Accounting and finance hiring in 2025 in the Gulf looks set for a strong year, with a ‘staggering’ 85% of professionals across the region planning to change organisations this year, according to the Hays GCC salary guide 2025. Job switching on this scale will add fuel to the fire of an already hotly contested market for talent in which 90% of employers in 2024 experienced skills shortages.
Driving the battle for talent are healthy macroeconomics and a strong business environment producing a flush of new businesses. ‘Demand for skilled accounting and finance professionals is expected to stay high,’ says Steffan Jones, senior manager at Hays UAE. ‘Companies with global reach, particularly in sectors like finance, energy and technology, are continuing to invest in the UAE and will drive hiring for skilled accounting and finance experts, while start-ups and SMEs typically require skilled, versatile professionals who can handle a broad range of tasks, from bookkeeping to strategic financial analysis.’
81% anticipate a salary increase – most commonly by more than 20%
Evolving tax systems are also sucking in finance expertise. ‘The UAE’s VAT and corporate tax developments are creating demand for professionals with expertise in compliance, risk management and financial reporting,’ continues Jones. ‘Economic diversification, significant infrastructure investments and growing sectors like fintech and sustainability are further driving demand. Headwinds, meanwhile, include global economic uncertainty, inflation and fluctuations in oil prices.’
Gareth El Mettouri, director for the Middle East at Robert Half, says that with ‘elections in the UK and US out of the way and inflation under control, businesses are increasingly focusing on launching new projects and expanding operations, with many of these initiatives postponed over the last year’.
High expectations
Professionals are broadly optimistic about the economy and even more positive on the salaries they can command. According to Hays, 81% of people anticipate a salary or pay rate increase this year – most commonly by more than 20%.’
Role/sector heatmap
El Mettouri is seeing demand picking up significantly in the real estate, infrastructure and energy sectors, particularly in treasury, tax and financial planning and analysis, as highlighted in the Robert Half 2025 UAE salary guide. ‘We have also seen an uptick in businesses looking to recruit candidates with investment and fundraising experience,’ he says.
Jones says there is strong demand in financial services, technology and e-commerce, and energy and sustainability. ‘Banks and fintech start-ups are seeing increased hiring for roles related to compliance, internal audit, risk management and financial analysis,’ he says. ‘Digital transformation means a need for professionals skilled in tech-focused financial management, and accounting automation and data analytics are in high demand.’
‘Hot roles include compliance officers and financial analysts’
Conversely, sectors with potentially wavering demand include traditional retail and manufacturing. Some legacy retail businesses experiencing slower growth are hiring conservatively, as are manufacturing businesses not closely linked with government initiatives.
Jones pinpoints five key roles he expects to be in demand in the UAE: ‘Compliance officers, due to regulatory changes, especially with the introduction of corporate tax; financial analysts, particularly in sectors like real estate, banking and energy, where data-driven decision-making is becoming crucial; tax experts, with the introduction of corporate tax and VAT; finance business partners providing strategic advice in companies undergoing digital transformation and seeking growth; and internal auditors, to ensure internal controls and risk management amid evolving compliance requirements.’
Skills
Ongoing digital transformation is only set to increase the need for accounting and finance professionals capable of integrating systems and getting extra value from them. ‘This technological shift may lead to increased demand for professionals skilled in data analysis, financial modelling and the use of financial software systems,’ El Mettouri says. ‘It may also result in the automation of routine tasks, potentially reducing the number of entry-level positions but increasing demand for higher-skilled roles.’
Robert Half’s UAE salary guide shows that the candidates who will most likely pique the interest of new employers are those with ERP expertise and corporate tax skills, as well as professional qualifications such as ACCA and strong bilingual skills (Arabic and English).
‘Senior candidates with local knowledge are likely to see salary increases’
Salaries
El Mettouri expects salaries at both junior and mid-level to remain flat as a large number of immediately available candidates are coming to the market. ‘An influx of talent, especially from the UK, is keeping salaries flat, and we expect this to continue throughout 2025. However, senior candidates with local knowledge are likely to be able to command enhanced remuneration packages and see salary increases across the board.’
Jones is a little more optimistic on the lower and mid-levels. ‘Salaries for junior roles are expected to see modest increases as demand for entry-level professionals in finance remains stable, with an emphasis on technical skills and compliance knowledge,’ he says. ‘Mid-level professionals should see more significant salary growth as they take on more responsibilities and strategic roles. Senior finance professionals can expect substantial salary increases, especially those with specialised skills, such as tax experts, financial controllers and so on.’
Most companies now have their workforces back in the office full time
Other benefits
It’s not all about compensation, though. El Mettouri says the focus on mental health and wellbeing is expected to remain strong or even increase. ‘This may manifest in expanded benefits like mental health days, access to counselling services, and wellness programmes aimed at promoting holistic employee health.’
Flexibility is a popular employee request, although most companies now have their workforces back in the office full time, with Fridays considered the most suitable day to accommodate extra flexibility if requested.
‘Overall, employee benefits will likely continue to reflect broader societal changes and workforce expectations,’ El Mettouri says. ‘Companies aiming to be employers of choice will need to stay responsive to these trends, balancing business needs with employee expectations.’
More information
Visit the ACCA Careers hub
Download the Hays GCC salary guide 2025 and the Robert Half 2025 UAE salary guide
