By Richard Langslow, published 16 January 2026
As a regional director of a recruitment firm specialising in finance and accounting, I see firsthand how shifts in the UK regulatory landscape influence talent demand. The rollout of Making Tax Digital (MTD) is driving an increased need for in-house finance professionals who are comfortable with digital reporting, cloud accounting, and tax software. Organisations are seeking staff who can handle more frequent reconciliations and ensure compliance, making tech-savvy accountants and tax specialists highly sought after across all sectors.
The Autumn Budget 2025 has added another layer of complexity. Changes in corporate tax rules and reliefs mean in-house teams need to interpret, implement, and communicate the financial impact quickly. From a recruitment perspective, this is creating demand for professionals with strong advisory skills and the ability to bridge technical tax knowledge with business insight. Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates who can act as internal consultants rather than purely compliance-focused staff.
Audit reforms and increased regulatory scrutiny are also influencing recruitment in finance teams. Stricter external audit requirements place pressure on internal controls, reporting, and documentation. This translates into higher demand for accountants who are experienced in audit-ready reporting, IFRS standards, and internal governance. Candidates with prior exposure to high-standard audit environments are particularly attractive to employers seeking to mitigate risk and maintain compliance.
Finally, the rise of AI and automation is reshaping the skill set in demand. Routine tasks are being automated, which means employers are looking for staff who can analyse results, provide insights, and support strategic decision-making. From a recruitment perspective, this signals a shift in focus: we’re seeing growing demand for finance professionals who combine technical expertise with digital literacy and advisory capabilities, ensuring teams remain agile and future-ready in a complex regulatory environment.
