Gone are the days when salary was the only thing candidates are looking for during their job search. In 2025, candidates are thinking far beyond the pay check. As recruiters, we’re seeing this shift firsthand.
Today’s finance and accountancy professionals place increasing value on flexibility, purpose, and personal development. And if you’re hiring talent this year, understanding what matters most to your ideal candidates could be the difference between attracting top-tier professionals or losing them to your competitors.
Here’s what candidates are really prioritising in 2025, and how a recruitment partner can help you meet those expectations.
Flexible working that’s actually flexible
The hybrid model is no longer a “perk”; it’s the baseline. But beyond a set number of remote days, candidates want genuine flexibility that understands life happens. They want autonomy over their schedules, trust from leadership, and support to balance work and life, which is unpredictable.
How we help: We gather this intel upfront. We speak to candidates about the type of flexibility that works best for them and match them with roles where the culture supports it. We also connect roles with the candidates whose priorities are the same work model as the business, saving you from wasted interviews and mismatched expectations.
A clear path for growth
Ambition is alive and well, but it’s not just about the number on a pay slip. Finance professionals want to know if the role they are moving into has the potential to take them somewhere. Whether it’s study support, internal mobility, or exposure to strategic projects they’d otherwise struggle to find, growth matters.
Our edge: At iMultiply, we don’t just post job specs and hope for the best. We ask employers detailed questions about progression, team structure, and mentorship, so we can speak to candidates about the bigger picture and connect you with people who are invested in long-term impact. Businesses get the kind of talent that is going to drive growth in their organisation, and candidates get the kind of support they need to reach their goals.
Values and culture fit
Candidates want to work for companies that reflect their values, be it around sustainability, diversity, inclusion, or simply the leadership style they interact with. Culture has become a key filter, even at the early stages of a hiring process, especially for top performers.
What we do differently: iMultiply has always been value-led. We spend time getting to know both sides. We dig into your team’s culture and working style, and we get to know what makes our candidates tick. It’s this personal touch that leads to better retention, and one that you can trust comes from the fact that, for us, culture is king. Read about why here.
Work that has meaning
More finance professionals, especially those from the younger generations, are asking: ‘Does this job matter?’ before they make career choices. They’re looking for roles where they feel they’re making a difference and having an impact, whether that’s helping a business grow sustainably or supporting social causes through their work or being the kind of professional that helps others on their journey.
Our insight: We help you understand your roles to highlight the impact behind the numbers, and we know how to position your opportunity in a way that resonates with the top talent out there, looking for more than just the facts about a job.
This piece by the world economic forum gives great insight into what young professionals mean when they say they want impact.
Transparency at every step
What candidates are looking for is honest, timely communication throughout the process. They want to know where they stand, what the salary band is, what the interview process looks like. And they want this clarity from day one. The job market is tough to navigate for many candidates, so being upfront and transparent immediately helps you stand out.
How we support you: We act as a transparent bridge between candidate and employer. We manage expectations on both sides, communicate openly, and ensure everyone feels respected and informed throughout. It’s one of our values – integrity!
Final thoughts
In 2025, finance candidates are making career decisions with more information and higher expectations than ever. Businesses are looking for the very best inside it all. If you’re hiring, that can feel like a challenge, but it’s also a huge opportunity to stand out.
As specialist finance recruiters, we know what candidates are looking for and how to speak their language. We don’t just fill jobs. We build trusted relationships, ask the right questions, and help you present your roles in a way that attracts the right people for the long term.
If you’re looking to hire exceptional finance talent or want help understanding what top candidates are really looking for, get in touch. We’d love to help.
