Top seven accounting and finance skills employers are looking for in 2026

The world today runs on a large amount of data collected from a variety of sources. Accountants and finance professionals are expected to extract insights from complex datasets to guide business decisions. It is no longer just about crunching numbers but interpreting them to tell a story. 

UK employers are prioritising candidates who have experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI and SQL to support budgeting, forecasting and performance evaluation. Financial analytics is a growing field, especially in London’s financial technology (fintech) and investment sectors. 

At GBS, our accounting and finance course integrates real-world case studies and digital tools into its curriculum. You will gain hands-on experience using data analysis techniques to solve practical financial problems. 

2. Financial reporting and statement analysis 

Understanding and preparing financial statements is a core part of any accounting role. This skill ensures transparency and supports strategic planning in detecting discrepancies. 

In the post-Brexit regulatory landscape, UK businesses must comply with both local and international standards, such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This makes accurate financial reporting a high-demand skill across sectors. 

Through modules focused on financial accounting and corporate reporting, GBS students learn how to analyse balance sheets, income statements and cash flow reports - skills that are essential in roles in audit, compliance and managerial finance. 

3. Business acumen and commercial awareness 

Traditional accountants were only tasked with everyday bookkeeping. Today, employers worldwide seek finance professionals with a more inclusive role when it comes to business. They want someone who understands the broader business landscape and how financial decisions affect profitability, growth and strategy. 

With inflation, market volatility and supply chain disruptions, finance professionals in the UK are increasingly expected to interpret global trends and assess their impact on business operations. 

Modules like 'business environment' and 'strategic financial management' at GBS help students connect financial theories to real-world business scenarios, developing commercially aware decision-makers. 

4. Risk management and compliance 

Finance professionals in the modern, technologically driven world are expected to identify, assess and mitigate risks, while ensuring the company complies with evolving regulations. These risks can range from cybersecurity threats to financial misstatements. 

With tighter financial regulations and a growing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) compliance, UK employers are placing greater value on professionals skilled in risk and regulatory management. 

GBS's accounting and finance curriculum includes topics on financial ethics, governance and risk control. This will prepare students for roles in internal audit, compliance and corporate finance. 

5. Strategic thinking and decision-making 

Finance professionals today need to look beyond reporting numbers. Employers look for knowledgeable personnel who can advise on decisions that drive growth, reduce costs or at the very least improve day-to-day operations. 

In both the private and public sectors, strategic financial planning is key to navigating challenges such as funding cuts, interest rate fluctuations and digital transformation. 

The GBS undergraduate degree in accounting and financial management encourages critical thinking through modules on strategic financial planning, scenario analysis and business simulations. Information technology (IT) equips students to make informed, high-stakes decisions. 

6. Ethical awareness and integrity 

In finance, a lapse in ethics can result in legal issues, reputational damage and public distrust. Employers expect graduates to act with integrity and uphold professional standards. 

Following high-profile corporate scandals, the UK has strengthened its regulations around corporate governance and ethical conduct. Employers increasingly screen for candidates with strong ethical principles. 

Ethics and professionalism are embedded in the GBS curriculum. You will learn how to apply ethical principles to financial decision-making, supported by case studies and practical exercises. 

7. Adaptability and technological expertise 

The accounting and finance industry is evolving rapidly with artificial intelligence (AI), automation and cloud technologies reshaping workflows. Being adaptable and digitally literate is now essential and something employers actively search for in their future recruits. 

In the UK, the government’s Making Tax Digital initiative is one example of how financial processes are moving online. Professionals who work with emerging tools are in high demand. 

GBS ensures students are future-ready by integrating digital finance tools, introducing AI trends in accounting and teaching students how to adapt to evolving technologies. 

The finance profession is becoming increasingly dynamic, digital and data driven. Whether you want to work in banking, auditing or corporate finance, these key accounting and finance skills will help you stay ahead in 2026 and far beyond. 

By enrolling in a career-focused degree like the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management at GBS, you will not only gain academic knowledge but also develop the key skills for finance professionals valued by top employers across the UK.