What are accountancy professionals really looking for in a job in 2026?
Accountants seem to like their work, with 94% ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to remain in the profession in the next five years, according to new research by accountancy recruitment specialists Spencer Clarke Group.
However, the recruiter said it is vital employers take action and ensure their employees are ‘motivated and satisfied,’ as the survey highlighted that many accountants can’t see clear and genuine paths for growth in their current positions.
The report says: “Accountants want employers who value their efforts and offer flexibility, as well as clear internal paths for advancement.”
Some 48% of those surveyed said they would consider moving jobs primarily for higher pay, but the same amount said they were ‘neither satisfied nor dissatisfied’ with their current pay packet.
But only 26% of accounting professionals believe they will reach their salary goals if they remain in their current role.
Company culture also plays an important role in how accountants assess their workplaces and future employers. Just over half (51%) rate their current company culture as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
However, one in five describe it as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.
Interestingly, just 7% of accountancy professionals identified Making Tax Digital as their biggest career concern for 2026. Yet the number of accountancy professional concerned about the rise in technology grew from 10% in 2024 to 20% in 2025.
