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.

May 6, 2025
Celebrating Ella Morgan’s Promotion to Senior Recruitment Consultant
May 5, 2025
Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Financial Services Talent in Sydney and Melbourne
May 2, 2025
Australia’s digital talent market is moving at lightning speed. Companies across all sectors are investing heavily in digital transformation, and recruitment trends are shifting fast to keep pace. 1. Demand for Growth Specialists Brands want more than visibility — they want measurable growth. Digital marketers skilled in performance marketing, SEO, CRM management, and conversion optimisation are in high demand. 2. AI and Automation Changing Job Specs Automation is streamlining tasks like media buying and campaign reporting. As a result, employers are focusing on strategic thinkers who can design customer journeys, not just manage ads. 3. UX and CX Take Centre Stage User experience (UX) and customer experience (CX) roles are booming. With competition fierce across ecommerce, finance, and healthcare, companies know a seamless digital experience drives loyalty — and revenue. 4. Remote-First is the New Norm Hybrid or fully remote digital roles are now standard. Candidates expect it, and companies offering flexible setups are scooping up better talent. 5. Freelance and Project Work Growing Freelancers are playing a bigger role, especially in content creation, website builds, and paid media projects. Agile businesses are building flexible digital teams for speed and scale. Bottom Line Digital recruitment in Australia is no longer about ticking technical boxes. It's about finding adaptable, data-driven specialists who can deliver business outcomes fast. Want help finding top digital talent or your next digital role? Reach out to our team at hello@sustainrecruit.com. W e’re here to connect you.
May 2, 2025
Celebrating Leadership and Excellence:  Morgan Fletcher’s Journey at SustainRecruit
By Shazamme System User May 1, 2025
Twelve months ago, SustainRecruit expanded into Melbourne with a clear purpose: to bring values-led, high-impact recruitment to a new market. At the helm was Melanie Munro, our State Director—bringing over 22 years of experience and a decade-long connection to the Melbourne business community. Melanie led the Melbourne office launch from the ground up, with key support from Hena Ahitian—who relocated from our Sydney team to help establish and grow the team. In just 12 months, SustainRecruit Melbourne has: Consistently outperformed budget expectations Met with over 250 hiring managers Connected with more than 300 candidates Built a high-performing team aligned to our values Established trusted partnerships across financial services, tech, digital, and accounting & finance With deep sector knowledge, Melanie and the team have played a key role in supporting superannuation and insurance businesses—particularly across risk and compliance, member services, and operations—disciplines where their insights and track record truly stand out. Melanie’s reputation for excellence is backed not just by results, but by the voices of those she’s worked with. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for both clients and candidates, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every placement is not only successful—but meaningful. With a 99% satisfaction rating, more than 5,000 LinkedIn connections, and a growing team delivering real impact, Melanie has firmly positioned SustainRecruit Melbourne as a trusted partner in a competitive market. Her passion for equitable workplaces, advocacy for women in leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating positive outcomes continue to shape the way we do recruitment. Congratulations to Melanie, Hena and the SustainRecruit Melbourne team on an extraordinary first year. The foundation is set, the momentum is real—and year two is already shaping up to be even bigger.
April 2, 2025
Hiring the right marketing professionals is crucial for any business. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a skilled marketing team can make the difference between success and obscurity. But with fierce competition for top talent, finding the right fit can be challenging. This guide outlines why hiring the right marketing professionals is so important, the challenges businesses face and how a marketing recruitment agency can simplify the process. Why Hiring the Right Marketing Talent Matters Marketing is the backbone of any successful business. Without a strong marketing team, even the best products can go unnoticed. Here’s why hiring top talent is essential: Brand Awareness & Growth – The right marketers help your business stand out and attract customers. Increased ROI – Effective marketing drives higher conversions and revenue. Competitive Advantage – Innovative marketing can give you the edge in a crowded market. Customer Engagement – Great marketers build trust and lasting relationships with your audience. The Challenges of Hiring Marketing Professionals Recruiting top marketing professionals is not as simple as posting a job ad. Here are some common challenges: Skill Gaps – Marketing is always evolving. Finding candidates with up-to-date skills in SEO, PPC, content marketing and social media can be tough. High Competition – The best marketers are in high demand, making it difficult to attract and retain them. Culture Fit – A candidate might have the right skills but may not align with your company culture. Evolving Trends – With marketing trends shifting quickly, hiring someone who understands data-driven strategies is crucial. How a Marketing Recruitment Agency Can Help Working with a marketing recruitment agency can take the stress out of hiring. Here’s how: Access to Top Talent – Recruitment agencies have a network of highly skilled marketing professionals ready for placement. Faster Hiring Process – Agencies streamline the recruitment process, so you can fill roles quickly. Specialised Industry Knowledge – Agencies understand what makes a great marketer and can identify the right skills and experience. Customised Recruitment Strategies – Whether you need a content strategist, social media manager or PPC expert, agencies tailor searches to your needs. If you’re looking to hire marketing professionals who can drive results, working with a marketing staffing agency is a smart move. Ready to find your next marketing star? Contact Alex Cytowska , our Senior Marketing Consultant, to learn how we can help you hire top marketing talent that will drive your business forward.
