Harper May | Knowledge Hub | UK Accounting Recruitment Agency

UK accountants are evolving into strategic leaders by blending traditional expertise with startup-inspired agility, digital fluency, and commercial insight. The CFOs of the future are already emerging—driving growth, shaping culture, and influencing direction across fast-moving, high-growth UK businesses.

Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, ICAEW's Suren Thiru advises businesses to use economic metrics to strengthen resilience, identify sector and regional opportunities, and adapt strategies. The article highlights practical steps for navigating cost pressures, supply chain risks, and volatile market conditions.

AI governance is fast becoming a key compliance issue for UK finance teams. As AI tools increasingly support financial processes, businesses must ensure responsible use, clear oversight and readiness to evidence AI governance — even ahead of formal regulation.

UK M&A activity slowed in Q1 2025 amid economic uncertainty and tax changes, with many deals delayed until late 2025. PE firms remain eager to invest but cautious, prioritising strong businesses. Lower interest rates could stimulate renewed deal flow later this year.

Building a high-impact finance team is key to supporting business growth. This article explores how businesses can structure finance functions for scalability, align them with strategy, hire for capability, and foster leadership — enabling finance to drive value across the organisation.

Accountants report cautious optimism for the UK economy. While trade deals and small business resilience offer hope, concerns remain over inflation, taxation, skills shortages, and US tariffs. Businesses are prioritising cost control and risk management, with accountants playing a crucial advisory role.