By Caroline Furness, published 29 March 2026
Salary growth in UK accounting, audit, and tax is expected to moderate in 2026, yet 41% of employers plan increases of 6–10%, while 33% anticipate smaller rises of 1–5%. A further 11% will provide bonus-only adjustments, and 10% do not expect any increase. Larger increases of 11–15% are planned by 5% of employers, with very few expecting rises above 15%.
This selective approach reflects continued pressure within specialist segments, despite broader market stabilisation. Scarce roles, including ESG specialists, experienced tax advisors, finance transformation professionals, and data-literate auditors, continue to command targeted pay increases. Employers in banking and energy are using retention bonuses to secure analytics expertise, while professional services firms incentivise sustainability reporting skills.
Looking ahead, we expect compensation strategies in 2026 to remain targeted and strategic, increasingly supplemented by bonuses, benefits, and flexible work arrangements to retain and attract critical talent.
At Sheridan Maine, we advise clients on effective pay strategies, ensuring they remain competitive in a market where selective increases and targeted incentives are key to securing top professionals.
