By Caroline Furness, published 1 March 2026
Technology adoption continues to reshape expectations across accounting, audit, and tax roles. Our 2025 survey revealed that 46% of employers anticipate a moderate shift toward hybrid finance–tech skills, while 35% expect a strong emphasis on tech and data capabilities. A further 17% foresee only slight shifts requiring upskilling, and just 2% see no change.
Professionals are increasingly expected to combine strong technical foundations with digital, analytical, and systems expertise. Audit teams in professional services now prioritise data analytics and visualisation tools, while finance functions in banking and energy value ERP and automation experience. ESG reporting teams in retail and consumer goods require professionals who can interpret sustainability data via cloud-based platforms.
Looking ahead to 2026, employers who prioritise hybrid finance–technology skills and structured upskilling will be best placed to maintain workforce capability and competitiveness in a technology-driven environment.
At Sheridan Maine, we guide clients in identifying and developing finance professionals with the tech-savvy skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