April 2, 2025
Success in today’s digital landscape depends on having the right marketing talent. However, hiring skilled digital marketers—whether an SEO specialist, PPC expert, or content strategist—isn’t easy. With rapid changes in digital trends, businesses often struggle to find professionals with the right expertise. This is where a digital marketing recruitment agency becomes invaluable. The Growing Demand for Digital Marketing Professionals Businesses are prioritising digital hiring due to: Increased Online Competition – Standing out online requires expert marketing strategies. Data-Driven Decision-Making – Marketers use analytics to optimise campaigns for better ROI. Multi-Channel Marketing Needs – Companies need specialists across SEO, PPC, social media and email marketing. Rapid Industry Changes – AI-driven marketing, voice search and automation require continuous adaptation. Finding the right digital marketing talent is crucial but often challenging. Challenges of Hiring Digital Marketing Talent Hiring digital marketing talent comes with several challenges. The field spans SEO, PPC, content marketing, social media and analytics, but few candidates possess expertise across all areas. High competition makes recruitment even harder, as top marketers are often already employed or working as freelancers. Additionally, the rapid evolution of digital tools, from Google algorithm updates to AI-driven marketing, requires professionals to stay constantly updated. Many hiring managers also struggle to assess the technical skills needed for specialised roles, leading to mismatched hires. A digital marketing recruitment agency helps businesses navigate these challenges by connecting them with the right talent efficiently. How a Digital Marketing Recruitment Agency Helps A recruitment agency simplifies hiring by: Providing Access to Pre-Vetted Candidates – Agencies have a network of skilled marketers ready for placement. Reducing Hiring Timelines – Recruiters quickly match businesses with qualified professionals. Finding Specialists – Whether SEO experts, PPC specialists, or content marketers, agencies identify the right talent. Offering Flexible Hiring Solutions – Full-time, freelance, or contract hires based on business needs. Ensuring Cultural Fit – Agencies assess both technical expertise and alignment with company values. By partnering with a recruitment agency, businesses can streamline hiring and secure top marketing talent with minimal effort. Key Digital Marketing Roles Agencies Help Fill SEO Specialists Optimise websites for higher search rankings. Conduct keyword research and SEO audits. Stay updated on Google algorithm changes. PPC Specialists Manage Google Ads, Facebook Ads and LinkedIn Ads. Optimise campaigns for conversions and lower costs. Analyse performance metrics to improve targeting. Social Media Marketers Develop and execute social media campaigns. Engage audiences across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Use data analytics to optimise content and ads. Content Marketers Create SEO-driven content to attract and convert customers. Develop content strategies based on search trends. Write blogs, landing pages and email marketing content. Digital Marketing Managers Oversee multi-channel digital marketing campaigns. Lead SEO, PPC, content and social media teams. Align marketing efforts with overall business goals. Hiring top digital marketers is crucial for business growth, yet finding the right talent can be a challenge. Partnering with a specialised digital marketing recruitment agency simplifies the hiring process, quickly connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals. Whether you're looking for an SEO expert, PPC specialist, or a marketing leader, an experienced agency ensures you secure the best candidates for sustained success. To build a high-performing digital marketing team, trust a specialised recruitment agency that streamlines the hiring process and delivers top industry talent. Contact Alex Cytowska, SustainRecruit's Senior Marketing Consultant, today at alex@sustainrecruit.com to find your next digital marketing expert.
A modern office with a black and white marble wall and a desk with a computer on it.
April 2, 2025
Discover how to recruit top C-level marketing leaders, including CMOs, VPs of Marketing, and Marketing Directors. Learn the challenges of executive marketing search and how a specialised recruitment agency can help you hire the right leader to drive business growth.
April 1, 2025
Discover the top hiring challenges in Australia's marketing industry in 2025. Learn how to attract, retain, and upskill top marketing talent in a competitive market.
The future of performance and growth marketing trends to watch in 2025
March 31, 2025
Stay ahead in 2025 with key Performance & Growth Marketing trends, including AI automation, first-party data, short-form video, and AI-driven SEO.
More Posts