Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

Fractional CFO support is gaining momentum as businesses face greater complexity earlier in their growth. It offers senior finance leadership without committing to a full-time hire too soon, improving forecasting, cash visibility, reporting and decision-making, and helping organisations build structure, confidence and momentum.

In the first 90 days, the best CFOs focus on fundamentals that build trust fast: validating the numbers, tightening the reporting rhythm, improving cash visibility, and aligning key stakeholders. They diagnose the finance team’s operating model early, creating a solid platform for confident decisions and lasting impact.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping M&A advisory by automating analysis and early-stage tasks, shifting skill demands towards oversight, judgement and ethics. While AI enhances speed and insight, successful deal-making still depends on human relationships, trust and professional scepticism.

Caba survey of 500 UK accountants finds January is peak stress: 74% feel more stressed returning after holidays. Workload backlogs, finances and winter contribute; 32% report burnout. 41% say burnout is normalised, while many fear seeking help looks weak too.

UK finance roles are increasingly assessed on more than technical delivery. Leaders are paying closer attention to judgement, clarity and how professionals communicate insight under pressure. Those who can prioritise, simplify complex information and show calm ownership are more likely to build trust and progress.

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy repositions accountancy as a frontier industry driving growth, trust and assurance. Outperforming GDP, the sector underpins AI assurance, sustainability reporting and resilience, elevating accountants from compliance roles to strategic advisers at the heart of transformation.