Sydney & Melbourne Finance Hiring Trends to Watch 2025

Top 5 Accounting & Finance Recruitment Trends in Sydney & Melbourne for 2025

How Sydney and Melbourne Businesses Can Attract Top Finance Talent Amid Shifting Market Demands

Accounting & Finance recruitment in Sydney and Melbourne is undergoing rapid transformation as companies navigate economic shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving technology. To stay competitive, businesses must rethink how they attract and retain top finance talent in Australia’s two largest cities. Here’s a deep dive into the five key trends defining the recruitment landscape in 2025.

1. Ongoing Skills Shortage Tightens the Talent Pool

Sydney and Melbourne continue to face a critical shortage of experienced finance professionals. Roles in financial control, taxation, risk management, and business analysis remain some of the hardest to fill. This scarcity has pushed up salaries, boosted candidate bargaining power, and made talent retention a top priority for employers.

For businesses recruiting in these cities, offering competitive packages and clear career growth pathways is now essential to securing top candidates.

2. Tech and Data Skills Are Now Non-Negotiable

The modern finance function is no longer limited to crunching numbers. Employers across Sydney and Melbourne are seeking candidates with hybrid finance and tech capabilities — including proficiency in automation tools, ERP platforms like SAP and Oracle, and advanced data analysis.

This “finance + tech” profile is becoming the gold standard, as companies look for professionals who can combine financial expertise with digital fluency to drive strategy and innovation.

3. ESG Reporting Opens New Recruitment Niches

With regulatory bodies like ASIC pushing for enhanced ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosure, Australian companies are under mounting pressure to improve their sustainability reporting.

As a result, demand has surged for finance professionals skilled in ESG frameworks, sustainability reporting, and regulatory compliance. Specialist ESG recruitment in Sydney and Melbourne is set to be one of the fastest-growing segments in 2025.

4. Contracting and Project Roles Are Surging

Short-term, project-based finance roles are booming in both Sydney and Melbourne. Organisations are increasingly turning to contractors to manage critical projects such as audits, system implementations, and regulatory changes without adding to permanent headcount.

This shift not only gives businesses greater flexibility but also allows them to tap into niche expertise on demand. For candidates, it opens up exciting opportunities for variety and accelerated skill development.

5. Hybrid Work is Now the Standard

The post-pandemic world has cemented hybrid work as the new norm in Sydney and Melbourne. Candidates are prioritising roles that offer genuine flexibility — with many willing to turn down otherwise attractive offers that demand a full-time office presence.

Employers clinging to rigid, office-only models are struggling to attract and retain top-tier finance professionals, especially as regional and suburban hiring heats up.

Final Takeaway: Stay Agile to Win the Talent Race

The Accounting & Finance recruitment landscape in Sydney and Melbourne is fast-moving, technology-driven, and shaped by evolving candidate expectations. Businesses that act quickly, embrace flexibility, and invest in upskilling their teams will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in 2025.

Ready to strengthen your finance team in Sydney or Melbourne? Partner with SustainRecruit today to secure the skilled talent your business needs to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Don’t wait — the competition for top talent is only getting fiercer! Get in touch with us at hello@sustainrecruit.com.

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