Hiring great finance talent in 2026 is more competitive than ever. With skills shortages, evolving regulations, and new technology shaping the market, employers need a smarter, more strategic approach to recruitment.
Here are the top tips to help you attract, assess, and secure the best finance professionals — and why working with an experienced recruiter can give you a real advantage.
1. Be Clear About What You Really Need
Finance roles are becoming more specialised. In 2026, employers are looking for candidates who combine technical expertise with commercial awareness, data skills, and strong communication.
Before you start hiring:
- Define the must-have skills versus the nice-to-have
- Be realistic about salary expectations
- Clarify whether the role is hybrid, remote, or office-based
Clear role definitions lead to better candidates and faster hiring decisions.
2. Move Fast — Top Candidates Don’t Stay Available for Long
High-quality finance professionals are often off the market within days, not weeks. Delays in shortlisting or interview scheduling can mean losing candidates to competitors.
Data consistently shows that roles filled quickly have:
- Higher offer acceptance rates
- Better long-term retention
An experienced recruiter can streamline the process, manage candidate availability, and keep momentum high.
3. Look Beyond the CV
In 2026, hiring is about potential as much as experience. Strong finance candidates may not tick every box on paper but can add huge value with the right mindset and adaptability.
Recruiters assess:
- Cultural fit
- Career motivation
- Soft skills like stakeholder management and problem-solving
This deeper screening reduces the risk of poor hires and costly turnover.
4. Understand the Market — or Partner with Someone Who Does
Finance salary benchmarks, notice periods, and candidate expectations change quickly. Employers who rely on outdated information often struggle to attract talent.
Recruitment agencies work in the market every day and can provide:
- Real-time salary insights
- Advice on competitive benefits
- Honest feedback on your employer brand
This knowledge helps you position roles correctly from the start.
5. Leverage the Power of an Experienced Recruiter
Using a specialist finance recruiter isn’t just about saving time — it delivers measurable results.
Research consistently shows that:
- Companies using recruiters fill roles up to 40% faster
- Recruiter-placed candidates have higher retention rates
- Hiring managers spend significantly less time reviewing unsuitable CVs
Recruiters also have access to passive candidates — professionals who are not actively job-hunting but are open to the right opportunity. These candidates rarely apply to job ads but often become top performers.
6. Reduce Hiring Risk and Cost
A bad hire in finance can be expensive. Beyond recruitment costs, there’s lost productivity, training time, and potential compliance risk.
Recruitment agencies reduce this risk by:
- Thoroughly vetting candidates
- Conducting detailed interviews
- Offering replacement guarantees
This added security is especially valuable for senior or specialist finance roles.
7. Build Long-Term Hiring Success
The best recruiters don’t just fill roles — they build long-term partnerships. They learn your business, understand your culture, and anticipate future hiring needs.
In 2026, businesses that treat recruitment as a strategic function — not a last-minute task — will consistently outperform competitors when it comes to talent.
Final Thought
Hiring finance professionals in 2026 requires speed, insight, and expertise. While job boards and internal hiring have their place, working with an experienced finance recruiter gives you access to better candidates, faster hiring times, and lower long-term risk.
In a competitive market, the right recruitment partner can be the difference between a good hire — and a great one.