Finance jobs in demand: Key skills and salary trends

Curious to know what finance jobs pay in 2025? If you’re an industry professional, a hiring manager, or business owner, knowing the answer is key to building a successful job or candidate search this year.

Beyond number crunching, finance professionals are pivotal in building financial stability and growth. Demand for finance professionals will increase over the next 12 months as organizations aim to close the accountant shortage, abide by changing regulations, and maximize their profitability.

For more information on the accounting and finance job market and hiring trends, read this article.

We sat with our expert finance recruiters who know the ins and outs of the industry to find out what finance jobs are on the rise and how much they earn. Keep reading for the insights.

How are salaries determined?

We calculated the figures below using data from the thousands of finance roles we’ve filled over the last three years. At Michael Page, we work closely with VPs and CEOs to fill their finance vacancies, giving us an in-depth look at the latest salary and market trends across the U.S.

The following rates may vary depending on location, years of experience, organization type, and other market factors. For a more detailed look at salary benchmarks and industry insights, download our 2025 Salary Guides. In it, you’ll find the information you need to fuel your career or hiring strategies this year.

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Finance jobs on the rise in 2025

1. Staff Accountant

Key skills: Financial reporting, accounting software (ERP), budgeting, forecasting, knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) analytical skills, communication, attention to detail.

Why it’s in demand: Accountants are the backbone of any finance department, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial reporting—a must for every business. Strong candidates will have a solid background in preparing financial statements, managing billing procedures, and forecasting costs and revenues. They should also have experience collaborating with internal departments and external vendors.

Salary range: $70,000 - $90,000

2. Accounting Manager

Key skills: Financial planning and analysis (FP&A), leadership, communication, problem solving, time management, attention to detail.

Why it’s in demand: As the industry changes, staff accountants will need guidance to ensure maximum accuracy and productivity. That’s where accounting managers come in. In addition to exceptional accounting skills, top candidates will have experience delegating tasks, overseeing operations, and enforcing financial best practices within their department.

Salary range: $110,000 - $180,000

3. Controller

Key skills: FP&A, auditing, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), experience with ERP systems, leadership.

Why it’s in demand: Businesses are facing more complex operations and evolving regulations, making financial controllers an asset to organizations. Top professionals will have a strong record of delivering short-term performance and long-term value to company growth. They will also remain adaptable in the face of advancing technology, most notably AI.

Salary range: $130,000 - $400,000

4. Financial Analyst

Key skills: FP&A, data visualization (Tableau, Power BI), budgeting, forecasting, financial software (Excel, SAP, SQL, Oracle), communication skills, strategic thinking, presenting. 

Why it’s in demand: Financial analysts are key to organizations’ ability to maximize their returns on their investments, identifying areas for growth and improvement. Strong contenders for your open role will have experience preparing profit and loss models and communicating findings to stakeholders.

Salary range: $75,000 - $130,000

5. Auditor

Key skills: Audit procedures and reports, GAAP, data analysis, SOX compliance, risk management, leadership, communication.

Why it’s in demand: When it comes to a company’s financial integrity, the more accurate and transparent, the better, making auditors an integral part of the team.

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting thorough reviews of internal controls and providing solutions to address risks. They should also clearly communicate their findings to teams and stakeholders.

Salary range: $65,000 - $85,000

6. Tax Manager

Key skills: Tax software, FP&A, risk management (SOX), project management, compliance of tax laws and regulations, leadership, communication skills, attention to detail. 

Why it’s in demand: Tax managers are critical to organizations’ and individuals’ financial health. In addition to preparing income tax returns and financial statements, successful applicants will have experience training and supervising tax professionals. They are also well-versed in local and national tax laws, policies, and procedures.

Salary range: $110,000 - $170,000

What’s next? If you’re a hiring manager or employer looking for qualified finance applicants, upload a job description to start connecting with top talent. We utilize our extensive candidate database and market knowledge to find the right fit for you.

And if you’re a job seeker, we partner with top U.S. organizations to fill their vacancies with professionals like you. Browse our live roles or submit your resume to get notified of new roles suited to you.

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