Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

Artificial intelligence is reshaping finance, promising autonomous closes, real-time dashboards, and the end of repetitive tasks. At SuiteWorld, NetSuite showcased AI-driven automation that could drastically shorten close times, enhance agility, and boost data quality—transforming how finance leaders analyse, report, and make strategic decisions.

Grant Thornton’s Leadership Academy with Raise the Bar marks a shift in accounting leadership, treating leadership as a strategic necessity rather than an end-career privilege. It signals the profession’s move from technical training to capability-building, embedding leadership early to address succession and adaptability gaps.

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.