Key Hiring Trends in 2025

December 20, 2024

The accounting and finance sectors in the United States are undergoing significant transformations as we approach 2025. Technological advancements, evolving work models, and a dynamic economic environment are reshaping the talent landscape. This report examines the latest hiring trends, challenges, and opportunities, providing actionable insights for organizations to refine their recruitment strategies.

1. Demand for Specialized Skill Sets


The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is redefining roles within accounting and finance. Professionals with expertise in data analytics, financial modeling, and AI applications are increasingly sought after. Employers are willing to pay a premium for candidates with expertise in financial reporting (38%), financial modeling (33%), leadership and management (32%), AI and automation (31%), and data analytics (31%).


Robert Half


Insight: Investing in upskilling current employees and seeking candidates with these competencies is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.


2. Evolving Work Models and Employee Preferences


The shift towards remote and hybrid work models has become a significant factor in talent acquisition. While some employers prefer in-office presence, many professionals prioritize flexibility. A recent survey revealed that 57% of employers favor candidates willing to work onsite five days a week.


Business Insider


Insight: Balancing organizational needs with employee preferences for flexibility is essential to attract a diverse talent pool.


3. Addressing Talent Shortages and Skill Gaps


The industry faces a significant shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in areas like critical thinking, cybersecurity, and specialized certifications. This gap is prompting firms to broaden recruitment efforts beyond traditional candidates.


Business Insider


Insight: Expanding talent pipelines to include candidates from diverse educational backgrounds can mitigate skill shortages.


4. Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)


Candidates increasingly prioritize employers with strong DEI commitments. Companies that foster inclusive cultures benefit from enhanced innovation and employee engagement.


Insight: Highlighting DEI initiatives in recruitment materials can attract candidates who value inclusivity.


Challenges Impacting Hiring Strategies


  • Regulatory Changes: Evolving regulations, such as new CPA licensure pathways, require firms to stay informed and adaptable.

Financial Times


  • Economic Uncertainty: Fluctuating economic conditions can impact hiring budgets and strategies, necessitating agile workforce planning.


Opportunities to Enhance Recruitment


  • Leveraging AI in Recruitment: Utilizing AI-driven tools can streamline hiring processes and improve candidate matching. Notably, 97% of businesses now incorporate AI in hiring and onboarding.

 Business Insider


  • Focus on Employee Development: Offering continuous learning opportunities can attract talent seeking growth and help bridge skill gaps.


Actionable Hiring Strategies for 2025


  1. Adopt Flexible Work Policies: Implement hybrid models to accommodate diverse employee preferences, enhancing appeal to a broader candidate base.
  2. Invest in Training Programs: Develop internal training to upskill employees in high-demand areas like data analytics and AI.
  3. Enhance Employer Branding: Showcase company culture, DEI efforts, and career development opportunities to differentiate your organization.
  4. Utilize Data-Driven Recruitment: Employ analytics to identify hiring trends and optimize recruitment strategies.


Partner with Lyneer Search Group


Navigating the complexities of the 2025 talent market requires expertise and strategic insight. Lyneer Search Group specializes in connecting organizations with top-tier accounting and finance professionals.


Why Choose Lyneer Search Group?


  • Tailored recruitment strategies aligned with your organizational goals.
  • Access to a vast network of skilled professionals.
  • Insights into market trends and competitive compensation packages.


Take the Next Step


  • For Employers: Ready to attract the best talent in accounting and finance? Discover Our Talent Solutions
  • For Job Seekers: Looking to advance your career? Explore Career Opportunities


Stay ahead in the evolving accounting and finance landscape by partnering with Lyneer Search Group. Contact us today to build a workforce poised for success in 2025 and beyond.


Wealth Management Salary Guide
June 12, 2025
The Lyneer Search Group 2025 Wealth Management Salary Guide offers compensation benchmarks across the unique organizational structure of U.S.-based family offices and multi-family offices (MFOs). Whether you're managing a single ultra-high-net-worth family or overseeing a shared platform of private clients, this guide covers key roles in finance, investments, legal/risk, client services, and operations. Salary data reflects national U.S. market trends based on aggregated data from compensation surveys, public postings, and proprietary MFO placements.
Insurance Industry Salary Guide
June 11, 2025
This 2025 Insurance Industry Salary Guide offers up-to-date salary data across finance, risk, actuarial, claims, underwriting, and operations functions—tailored to the needs of carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Whether you're hiring Controllers, Actuaries, Claims Managers, or Operations Analysts, these ranges reflect current market realities by role and organizational context. Use this guide to set competitive offers, retain top talent, and plan smarter compensation strategies.
Executive Recruitment
May 6, 2025
Two of our most experienced recruiters were brought in to fill a critical executive role. Shortly after a sudden leadership exit, added to the complexity. The landscape was anything but simple: internal miscommunications, hesitant candidates, and a narrow salary band made the situation fragile. The entire process could have easily unraveled
Insurance Accounting and Finance Partnership
April 25, 2025
Discover how Lyneer Search Group connects insurance firms with elite finance talent through strategic executive search and deep industry relationships.
Wealth Management MFO Search Partners
April 23, 2025
In today’s hyper-competitive wealth management talent market, the right search firm offers more than resumes—they deliver strategic access to the elite few who quietly power America’s wealth.
Tax Season Jobs
April 18, 2025
A quick look at the ups and downs of tax prep employment—and how firms can adapt now that filing season is over.
Hiring Managers Secure Premier Talent Lyneer Search Group
By Karen Childers April 1, 2025
The data indicates salary premiums for those seeking to switch jobs is at the largest gap in years. This presents a unique opportunity for hiring managers to secure premier talent in the insurance and wealth management industries.
Job Search
By Karen Childers March 21, 2025
Candidates expecting a salary increase when switching jobs are often disappointed. Companies that expect top-tier talent to make a lateral move based solely on salary are struggling to fill positions. The wage increase for job switchers is at its lowest level in a decade. Instead of focusing only on base salary, particularly in insurance and wealth management, candidates should evaluate opportunities based on career growth, stability, total compensation, work environment, and skill development.
Wealth Management Fiduciary Officer job
March 14, 2025
Overcoming Location Challenges to Secure Top Fiduciary Talent for a Leading Family Office Wealth Management Firm.
Insurance Industry Leadership Breaking Barriers
March 3, 2025
A swiftly growing Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance carrier sought to hire a senior-level Pricing Actuary. Given the company's young and dynamic nature, the ideal candidate needed to be not only technically proficient but also adaptable, open-minded, and capable of contributing to the development of a structured team environment. Further complicating the search was the decentralized nature of the team, spanning multiple geographies.
More Posts