2024 has flown by, hasn’t it?
Before you know it, 2025 will be here.
As we inch closer to the new year, firms are preparing for what’s expected to be a year of significant changes in recruitment. From the rise of AI and emergence of new regulations to ever-shifting economic landscape, public practice has been through a lot in the last few years.
But what does 2025 have in store for accountancy recruitment, and how can your firm get ahead of the curve?
Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we have our own predictions on what the next twelve months will look like for the sector. Let’s break it down and look at how you can position your team for success in the year ahead.
A call for tech-savvy accountants
Let’s start with the most obvious one.
Technology will continue to play a massive role in shaping the future of public practice. Automation, AI, and machine learning are changing the way accountants do their jobs. And by 2025, this trend is only expected to accelerate.
We’ve spoken a lot about AI and how it can’t (and won’t) replace human oversight. Instead, technology will simply reshape the role – meaning that accountants who can leverage it will be in high demand.
For firms, this means you’ll need to look for candidates with a hybrid skill set that combines traditional expertise with a solid grasp of emerging technologies. Upskilling your existing team to adapt to these new demands will be equally important, as the gap between tech-enabled accountants and those who lag behind will continue to widen.
Want to know more about how AI will reshape the role of your audit team? Learn about how technology is evolving.
Flexible working as standard
As we approach 2025, hybrid work models are expected to solidify as the new normal.
The recent Employment Rights Bill has officially solidified flexible working as something that employees are able to request from day one. This includes the possibility of adjusting working hours, locations, or patterns.
But this shift isn’t just about letting employees work from home a few days a week—it’s about fundamentally rethinking how teams collaborate, how performance is measured, and how a strong workplace culture is maintained in a hybrid environment.
For recruitment, this means firms will need to prioritise candidates who are adaptable and self-driven. Accountants who can thrive in both autonomous remote settings and collaborative in-office environments will be the most sought-after.
And to stay at the cutting-edge of recruitment, firms will need to invest in the right technologies to support hybrid work.
By offering a flexible, tech-enabled work environment, your firm will attract the top talent that 2025 has to offer!
Soft skills take centre stage
Candidates can walk the walk… but can they talk the talk?
As technology handles more of the number-crunching, accountants will need to step up in areas like communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. The role of the accountant is evolving into that of a strategic advisor, and that requires a very different skill set from traditional accounting roles.
What does this mean for recruitment?
To create a beauty parade of candidates, firms need to place more emphasis on soft skills.
Candidates that clearly show emotional intelligence, leadership and collaboration will become hot commodity. These soft skills will be essential for managing client relationships, navigating complex problems and working effectively within teams, especially in a hybrid work environment.
Economic uncertainty
With the skills shortage still running rampant and changes under the Labour government on the horizon, 2025 could hold some challenges for firms looking to recruit.
While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, there are a few economic trends that are likely to shape hiring in the coming year.
First, inflationary pressures and rising interest rates could lead to tighter budgets for many firms, potentially slowing down recruitment in certain sectors. At the same time, firms may look to bolster their financial teams as businesses seek to navigate these economic challenges.
Accountants who specialise in areas like financial planning, risk management, and cost control will be in high demand as companies look to tighten their belts and weather potential economic storms.
Diversity and inclusion will shape hiring strategies
Another significant trend that will shape recruitment in 2025 is the continued focus on diversity and inclusion.
We’ve spoken about how Gen Z are increasingly looking for employers that prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).Firms that fail to demonstrate their commitment to these principles may find themselves at a disadvantage.
In terms of recruitment, this means firms will need to be more intentional about building diverse teams. This includes recruiting from a wider pool of candidates, offering mentorship programs to support underrepresented groups, and creating inclusive hiring practices that reduce bias.
Embracing DEI will not only help firms attract a broader range of talent but also foster a more innovative and dynamic workplace culture.
The rise of temp work
As more accountants seek flexibility, we’re likely to see a continued rise in contract work in the accountancy sector by 2025.
Firms looking to fill specific skills gaps or manage fluctuating workloads may increasingly turn to temporary accountants rather than committing to full-time hires.
This shift offers a lot of benefits. Firms can bring in specialised expertise for short-term projects or busy seasons without the long-term financial commitment.
Recruiting for these temporary roles requires a different approach than traditional hiring. Firms will need to be agile in their recruitment strategies, ensuring they can quickly access a talent pool of qualified contractors.
Preparing for 2025
So, what should accountancy firms be doing to prepare for these trends?
The key is to stay flexible and forward-thinking. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, embracing hybrid work models, or prioritising diversity, the firms that succeed in 2025 will be the ones that are proactive, adaptable, and ready to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
Need help gearing up for the year ahead? Ready to get your firm future-ready?
At Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and find the talent your firm needs to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re looking for tech-savvy accountants, strategic advisors, or temp professionals, we’ve got the expertise to connect you with the right candidates.
Simply get in touch with our team today to get started!
