Top Finance Vacancies for 2026
The UK finance recruitment market is entering 2026 with renewed momentum. After several years of cautious hiring, many organisations are now investing in stronger finance functions, driven by regulatory pressure, business transformation, and the need for better commercial insight.
For finance professionals considering their next move, or employers planning ahead, here are the top finance vacancies and hiring trends to watch in 2026.
Demand for Commercial & Strategic Finance Professionals
In 2026, employers are prioritising finance professionals who can go beyond reporting and actively support business decision-making.
Finance teams are being asked to:
- Improve forecasting accuracy
- Support cost-control and margin protection
- Provide insight during economic uncertainty
- Partner closely with senior leadership
As a result, commercial finance roles remain among the most consistently hired across the UK.
Regulation, Risk & Governance Remain High Priority
Ongoing regulatory change across the UK has kept risk, governance and compliance firmly on hiring agendas.
This is especially evident across:
- Financial services
- Housing and property-related organisations
- Regulated industries and public-facing bodies
Employers are seeking finance professionals who can ensure robust controls, transparency and audit readiness, particularly as reporting requirements continue to evolve.
Continued Growth in Interim & Contract Finance Roles
Interim finance is predicted to continue to grow in 2026, driven by 43% of businesses planning to increase temporary hiring to manage economic uncertainty, research suggests.
Businesses are looking for:
- Flexibility during transformation projects
- Short-term expertise without long-term headcount increases
- Cover during periods of change or restructuring
Interim finance professionals with strong stakeholder management skills are particularly in demand.
One of the most sought-after finance roles in 2026, What are the responsibilities of a Finance Business Partner?
- Translating financial data into commercial insight
- Supporting department heads and senior stakeholders
- Improving performance through informed decision-making
Key skills: Commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement, forecasting, scenario planning
Why are Finance Business Partners in demand?
Organisations increasingly need commercial insight, not just financial reporting. As UK businesses face tighter margins, regulatory pressure and ongoing change, FBPs play a critical role in turning financial data into better decisions.
What are the responsibilities of a Financial Controller?
Financial Controllers focus on managing the day-to-day operations of a company’s accounting and reporting, responsibilities might include but are not limited to financial reporting, budgeting, financial strategy and budget phasing, and compliance.
Why are Financial Controllers in demand?
Stringent UK compliance tax and laws require Financial Controllers for oversight, and Financial Controllers are essential when it comes to navigating any legislation changes affecting business under the new UK Government.
As many SMEs look to scale their businesses, Financial Controllers will become more in demand.
What are the responsibilities of a Finance Manager?
A Finance Manager is involved in the management of a company’s finances, responsibilities might include making financial decisions, budget planning, developing business plans, as well as managing their respective teams and liaising with external auditors.
Why are Finance Managers in demand?
Particular industries such as banking, investment firms, healthcare, and tech are have particular demand for Finance Managers due to the rapidly evolving nature or growth of these sectors.
The current state of the economy and uncertainty around the future means that Finance Managers are going to be particularly in demand due to their experience in cost control and budgeting.
What are the responsibilities of a Management Accountant?
A Management Accountant manages a business’s financial activities and provides strategic financial input on business decisions, Management Accountants might be involved in analysing financial data and accounts, creating financial reports, forecasting, streamlining internal processes, developing financial systems and assisting with business decisions.
Why are Management Accountants in demand?
Management Accountants tend to bridge operational and strategic finance, making these candidates versatile across industries and therefore in high demand.
What are the responsibilities of a Financial Analyst?
A Financial Analyst tracks financial data, analyses data and makes recommendations to guide a business and individuals on how to spend money.
Why are Financial Analysts in demand?
UK businesses are increasingly relying on data to drive financial decisions more than ever, so the skillsets of Financial Analysts are essential.
Any businesses going through mergers and acquisitions generally also tend to drive the need for analysts.
Financial analysts are also critical for navigating international business opportunities.
Looking to take the next step in your finance career in 2026? Check out some of our latest vacancies
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