The Forces Reshaping Finance Talent
The finance profession is at an inflection point. Based on 104 substantive responses from finance professionals, the Renaix Future of Finance Salary Survey 2026 explores the key forces shaping compensation, hiring, skills and career decisions.
Key findings
Salary stagnation is driving movement
Pay progression is the biggest concern, with many professionals reporting that salaries are not keeping pace with inflation.
AI is reshaping finance roles
AI and automation are influencing hiring and day-to-day finance work, particularly at the junior level.
The hiring paradox continues
Employers are seeing more applicants, but still struggling to find candidates with the right experience and technical skills.
Data skills are now essential
77% selected data analytics as the most critical skill for 2026.
Flexibility remains a key differentiator
Remote and flexible working continue to influence candidate decisions and retention.
Burnout and well-being are rising concerns
Under-resourcing, long hours and workload pressure are contributing to retention challenges.
Download the full report
Explore the trends shaping finance salaries, hiring and talent strategy in 2026. Enter your details below to download the report.
Press release
June 2026: Finance professionals are facing growing frustration as salaries fail to keep pace with inflation, with widespread concern over stagnant pay and increasing pressure to change roles to secure meaningful increases, according to new research from Renaix, the international recruitment consultancy for finance and accounting.
The Future of Finance Salary Survey 2026, based on 104 responses from finance professionals globally, highlights a market at an inflecton point, with compensation, skills, and hiring dynamics undergoing significant change.
Salary stagnation emerged as the most prominent theme, with many respondents reporting that pay progression has stalled or failed to keep pace with rising living costs, eroding real-term earnings.
Alongside this, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation continue to reshape the profession. While some respondents recognise AI as a valuable tool that enhances analysis and efficiency, others warn of its impact on job availability, particularly at the junior level, where entry-level roles are increasingly being reduced or redefined.
The research also reveals a growing “hiring paradox” within the finance sector. Employers report being inundated with applications, yet still struggle to identify candidates with the right combination of experience and technical capability.
At the same time, the importance of data and technical skills continues to rise. A significant 77% of respondents identified data analytics as the most critical skill for 2026, reinforcing the shift towards more analytical and technology-driven finance roles.
Flexible and remote working remains a key differentiator for candidates, with many professionals indicating they would prioritise work-life balance and flexibility over a higher salary. However, this continues to be an area of tension, with some employers pushing for increased office presence.
Concerns around burnout and well-being are also increasing, with respondents highlighting the impact of under-resourcing, long hours, and rising expectations, factors that are contributing to retention challenges across the sector.
Paul Jarrett, Managing Director at Renaix, comments:
“The findings from this year’s survey highlight a finance profession under real pressure. Salary stagnation, evolving skill requirements, and shifting expectations around flexibility are all contributing to a more complex talent landscape.
“At the same time, AI is rapidly changing how financial functions operate, particularly at the junior level. Organisations need to think carefully about how they balance efficiency with long-term talent development.
“Employers who invest in competitive compensation, flexible working, and upskilling will be best placed to attract and retain the talent they need. Those who don’t risk losing their strongest people in an increasingly competitive market.”
About the research
Renaix surveyed 104 international finance professionals in early 2026.
For more information, please contact:
Christine Bowles – christine@renaix.com
Job Seekers
On the hunt for your next role? Upload your CV below and we’ll be in touch to discuss your requirements.
Employers
For employers seeking the right skills and cultural fit for your business, send us your vacancy to find out more about how we can help.
Submit CV Send Us Your VacancySearch Jobs
Popular this week
- How Does Industry 4.0 Differ From The Previous Generation?
- What Qualifications And Skills Are Needed To Be An Accountant?
- What Are The Main Differences Between ACA and ACCA?
- Top 10 Skills For A Successful Finance And Accounting Career
- Agile For Accountants: Six Steps To Provide Necessary Tools And Relevant Processes