Finance Career Switchers: Why More Professionals Are Retraining

2025 has brought about a new labour market trend: an increasing number of mid‑career professionals are retraining and pivoting into finance - most notably accountancy and financial analysis.

More than just a trend, this movement reflects deeper economic shifts and evolving attitudes toward career development and work‑life balance. Here we’ll be outlining the current statistics and looking at the reasons behind this new pattern.

A Surge in Hiring Demand

The demand for finance professionals, especially in commerce and industry, is surging. According to Morgan McKinley, accountancy hiring in these sectors rose by 17% in 2025 - the most pronounced rebound in over a decade.

They put the rise down to growing digitisation, ESG mandates, and post‑Brexit restructuring.

Regional data from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire shows that:

·      58% of finance hiring managers plan to expand their teams in mid‑2025

·      69% of finance employers are actively recruiting (up from 60% the previous year)

Mogan McKinley’s data also shows a demand for qualified candidates is soaring, with job openings up 150% year‑on‑year, and 87% of finance leaders reporting unprecedented talent shortages.

Salary Uplifts

Growth in opportunities is accompanied by rising compensation. Accountancy Age and HSBC report a projected 4.2% increase in average accountancy salaries for 2025, indicating that firms are willing to pay more to attract in‑demand talent.

Moreover, the profession’s highest positions remain lucrative. According to The Times, UK CFOs can earn up to £137,000, while COOs earn around £129,000, making finance a compelling career choice for those seeking long‑term financial reward.

Tech, Strategy, ESG

Far from its outdated image, accountancy in 2025 is dynamic and strategic. The Times reports that advances in AI and automation have shifted the profession away from routine tasks toward strategy, tech fluency, and ESG.

Accounting roles now demand adaptability, analytical acumen, and problem‑solving abilities.

ICAEW underscores this evolution, noting that top‑tier demand is for professionals who can blend AI, data analytics, and business partnering - enabling finance to drive business outcomes rather than just record them.

Flexibility and technical adaptability are essential. FE News highlights that accountants today must do much more than tally numbers. They need to “interpret data, communicate complex concepts, and provide strategic counsel”, supported by training in digital tools and AI.

Entrepreneurial Ambitions are Fuelling Transitions

Many professionals (particularly Gen Z) see accountancy as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ambitions. ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2025 survey shows that 52% of worldwide respondents view accountancy as a strong platform for building entrepreneurial skills.

According to Accountancy Age, 61% of UK Gen Z accountants aspire to become entrepreneurs - nearly double the 31% average across older age groups, and outperforming the global average of 52%. This optimism is accompanied by an enthusiasm for AI: 71% said they feel ready to upskill in AI, yet only 23% said their organisations currently offer AI training, highlighting a skills gap and an opportunity.

Career Change Momentum and Skill-Based Hiring

Retraining mid‑career isn’t that unusual, but it’s definitely accelerating. A UK survey found that 1 in 10 workers have changed careers in the past decade, and 4 million Brits have made career changes since the pandemic. Moreover, the average UK worker changes jobs every five years, and career changers typically gain a 5.2% salary increase.

Employers are also shifting toward skill‑based hiring, particularly for tech and green roles. Another UK study reveals that demand for AI‑related jobs grew by 21% between 2018–2024, while the requirement for university degrees in these roles fell by 15%.

Employers are increasingly valuing skills over formal credentials. This approach widens the door for mid‑career professionals transitioning into finance via upskilling programmes and apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships and Flexible Learning Pathways

Structured retraining routes are gaining ground. The Times reports that apprenticeships remain a popular alternative to university - especially amid student debt concerns and a tough graduate job market.

Apprenticeship providers from the finance sector feature prominently among the Top 100, with many increasing apprentice intake. Notably, Level 7 apprenticeships (such as those leading to professional accountancy qualifications) rose from 11,660 in 2018/19 to 23,860 in 2023/24, though funding cuts from 2026 threaten this growth.

Conclusion

For mid-career professionals in the UK, retraining into accountancy or financial analysis in 2025 is not just feasible, it’s strategic. With booming demand, evolving job content, entrepreneurial allure, and supportive training pathways, the field has never been more accessible or rewarding.

At Reset Recruitment, we understand that long-term goals matter. That’s why whether you're considering a switch into finance, looking to retrain via an apprenticeship, or upskill in data and AI, we're here to align your aspirations with forward-thinking opportunities. If you’re ready to explore your next chapter in finance, let’s talk.