Strategic Finance Roles on the Rise in Manchester Post-NI Changes, Says SF Recruitment

Manchester, UK – Since the National Insurance employer contribution changes came into effect in April 2025, the finance hiring market has experienced a notable shift. According to SF Recruitment’s Divisional Director James Maude, based in the company’s Manchester office, it’s not just about an increase in roles—it’s about the evolution of those roles.

Demand Grows for Strategic Finance Talent

“There’s a clear trend emerging: businesses are prioritising finance professionals who drive value, not just report on it,” said Maude. The most in-demand roles include:

• Finance Business Partners
• FP&A Specialists
• Commercially Focused Management Accountants

“These roles are no longer just about producing numbers. They sit at the centre of strategic decision-making—modelling scenarios, influencing outcomes, and identifying ways to improve margins,” Maude added. 

A Market Shift Driven by Pressure—and Opportunity

While the reduction in employer NI contributions has created some budget breathing room, James notes that this has simply accelerated change that was already underway. “Finance teams have been stretched for some time. The appetite for deeper commercial insight and robust forecasting has been growing. We’re now seeing that become a hiring priority across sectors—particularly in tech, manufacturing, services, and retail here in Manchester.”

A Candidate Market Rich with Opportunity

For qualified finance professionals (ACCA, CIMA, ACA), the current market presents strong opportunities. “Employers are looking for more than just technical ability,” said Maude. “They want individuals who understand business drivers, who can lead change, and who bring cross-functional insight.”

Salaries remain competitive, particularly for those able to demonstrate tangible commercial impact, whether in cost savings, revenue growth, or margin improvement.

Looking Ahead: Hiring for Impact

According to SF Recruitment, finance hiring is becoming more strategic than ever. “We often talk about matching skills to roles,” Maude said. “But what I’m seeing now is a shift toward hiring for impact. It’s a more thoughtful, business-focused approach to building finance teams and it’s changing the shape of the market.”

About SF Recruitment
SF Recruitment has been a cornerstone of the UK’s recruitment landscape for over 25 years. With offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, and London, SF connects top talent with ambitious businesses across Finance & Accountancy, Technology, Engineering, Executive, and Professional Services. Known for its people-first approach and award-winning service, SF Recruitment was recently named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 and won Recruitment Agency of the Year (100+ employees) at the 2024 Recruiter Awards.

Media Contact:
Fiona Frudd
Head of Marketing
SF Recruitment
[email protected]