Finance

Is finance demand in the UK?

Alex Walia

December 4, 2025

2 Min Read

Yes — broadly speaking, demand for finance professionals remains fairly strong in the UK, though with some important shifts underlying the numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation (as of 2025) and what “finance demand” tends to mean now.

✅ Where demand remains high

• In 2025, there has been a surge in demand for accountancy and commercial-sector finance roles (rather than classic banking). According to a report by Morgan McKinley + Vacancysoft, accountancy hiring rose ~17 % across commerce and industry, even while hiring in financial services contracted. Vacancysoft+2Morgan McKinley+2
• Roles linked to AI, data analytics, ESG (environmental/social/governance), financial planning & analysis (FP&A), compliance and transformation are especially in demand, as many firms undergo digital transformation, regulatory change and sustainability-related adaptations. Morgan McKinley+2ceresresourcing.recsites.co.uk+2
• In the fintech and financial-technology-enabled segment, demand is especially strong: a 44 % year-on-year increase in vacancies was reported across the UK in 2024. Financial IT+1

So if you have skills in accounting, analytics, compliance, ESG reporting, fintech, or finance-tech integration — especially combined with data or digital skills — there are good opportunities.

⚠️ But traditional banking / “legacy” finance may be shaky

• Hiring in classic banking or some financial-services firms is weaker: the same Morgan McKinley / Vacancysoft report notes a decline in traditional banking vacancies in 2024. Morgan McKinley+1
• There’s also a shift in what kinds of finance jobs are being created; firms increasingly value hybrid roles combining finance + tech/analytics/ESG, so purely traditional roles may become fewer. ceresresourcing.recsites.co.uk+1

Thus, while “finance demand” remains, where that demand lies is changing.

📈 What the data says overall

A hiring-intentions survey cited by one recruitment firm found that 58 % of UK hiring managers plan to expand their permanent finance teams in the first half of 2025. Robert Half

🎯 What this means if you’re looking for finance work

• If you have modern, in-demand skills — e.g. accounting + data/tech, ESG, FP&A, fintech — there are good prospects, potentially more outside London than before.
• Roles in traditional banking are likely tougher or more competitive, especially for entry-level or generic finance positions.
• Consider sector flexibility — many opportunities are now in non-financial-services firms (manufacturing, retail, tech), rather than big banks or investment firms.