The in-house accountancy market is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Economic uncertainty and rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, are reshaping team structures, required skill sets, and career trajectories. The once-stable world of debits and credits is now a dynamic landscape where strategic insight and digital fluency are paramount.
The decline of transactional roles and the rise of AI
For years, accounting teams were built on a foundation of transactional roles responsible for tasks like invoicing and reconciliation. However, this model is rapidly becoming obsolete. AI and automation are accelerating a long-term trend, taking over the manual, repetitive work that once occupied junior team members.
With less time spent on manual processing, senior finance professionals can dedicate more energy to strategic and analytical duties.
The strategic, tech-savvy accountant
As transactional work disappears, a new type of accountant is in demand. Businesses are actively seeking mid-level professionals who can wear multiple hats. Roles like finance business partner, financial planning and analysis (FP&A) manager, and finance manager are booming. These positions require a dual skill set: the ability to handle financial accounts while also making informed, strategic decisions for the business.
The common thread connecting these in-demand roles is technology. A deep understanding of tech packages like Power BI, Oracle, and SAP is a core requirement. Professionals are now expected to implement new AI models, manage data analytics, and use technology to drive business insights. This fusion of accountancy and technology is creating a new specialism: the strategic tech accountant.
This shift has significant implications for salaries. While the wider market is experiencing wage stagnation, those with sought-after finance transformation and data analytics skills are bucking the trend. These specialists are commanding big salary uplifts, reflecting their critical importance to modern businesses.
The evolving role within the business
Accounting is no longer a back-office function, siloed from the rest of the organisation. Technology has made financial data more accessible across the business, and accountants are now tasked with helping stakeholders understand and use this information.
This requires a strong development of soft skills. Communication, stakeholder management, and commercial awareness seem to be progressing naturally as accountants become more embedded in daily operations. They are transitioning from gatekeepers of financial information to true business partners, training colleagues, and driving data literacy throughout the company.
How will the next generation of accountants break in?
One of the most significant challenges for the future of accountancy is the shrinking pipeline of new talent. With fewer transactional roles available, the traditional entry points into the profession are disappearing. Graduate recruitment has dropped, and the barriers to entry are higher than ever. How will the next generation of accountants gain the foundational experience needed to progress?
The industry has not yet found a clear solution. It's possible that roles currently considered mid-level, such as assistant management accountant, will become the new entry-level positions. This would require newcomers to possess a higher baseline of skills, particularly in data analysis, from the very beginning. Apprenticeship schemes may also need a radical overhaul, shifting focus from transactional basics to technology implementation and strategic thinking.
Looking ahead: Key takeaways
The in-house accountancy sector is at a pivotal moment. To thrive in this new environment over the coming year, both employers and professionals must be proactive.
Employers need to rethink team structures, moving away from a transaction-heavy model and investing in mid-level, tech-proficient roles that add strategic value. When large salary increases aren’t feasible, organisations should focus on their EVP (employee value proposition) by offering clear professional development opportunities, stability, and a positive work culture. Addressing the talent pipeline is also critical - businesses must consider modernising apprenticeships or creating new entry-level roles that prioritise data and systems skills.
For professionals, embracing technology is essential in today’s market. Developing strong capabilities in data analytics and key finance software is the single biggest factor for career advancement and higher earning potential. Soft skills such as communication and business partnering are equally important.
For more insights into the accountancy and finance labour market and for reliable salary benchmarks for the sector, download Reed's 2026 accountancy and finance salary guide here.
