Amidst global uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and transformative technologies like AI, the Australian finance, accounting and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) sectors remain stable. There is consistent demand for skilled professionals and an upward trend in wage growth. Still, moderate growth may be constrained by hiring mismatches. There is a critical need for candidates who can keep up to date with AI trends while building authentic stakeholder relationships.
Our 2025-26 Salary Guide outlines current salary data for finance, accounting and ESG roles, as well as essential insights into employment trends to help you make informed employment decisions.
Download our 2025-26 Finance, Accounting, and ESG Salary Guide today to stay ahead.
Stability and constraint in Australia’s labour market
The Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS) reports a 3.3% annual wage growth in the private sector over the past 12 months to March 2025. While the private sector remained unchanged from December 2024, the public sector’s annual rise increased from 2.9% in the December quarter of 2024 to 3.6% in March 2024.
According to Mark Thirlwell, Chief Economist at Australian Institute of Company Directors, the latest set of Labour Account numbers remain steady at 2.1%, yet elevated compared to the pre-pandemic average of 1.4%. This suggests “tight labour market conditions and the possibility of a labour market matching issue for businesses,” Mark commented.
These trends show a relatively stable labour market underpinned by consistent wage growth and low unemployment. Finding the right person for the role remains key to maintaining upward trends.
The gender pay gap
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) reports that Australia’s national gender pay gap is 11.9%, a slightly narrower gap from 2024. In November 2024, average weekly earnings for women were $1826.40 and $2072.7 for men. This equates to an annual gap of $12,807.60.
The median gender pay gap (total renumeration) has decreased slightly in both the public sector (6.4%) and the private sector (8.9%). According to WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge, these latest statistics show that “…although we are seeing positive results and progress, there’s still work to do.”
Emerging skills and market trends
Emma Walsh, Senior Manager of Accounting and Finance Recruitment (Contract and Interim) identified the following key market insights, which are shaping the finance and accounting sectors:
- Tight candidate market continues: The continuing shortage of qualified accountants, especially at the mid to senior level, is driving employers to compete for strong candidates. Major draw cards on offer include speed to hire and hybrid workplace flexibility.
- FP&A & commercial finance in high demand: To support strategic planning, there is a strong focus on FP&A, budgeting, and forecasting, with Finance Business Partner roles increasingly valued. Organisations want professionals who can influence outcomes – not just report on them.
- Leadership skills in focus: Leadership skills are in high demand. Top employers are seeking professionals with the ability to manage technical demands and drive team performance.
- Technology skills are a must: As automation reduces routine tasks, value is shifting toward analytical capability and strategic decision support. Employers increasingly expect tech-driven professionals who are proficient in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Netsuite) and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau).
- Growth in the non-profit sector: Finance functions within non-profits are maturing, creating the demand for accountants with FP&A and grant reporting experience. There is a specific need for candidates who understand government funding compliance and reporting frameworks.
- Regulatory and compliance pressures rising: Tax, audit, and treasury roles are growing as ASIC, ATO, and ESG compliance requirements become more complex. Candidates with experience in IFRS, FBT, BAS/IAS, and internal controls are highly sought after.
“There is a growing need for those who can effectively partner with the business on sustainability, performance, and strategy. They also need to demonstrate commercial agility, tech fluency, and a strong grasp of automation and business partnering.”
— Senior Manager, Accountancy and Finance Recruitment, Emma Walsh
A renewed phase of growth and transformation in ESG roles
According to Lisa Tracy, our ESG Division Manager, the ESG sector continues to evolve rapidly in 2025. It is driven by a combination of regulatory pressure, investor expectations, and internal strategic focus.
- Regulatory momentum: As mandatory climate-related reporting frameworks come into effect this year, organisations are prioritising ESG capabilities and disclosures. This has led to heightened demand for skilled ESG practitioners, particularly in reporting and impact assessment roles.
- Investment growth: “According to recent industry research, 90% of companies plan to increase their ESG investment over the next three years,” explained Lisa. Key focus areas include hiring specialist ESG talent, investing in ESG software, and enhancing internal education.
- Key development priorities: Climate change and net-zero strategy development remain top of mind, followed by governance reform and greater transparency in social impact.
- Talent challenge: With demand expected to outstrip supply in the next five years, the war for ESG staff is real — particularly in mid-to-senior leadership positions. The salary ranges for ESG professionals are reflecting this demand.
“The salary figures for this financial year signal strong ongoing demand for ESG professionals across commerce, consulting, and financial services.”
— Moir Group ESG Division Manager, Lisa Tracy
The technology transforming tomorrow
AI and Machine Learning (ML) are continuing to reshape the finance, accounting and ESG sectors. Cloud and SaaS tools are enhancing cross sector collaboration across all sectors. AI is becoming a powerful enabler in ESG reporting and operations.
Lisa reports three significant trends affecting the ESG sector:
- Improved data collection: By helping to automate and validate ESG data, AI tools are reducing manual work and increasing accuracy.
- Real-time monitoring: Businesses are leveraging AI to track carbon emissions, governance risk, and supply chain ethics in real time.
- Strategic insights: With AI analysing ESG metrics, companies are making more informed decisions aligned to long-term sustainability goals.
5 top tips for hiring the right person for the role
Aligning top staff to your business requires strategically attracting, integrating and retaining people who can help to move your company forward. Here are our 5 top tips for hiring the right person for the role:
- Ensure that your company’s purpose, long-term vision and values are clearly articulated in your recruitment strategies.
- Understand the skills, behaviours and attributes that align with your specific business needs – not just generally successful traits.
- Highlight how your business contributes to broader goals, for example, innovation, sustainability and social impact.
- Prioritise cultural fit and diversity alongside technical skills to create an enjoyable recruitment process and lead to hiring success.
- Partner with specialist recruiters who know your sector. Moir Group’s deep expertise across finance, accounting and ESG ensures a strong track record of placing high-performing professionals in key roles.
Want more insights to support smart hiring decisions? Download our 2025-26 Finance, Accounting, and ESG Salary Guide for up-to-date salary benchmarks and market trends across finance, accounting and ESG.
If you have any recruitment needs in your team on a permanent or a temporary basis we would be delighted to assist.
Moir Group is a specialist finance, accounting and ESG recruitment company. We cover temporary and permanent roles from Assistant Accountant to CFO level. We also recruit Sustainability / ESG Manager roles to Chief Sustainability Officer roles across all industry sectors.