What's the market like currently? A question commonly asked when speaking with candidates in the accountancy and finance scene.
The truth is, 2026 has been an improvement on 2025. And an improvement on 2024.
Are the glory days of pre-covid (or the 2021 boom) upon us? No, is short the answer. But there are reasons to be optimistic. Despite it still being fiercely competitive for candidates, especially as the seniority of the roles increase, there's no doubt "business as usual" is in the air and companies are fighting not to get left behind.
Our assessment is quite simply this...
Welcome to the new norm.
The market as we see it today, is the market as we see it for the foreseeable. Yes, it will ebb and flow, and of course there will be the usual seasonality throughout the year. But this market is the market. It's good, but very competitive.
And what does that mean for the job seeker?
Well, when it comes to your job search, you need to get your selfish hat on. In particular, you need to show case what you're really all about in interviews. Think about you.
Is this ground breaking information, and will it cause ripple effects across the recruitment world? No.
It sounds so simple and the truth is that it is. But don't allow hiring managers to deliver the dreaded "we're very sorry, it was reeeeeeally close, but the other candidate has just edged it" when they don't have to.
We've had candidates ranging from Management Accountants through to CFOs who have put their best foot forward when displaying their authentic self, and have built great rapport with their prospective employers.
But the truth is, in today's market, that's just not enough. The modern finance team cannot carry the load of an outsider while they settle into a new role. It's about impact as much as it is about cultural fit. You need to really dig deep into your capabilities, qualities and deliverables, no matter how uncomfortable you may find it. You must not let that hiring manager think for a moment what you "may" have done in your career thus far. You can't be in a position to heap all the praise on your teammates when you too made significant contributions to success. Don't allow your interviewer to think that you won't be hands on when the truth is otherwise.
Another tip we were both taught from day one in recruitment: if you want the job, say so!
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I'm really excited about this opportunity and I want to say now that I'd love to join the team."
Be brave!
The balance between assurance and humility is fine. But mastering it serves a much higher purpose.
Welcome to the new norm. Enjoy being selfish.