Q1 2025 Finance Job Market Update: A Mixed Start, but Optimism Ahead
As we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, the finance job market across Scotland and the UK presents a mixed picture. Cautious hiring and cost pressures have continued to impact recruitment, but at the same time, we’re seeing clear signs of recovery – particularly in finance transformation, AI-driven roles, and FinTech.
At Ceres Financial Talent, we spend every day speaking with finance leaders and hiring managers, keeping close to the market. Here’s our Q1 update, covering the trends we’re seeing, where hiring is picking up, and what it means for finance teams and professionals looking ahead.
Permanent Hiring: A Slow Start, But Signs of Life
It’s no secret that permanent finance hiring has been slow, continuing a trend from last year. The KPMG & REC UK Report on Jobs (March 2025) highlighted a 16th consecutive month of declining permanent placements, with hiring freezes and economic uncertainty keeping things sluggish.
But we’re starting to see early signs of a turnaround:
- More finance roles being advertised -particularly at the Finance Manager, FC, and Head of Finance levels
- Growing market confidence – some businesses that held off hiring in 2024 are now reinvesting in key finance roles.
- Restructuring in financial services – firms are focusing on technology-driven efficiencies rather than increasing headcount.
There’s no hiring boom yet, but it feels like we’re past the worst of it.
Finance Transformation & AI: Reshaping Finance Teams
One of the biggest trends this year is the rapid acceleration of finance transformation projects. Many AI and automation investments were delayed in 2024, but they’re moving forward now (Read our report from 2024 on AI adoption trends in Scottish Finance)
- AI is making an impact – particularly in financial reporting, forecasting, and risk analysis.
- Leaner finance teams – some clients are reporting an expected 20-30% reduction in team size over the next two years due to automation.
- Hybrid finance & data skills in demand – professionals who can combine financial analysis with data analytics (Power BI, Alteryx, SQL) are becoming more valuable than ever.
We’ve heard first-hand from audit and risk leaders who believe automation will reduce their team size by around a third over the next few years. While this will increase efficiency, it also raises concerns about whether businesses will have the right in-house skills to interpret and challenge AI-driven insights. This could be a huge opportunity for finance professionals to upskill and take the lead.
Hiring Trends in Core Finance Areas
Accountancy & Audit: A Mixed Picture
- Accountancy practice’s are hiring steadily as they did throughout 2024, however firms are becoming more selective.
- Audit demand remains strong, but firms struggle to fill roles, leading to higher salaries and increased international recruitment.
- Private equity investment in mid-tier firms (e.g., Grant Thornton, Azets, AAB) could reshape the sector, leading to more mergers and restructuring in 2025.
Banking & Financial Services: Holding Steady
- Traditional banking roles remain under pressure, with permanent vacancies down 11.5% in 2024 (Vacancysoft)
- Risk, compliance, and controls hiring is stable, with firms focusing on process automation and AI-driven risk assessment.
- ESG finance roles are increasing, particularly in green finance, climate risk, and sustainability reporting – these openings are highly sought after, however many of these roles are filled internally.
Contract & Interim Roles: A Growth Area
- With permanent hiring slowing, more companies are turning to contract finance professionals to fill gaps quickly.
- Fractional CFOs, FDs, and senior finance contractors are in higher demand, particularly in SMEs and private equity-backed businesses.
- New employment laws set to come in this year could push more businesses towards flexible finance talent rather than committing to long-term hires.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Finance Hiring?
While Q1 started slow for permanent hiring, optimism is building, and we expect more movement in the coming months.
- Finance transformation will continue – more businesses will invest in AI, automation, and cloud-based finance systems.
- More movement in senior finance roles – we’re already seeing more FC and Head of Finance opportunities than last year.
- A return to hiring in risk & compliance – as regulatory demands grow, firms will need stronger internal controls teams.
For finance professionals considering their own career, we believe this means:
- Keeping your knowledge up to date – particularly around data, automation, and strategic finance.
- Being open to contract and interim roles – many businesses need short-term expertise while they navigate hiring freezes.
- Networking and being visible – as hiring picks up, companies will prioritise proactive finance leaders who can help drive change.
Final Thoughts
The finance job market in Q1 2025 has been challenging, but there are clear signs of improvement. The biggest themes shaping finance teams are technology investment, automation, and flexible hiring models.
At Ceres Financial Talent, we are actively working with finance leaders and professionals across Scotland and the UK.
If you are:
- A finance leader looking to hire top talent
- A finance professional exploring new opportunities
- Interested in market insights and salary trends
We’re here to support – Get in touch at hello@ceresresourcing.com or 0131 370 8487
