The 2026 Accountancy Talent Checklist: Salary, Culture, Flexibility and Progression Explained

What truly matters to accountancy professionals today? In 2026, building a successful career in accountancy means looking beyond job titles and salary. As the profession continues to evolve, accountants are placing greater importance on flexibility, culture and progression.

Increasingly, qualified and aspiring accountancy professionals are looking for a role that genuinely supports their development and long-term goals. With advancing technology and shifting expectations around work-life balance, choosing the right firm and career move has never been more important.

This blog explores the most important aspects to consider when assessing whether an accountancy role aligns with your goals, focusing on salary, culture, flexibility and progression.

How can you assess whether an accountancy firm is right for you?

Ways you can assess whether an accountancy firm is right for you, include:

●      Think beyond salary.

●      Prioritise flexibility and work-life balance.

●      Choose the right culture for you.

●      Don’t be afraid of technology and AI.

●      Invest in your own development.

 Think beyond salary

In a competitive job market, salary is often a major attraction. With the increasing cost of living, it can feel as though pay is the most crucial factor, but it's important to consider other factors too.

According to the What Accountancy Professionals Are Really Looking for in a Job in 2026 report, by accountancy recruitment specialists, Spencer Clarke Group, 63% of accountancy professionals surveyed believe paid time off and holiday policies are ‘very important’ when searching for a new job.

Benefits such as performance-based bonuses, comprehensive perks and holiday allowances can all contribute to overall job satisfaction and feeling valued beyond pay alone. When assessing a role or accountancy practice, you should consider the full package on offer and how it supports your wellbeing, professional performance and long-term financial security.

Beyond a fair and competitive salary, your compensation goals are crucial for overall job satisfaction and wellbeing.

Prioritise flexibility and work-life balance

Flexibility and work-life balance play a significant role in how satisfied you feel at work. For many accountancy professionals achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial and for some, it’s more important than salary and other benefits.

When looking for a job in the accountancy sector, it is important to consider whether the potential employer meets your working arrangements and is invested in your wellbeing and productivity.

Flexible hours, hybrid work and even four-day week options are increasingly important and for some accountancy professionals it can be a deciding factor. Flexibility can take many forms, from adjustable start and finish times, condensed hours or designated remote days. All of this can mean more time for personal commitments, studying, relationships, rest and encourages a better work life balance.

When assessing whether an accountancy firm is right for you, you might also consider if a firm respects boundaries outside working hours and promotes a manageable workload during peak periods.

Choose the right culture for you

Company culture can shape your experience more than any responsibilities or salary can. Culture can influence collaboration, communication and stress management, as well as how support is offered when challenges arise.

In a demanding environment like the accountancy sector, finding the right cultural match and a firm that shares your values is crucial. Whereas a positive culture values respect and clear communication, a negative culture can leave you feeling isolated or burnt out.

A positive workplace environment, inclusive values and supportive management are essential for satisfaction and retention. Before choosing a firm, you should research the company's values and determine whether they align with your own.

One accountancy professional told Spencer Clarke Group, “Company culture shows how healthy a company is. If the culture is rotten, then being an employee will only cause discomfort and upset.”

Don’t be afraid of technology and AI

In an increasingly digital profession and with Making Tax Digital set to come into effect in April 2026, technology and Artificial Intelligence are becoming an even more central part of accountancy roles.

Spencer Clarke Group found that the number of accountancy professionals concerned about the rise in technology doubled from 10% in 2024 to 20% in 2025. Despite these concerns, technology in accountancy is intended to support and enhance professional expertise, rather than replace humans entirely.

Working in environments where technology enhances rather than replaces professionals is key to successful digital transformation. Digital software, systems and automation tools can streamline processes, reduce repetitive tasks and improve accuracy, creating more time to focus on higher-value work and professional development.

Invest in your own development

The accountancy profession is built on continuous learning and it’s important that you invest in additional qualifications to enhance your knowledge. Whether you’re pursuing a promotion, certification, or expanding into advisory, tax or data analytics, growth is a central part of your career journey.

More than ever, professional growth is a central career driver and many accountancy professionals seek roles that actively support upskilling and mentoring. Being proactive about your development shows ambition and future value, which can not only help you excel in your career, but also make you a more desirable member of the team.

Many accountancy firms support you while training for qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CGMA as well as encourage the pursuit of additional qualifications and continuous professional development.

Setting yourself goals allows you to assess whether a role or a company is right for you and aligns with your future development.