What Finance Hiring Trends Are Telling Us Post-NI Changes

Since the April 2025 changes to employer National Insurance contributions, the finance hiring landscape has shifted. It’s not just about more roles; it’s about different roles.

Strategic Finance Is on the Rise
There’s a clear trend emerging: demand is rising for finance professionals who drive value, not just report on it. In particular, we’re seeing a surge in hiring for:

• Finance Business Partners
• FP&A specialists
• Commercially focused Management Accountants/Finance Managers

These roles sit at the heart of strategic decision-making. Businesses want people who can model scenarios, influence outcomes, and identify ways to improve margins. It’s less about headcount and more about contribution.

Why Now?
The increase in NI contributions, along with other economical and geopolitical challenges, has presented many employers with constraints around their budgets. But for some, it’s just accelerated plans that were already forming.

Finance teams have been stretched, and the need for deeper commercial insight and robust forecasting is now more urgent. Across the Manchester market—spanning tech, manufacturing, services, and retail—we’re seeing this shift take hold.

Finance is no longer a back-office function. Hiring managers want people who can challenge assumptions, influence stakeholders, and act as strategic partners.

What It Means for Candidates
For qualified finance professionals (ACCA, CIMA, ACA), the market is rich with opportunity.

Employers are looking for more than just technical competence. They want professionals who understand the broader business context, especially those with cross-functional experience or a track record of leading change.

If you can explain the why, not just the what, you're already ahead!

And it’s worth noting: salaries for these roles remain strong*, particularly where candidates can demonstrate clear commercial impact, whether that’s cost savings, revenue growth, or margin improvement.

The Future of Finance Hiring
In recruitment, we often talk about matching skills to roles. But what I’m seeing now is something deeper: businesses are hiring for impact.

That’s the opportunity, and the challenge, facing today’s finance market.

If you’d like a copy of our *latest Qualified Finance salary guide, or to have a confidential conversation about market trends, future hiring plans, or your next career move, feel free to get in touch. Based in the heart of Manchester, we’re always happy to share insight and help you make informed decisions, whether you're hiring or looking for your next step.

By James Maude, Divisional Director – SF Recruitment, Manchester