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​Technical proficiency alone no longer guarantees success in a finance career these days. The people responsible for hiring are putting a lot more focus on soft skills - communication, adaptability, empathy - and these are becoming essential, not desirable. Business partnering in the finance sector is much more prevalent these days, and recently collected data only highlights the growing importance and the tangible impact these skills have on both your individual finance careers and the sector as a whole.​

Stepping into a managerial role is a big moment. But let’s get one thing clear: being a manager shouldn’t be a reward for long service. It’s a job in its own right, and it demands a very specific set of skills.

Recruiting top financial talent is a critical challenge for UK SMEs, especially in a landscape littered with economic uncertainty and driven by rapid technological change. Over £20 billion was earmarked for recruitment in 2024, and in 2025, SMEs are demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and innovation. This guide offers a structured approach to navigating the complexities of finance recruitment, ensuring your SME attracts and retains the right talent.​

Whether you're a newly qualified accountant or a seasoned finance pro eyeing your next move, it pays to know what employers are really after. It’s no longer enough to just have the key qualifications for accountants - firms want well-rounded finance people who bring more to the table.

“We just need someone to keep the seat warm.” It’s a sentence we still hear. It also hugely undersells the power of a well-placed temp. Temporary hires have long been treated as second-best. Fallbacks, stop-gaps, a way to tide things over until the “real” hire comes along. But in today’s market, that mindset is not only outdated, there’s every chance that it’s costing you business opportunities, money, and momentum. The truth? A great temp doesn’t just cover the role. They can help elevate it, drive change, and help you see the gaps you might not have been aware of before.

The last 12 months have seen the rise of the fractional finance director, a highly experienced finance professional who will work with your business on a short term basis; likely part time. We've seen them pop up predominantly in SME environments. Unlike your traditional finance director, who are usually employed full time and tend to come with a high salary, a fractional FD offers their expertise to more than one business, working flexibly and at a fraction of the cost.