AI & financial modelling to drive 2026 finance hiring

Financial modelling and artificial intelligence are set to dominate hiring in Australian finance and accounting teams in 2026, with new research indicating that data-focused and automation-related roles will attract the strongest demand.

Specialist recruiter Robert Half surveyed 200 finance and accounting hiring managers across Australia. The study covered small and medium-sized enterprises, large private companies, listed groups and public sector organisations.

Almost one in three finance leaders, or 30%, identified financial modelling as the area that will offer the greatest number of job opportunities at their company in 2026. A further 29% pointed to AI and automation roles. Financial reporting followed at 26%.

Other functions expected to generate significant hiring include accounting operations at 25%, taxation at 22% and budgeting at 20%. Leadership and management experience ranked at 19%, while risk and compliance roles stood at 18%.

Systems and software transformation was cited by 17% of respondents. Regulatory filings accounted for 16%. Financial planning and analysis and big data each registered 12%.

The figures suggest employers plan to recruit across both traditional finance disciplines and newer technology-driven specialisms. They also indicate continued demand for contract and permanent staff as organisations adjust finance teams to changing regulatory and digital requirements.

Robert Half's research points to rising expectations that finance professionals will combine core technical knowledge with data literacy and automation skills.

"Finance and accounting professionals who can navigate both data and automation will be in highest demand to generate data-driven insights, streamline processes, and support strategic decisions," said Lauren Haxby, Practise Director, Robert Half. "Employers are hiring for technical proficiency and adaptable professionals who can lead change and drive innovation across the business. Skills in financial reporting, budgeting, and taxation remain essential, but the growing emphasis on transformation, and AI and automation reflects a broader strategic role for finance in shaping business outcomes.

Respondents signalled that finance teams increasingly sit at the centre of business decision-making. The combination of financial modelling, automation and reporting is becoming central in areas such as forecasting, scenario planning and performance analysis.

Hiring managers in the study forecast demand for professionals who can build and interpret complex models. They also flagged a requirement for staff who can work with AI tools and automation platforms in areas such as transaction processing, reconciliations and compliance monitoring.

At the same time, the survey results show that skills in financial reporting, tax, budgeting and regulatory filings continue to underpin recruitment plans. Many organisations still face evolving reporting standards and ongoing scrutiny from regulators, which sustains demand for experienced accountants and controllers.

Risk and compliance roles also featured in hiring expectations. This reflects an environment in which companies must manage data governance, financial risk and regulatory change while implementing new technology in finance functions.

Haxby said employers now look for multi-disciplinary finance teams that can operate across both statutory and strategic work.

"The growing variety of in-demand skills shows just how complex modern finance and accounting roles have become. Employers now need agile teams that can keep pace with regulatory pressure while adapting to rapid technological change. As we move into 2026, it's clear that hiring strategies must evolve. The organisations that focus on career development, flexibility and purpose-driven work will be the ones that attract and keep the talent they need," said Haxby.

The survey forms part of a wider international workplace study on job trends, talent management and workplace change. Robert Half said finance leaders in Australia are preparing for another year of recruitment focused on both specialist technical roles and broader transformation-focused positions.