Australia continues to navigate rising inflation and interest rates, constant technology disruption and the effects of geopolitical tensions, the demand for skilled professionals across the finance, accounting and environmental, social & governance (ESG) sectors remains. Moir Group has gathered the trends we think will shape salaries and employment in the finance sector in our latest Salary Guide 2026-27.
We found that companies are more focused on finance roles that deliver clear and measurable value. They are seeking candidates who can translate complex information, provide faster forecasting and are adept at using AI.
Read our Moir Group 2026-27 Salary Guide to discover:
- Salary data across finance, accounting and ESG sectors
- Key employment trends, including wage growth
- A list of the most in-demand skills in finance
Download the Moir Group 2026-27 Salary Guide here.
Wage growth remains largely unchanged
Australia’s labour market remains tight, with more job applications per role and competition increasing compared to the post-COVID hiring surge. For roles in accounting and finance, employers are becoming more selective, prioritising a candidate’s capability, value creation and technical knowledge.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, annual wage growth was 3.3% in March 2026, largely unchanged from 3.4% in March 2025.
Private sector wages rose 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2026 compared to 3.3% during the same time last year. Meanwhile, public sector wages increased 3.3% in the year to March 2026, down from 3.6% in the same period last year.
The finance sector is witnessing the same trends in wage growth. However, there is an uplift in hiring candidates that can deliver clear commercial value for businesses. Technical capability is essential, but it is the ability to interpret, influence and simplify complexity that really stands out.
Pay transparency to address the gender pay gap
The national gender pay gap was 11.5% in February 2026 down from 11.9% in the same period last year, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.
As of November 2025, the full-time average earnings per week across all industries and occupations was $2,147.80 for men and $1,900.60 for women. It translates to women earning $247.20 less than men a week or a pay gap of $12,854.40 annually.
Pay transparency can play a major role in closing the gender pay gap in finance. When salary ranges are clear, it reduces the reliance on negotiation, something that often disadvantages women. In addition, it creates accountability for employers and gives women the information they need to benchmark their value.
In a sector like finance, where roles are clearly defined, transparency helps ensure women with strong technical and commercial skills are recognised and paid fairly.
Finance skills in demand
Organisations want finance professionals who can interpret data, influence stakeholders and provide a clear narrative behind the numbers.
The most in-demand skills in finance for 2026-27 are:
- Financial Modelling & Faster Forecasting
- AI, Automation & Data Literacy
- Technical Accounting & Reporting
- Risk, Compliance & Controls
- Communication, Clarity & Executive Presence
Companies want AI-literate finance professionals who can work confidently with AI-enabled tools, automate parts of the process and still apply strong judgement when interpreting the outputs.
For ESG professionals, there is a need for skills in integrating ESG data into core reporting cycles and aligning sustainability KPIs with key business drivers. In terms of remuneration, ESG salaries continue to reflect sustained demand, with clear variation across organisation size and role seniority, particularly at the leadership level.
Here are the top trends we have noticed across ESG sector salaries:
- Salaries scale significantly in more senior roles, where increased governance requirements and regulatory scrutiny drive higher levels of remuneration
- Smaller organisations, typically with fewer ESG roles, show more compressed salary bands
- At the mid and junior levels, ESG Analysts and Advisors are commanding higher salaries in larger organisations.
“Finance leaders who can translate data into decisions, combining strong accounting fundamentals with modelling depth, automation fluency, and clear commercial insight and clarity are the ones in highest demand,” Moir Group CEO, Emma Walsh said.
Tips for hiring the right finance candidate
In an environment of constant uncertainty and rising expectations on CFOs, the right hire is someone who can deliver both technical excellence and commercial clarity.
Here are our top 6 tips for hiring the right candidate in finance:
- Prioritise strong technical foundations
Look for depth in technical accounting, reporting, tax, FP&A and transformation. These roles remain the backbone of good decision-making. - Hire people who can operate in uncertainty
You need candidates who can reforecast quickly, model scenarios and focus on key business drivers. - Assess AI literacy, not coding
The best hires understand how to use AI-enabled tools, automate processes and still apply sound human judgement. - Look for communication and clarity skills
Boards want clarity, not just numbers. The right person can simplify complexity, explain what the data actually means and influence decisions with confidence and precision. - Value leadership and resilience
Finance teams need people who stay calm under pressure, make decisions with incomplete information and bring confidence to the organisation. - Consider long term potential and mentorship
The strongest hires are coachable, growth oriented and thrive in environments with clear development pathways and structured mentoring.
If you have any recruitment needs in your team on a permanent or 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 Financial Accountant to CFO level. We also recruit Sustainability and ESG positions across all industry sectors.
