Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

AI in finance is becoming a leadership proving ground, not just an efficiency play. The people owning data trust, governance, and decision-making under uncertainty are building CFO-level judgement. Organisations that notice and develop them gain stronger internal succession and retention.

Many finance teams excel at delivery, but pressure can concentrate responsibility in a few trusted hands. The best leaders design development into the function, sharing ownership and stretching talent through real responsibility. That builds commercial capability, retention, and succession without sacrificing control.

UK employment rights will change from 2026–27 under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Key updates include day-one statutory sick pay and parental leave, bereaved partner leave, tougher redundancy penalties, stronger whistleblowing protections, a new Fair Work Agency, and trade union law reforms.

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.