Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

UK accountancy firms are shifting from pay-led retention to building integrated “digital engines” that replace fragmented tech stacks. Automation and embedded AI reduce low-value admin work, improving junior experience and enabling advisory thinking. Real-time visibility helps leaders spot workload issues early and prevent burnout.

In 2026, forecasting is no longer about precision alone but adaptability. As market conditions shift faster, finance leaders must shorten cycles, strengthen scenario planning and build commercially aware teams that enable quicker, more confident decisions across the business.

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.