowing you to focus on the strategic work.

As AI implementation ramps up, employers will be looking for accountants who are agile and ready to embrace change and who can quickly develop and leverage the skills needed to manage the new technology. This is a positive shift. Accessing resources that can automate mundane tasks allows you to focus on critical thinking and strategic execution.

Another major factor to watch is the global economy. Trade and tariffs have been a huge topic of conversation in 2025 and will continue into 2026. To manage the impact of the changes brought on by the global financial shake-up, organizations will need to mitigate risks, improve costs, and closely monitor finances. What does that mean for accounting? More scrutiny on financial reporting, increased need for operational adjustments, and likely more regulation. To find success as an accountant, you’ll need strong skills and, more importantly, the ability to apply to those skills in new ways. That’s what a Master of Accounting degree can help you learn.

As a financial professional you may be called upon by leadership to help navigate the impact of the new tariffs. What can your business afford? How can it maintain strong margins with increased costs? You will be the expert the c-suite looks to as they guide financial strategies that support the overall health and growth of the business.

So, what can you do to stay agile through this period of rapid change?

• Become a technical expert: Your technical skills are your foundation. Master the tools better than your peers and your value will stand out as the technology evolves.
• Don’t fear AI: It’s designed to enhance efficiency, not replace you. Learn to work with the tools your company adopts and embrace them as partners in your work, not competitors.
• Understand the global economy: Confidence in how the global economy influences your work can be the edge that turns a skilled accountant into a strategic leader.
• Remember that tariffs aren’t new: Understanding the impact of tariffs on costs and margins is key to keeping your business stable. Ask tough questions and use every resource to sharpen your insight.

The job market: Growing opportunities in finance and accounting

In a volatile and uncertain market, job stability feels hard to find, but roles in corporate finance and accounting tend to be pretty steady. Here’s why: every business needs accountants. In good times and bad, from opening the doors to shutting things down, through expansion or contraction, accounting is one of the most critical roles in any organization.

With the changing market conditions, have some roles taken on a greater importance? Are there sectors that are more in-demand than others? Yes and no.

Data analysis positions are in high demand. With the rise of Big Data, and its intersection with AI, companies value data analysts and scientists, roles that focus on interpreting data to inform business strategies and decisions. Analyzing trends and forecasting are critical tasks. If you excel at drilling deep into data and making connections between different variables to derive strategic insights, this would be a perfect place for you to thrive.

Risk management is also on the rise, which is no surprise given the rise in economic pressure. Businesses need to protect their most important assets and economic uncertainty and volatile markets heighten risk. If you’re skilled in identifying and mitigating potential financial threats, this could be the perfect career path.

Financial analysis is also emerging as a critical field, with an even larger emphasis on financial planning and analysis, or FP&A. Success in this field requires a deep understanding of accounting principles, knowledge you’ll gain while pursuing a Master of Accounting degree.

Robert Half, a major recruiting firm supporting the accounting profession, finds, “While businesses are generating more financial data than ever before, they often lack professionals with the analytical, strategic, and forecasting skills needed to turn that data into actionable insights.”

To keep up with these changes, accounting and finance roles are growing and in demand. Robert Half reports a high demand in these roles:

• Staff/senior accountant
• Accounts payable specialist
• Accounts receivable specialist
• Payroll specialist/administrator
• Bookkeeper
• Financial analyst
• Controller
• Director of Finance
• Property accountant
• Cost accountant

So, what future do you see for your career? If you’re drawn to uncovering insights through data, managing financial risk, or leading strategy through profit and loss ownership and forecasting, opportunities are out there.

Essential skills for finance and accounting professionals in today and into 2026

As business needs change and as the job market evolves, so must your skills and expertise. Expanding your knowledge and adapting to new technology are key to long-term success.

Here are some important skills you’ll use every day.

• Technical proficiency
• Strong analytical thinking
• Effective communication
• Adaptability to change

Technical proficiency tops the list of needed skills. Mastery of standard tools, like Excel, advanced accounting systems and AI, is no longer optional. Staying current with the latest tools will give you an edge.

Analytical thinking sets professionals apart. Your ability to interpret data, analyze financial statements and identify patterns will help you grow and become a strategic decision-maker.

Soft skills, especially communication and collaboration, turn contributors into leaders. Your value is enhanced when you can clearly explaining complex ideas and work well with others. These skills are often overlooked but they are a core part of the UNC Kenan-Flagler Master of Accounting program.

Adaptability is crucial as AI rapidly changes the industry. Embracing change and continuously learning will bring you long-term career success.

Navigating the 2026 job market: Strategies for success

Anticipating the dynamics of the 2026 job market requires strategic planning. Landing a role in a competitive market takes more than submitting applications; it requires strategy, adaptability and a strong understanding of where the field is headed. Here are five proven ways to stand out in today’s competitive market.

Be strategic about where you apply: Identify roles that align with your interests, whether it’s in corporate finance, public accounting, or other business areas. Then tailor your resume and cover letter for each application. Make sure to use keywords from the job description so your application passes applicant tracking systems and lands in front of recruiters.

Network with purpose: Networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. Attend industry events, alumni meetups and virtual fairs and leverage personal connections and referrals, which are one of the best ways to land interviews.

Optimize your resume and cover letter: Craft a compelling resume that highlights your skills and experiences and helps tell your story. Adapt your resume and cover letter to match individual applications, don’t just apply to everything you find with the same generic materials.

Make LinkedIn work for you: Your LinkedIn profile is one of your first impressions. Keep it current with roles, certifications, degrees and projects you’ve completed. Engage with industry content, share insights, and ask peers to write you a recommendation. Don’t forget to select the “Open to Work” feature.

Be open to continuous learning: Employers value candidates who stay current. Earn advanced credentials to show initiative. Include new certifications or software experience on your resume and mention them in interviews to demonstrate your commitment to growth.

The accounting and finance profession is changing quickly as are the opportunities for you to grow. By combining technical expertise with strong communication and adaptability, you’ll be ready to find a job and, more importantly, a lasting career.