Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

Integrity is the foundation of exceptional accounting. Beyond technical skill, trust and honesty drive sound decisions, lasting relationships, and effective leadership. At Harper May, we believe integrity transforms finance professionals into trusted partners and ensures long-term success across every organisation.

KPMG reports that a quarter of under-30s have left financial services, reflecting a wider issue in accountancy. Gen Z seeks autonomy, rapid impact, and meaningful work. Firms must redesign career paths, modernise training, empower early responsibility, and connect roles to visible client outcomes.

AI isn’t replacing accountants — it’s elevating them. Automation handles the routine, freeing finance professionals to focus on strategy, insight, and ethical oversight. The future belongs to accountants who combine data intelligence with human judgement, making them indispensable to modern business success.

Harper May successfully placed a CFO for a £20M+ specialist financial services firm within 15 weeks. Through a retained, flexible search process, 65 candidates were reviewed, 18 shortlisted, and 2 interviewed, resulting in the appointment of a strategically aligned finance leader.

Accountants have warned that further business tax rises could “crush” the UK jobs market, as confidence plunges and firms plan to cut hiring. The ICAEW cautioned that higher taxes risk choking investment, deepening unemployment, and derailing Britain’s fragile economic recovery.

Take part in Harper May’s Annual Salary Survey to benchmark your worth, gain career insight, and support the finance community. All responses are confidential, and your input helps us deliver accurate, valuable salary data. .