The finance and accountancy market in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire enters 2026 with a balance of cautious hiring and rising skills demand. Following a buoyant start to 2025, hiring levels softened toward the end of the year, as businesses delayed recruitment due to economic uncertainty and increasing employment costs.
Vacancy volumes remain subdued, particularly at senior levels, yet the region continues to outperform national employment averages thanks to its strong tech, biotech, and commerce sectors.
Across the UK, finance and accountancy remain relatively resilient. Organisations are prioritising essential hires such as senior accountants, controllers, and data-savvy auditors. There is a clear shift toward hybrid skill sets, with employers seeking professionals who combine traditional accounting expertise with AI, automation, and data analytics capabilities.
Locally, demand is strongest for digitally enabled finance talent. Professionals proficient in ERP systems, BI tools such as Power BI, and ESG-related reporting are particularly sought after, often commanding salary uplifts due to their scarcity and strategic value.
For employers planning recruitment in 2026, competition for skilled talent will remain elevated. Nationally, 61% of hiring managers report difficulty sourcing specialised finance professionals. As a result, companies are increasingly adopting strategies such as upskilling existing teams, streamlining hiring processes, and offering flexible working arrangements to remain competitive.
Overall, businesses across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire should expect a steady yet skills-tight market. Success will depend on agility, competitive packages, and the ability to attract finance professionals with strong analytical and tech-enabled capabilities.
Planning recruitment in 2026? Get in touch with our team today
