Q1 Update: What's Happening in the Yorkshire Finance Market?
If Q1 is anything to go by, 2026 is going to be a busy year.
From what we’ve seen during the first few months of the year, there has been a clear shift in both the volume and type of hiring within commercial finance across Yorkshire. It’s not just that businesses are hiring again; we’re seeing a shift in how and why they’re hiring, and that gives a lot more insight into where the market might be heading throughout the rest of 2026.
Which Types of Businesses are Hiring?
We’re seeing tech-driven and PE-backed organisations leading the charge with hiring, particularly across the service sector. Multiple businesses across the region have secured funding in the last 6 to 12 months and are now moving quickly to build out their finance teams. Many of our growth-focused clients are now investing time and money early on to build their commercial finance team.
Commercial Expectations
That context is important, because it is shaping the roles themselves. Commercial finance roles are no longer there to report on what has already happened; we’re seeing our clients look for people who can do this and that can influence what happens next. Businesses are leaning more heavily on finance teams to shape decisions around growth; guiding investments and driving performance. As a result of this, we’re seeing the candidates who can work with and influence stakeholders standing out over those with purely technical skills, and succeeding at interview.
Desired Skills are Changing
Skillsets required in finance are evolving quickly. We’re seeing more appetite for candidates who can combine commercial thinking with data skills. Tools like Power BI, financial modelling and scenario planning are becoming standard expectations rather than nice extras. Leadership teams want their finance staff to tell the story behind the numbers, not just produce them.
While demand for commercial finance talent is high, this doesn’t mean businesses are increasing headbount at pace – clients are hiring fewer people, but expecting them to pack more of a punch. Clients are becoming more focused on finding those candidates who can add value from day one, which is leading to longer, but more refined interview processes.
We’re also experiencing more appetite for interim hiring. Clients are executing system implementations and transformation projects, which are driving the demand for flexible commercial finance support. Interim hires are giving many businesses a way to move quickly without committing to long-term headcount before they need it.
Hiring Confidence is Rising
Perhaps the most telling shift, though, is the feeling of confidence coming back. After a more cautious end to last year, Q1 has ushered in a more positive mindset with more decisiveness. If this momentum continues, commercial finance is on track to be one of the most competitive areas of hiring across Yorkshire for the rest of 2026.
What This Means if You’re Hiring
If you are hiring, the bar has moved. If you’re looking for the best commercial talent, you need to test for that kind of thinking during your hiring process.
Speed also matters. The strongest candidates are moving quickly, particularly in the mid to senior market. Long or unclear recruitment processes are where we’re seeing clients lose out.
Finally, think carefully about structure. Not every need requires a permanent hire. Interim or project-based support can be a highly effective way to access the right capability at the right time, especially during periods of change.
What This Means For Candidates
For candidates, opportunities are becoming more prevalent, but clients are looking for more than accounting skills. Technical ability will get you in the conversation, but it won’t secure you the role on its own – employers want people who can demonstrate how they can influence decisions and add commercial value.
If you can clearly demonstrate the impact you can make, you’ll stand out quickly in 2026’s market. It’s also worth investing in your broader skillset and getting hands-on experience with data tools and modern technologies is becoming increasingly important, particularly in roles with a strong commercial focus.
Looking Forward
The bottom line is this: the businesses growing fastest right now are the ones treating commercial finance as a strategic function. We’re going to see this continue into 2026.
If you are building your finance team this year or thinking about your next step, now is the time to get ahead of the market. Let’s have a conversation - get in touch with the team today.
