If you've hired finance talent recently, you've probably noticed that salary conversations are happening much earlier in the recruitment process than they used to.
Candidates are arriving at interviews with a clearer understanding of their market value, while employers are working hard to balance competitive packages with increasing costs. The result is a market where both sides are looking for the same thing: reliable information.
That's exactly why we've launched our 2026/27 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide.
Produced in partnership with Chilworth Partnership, the guide combines salary benchmarking, market insight and feedback from professionals working across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Sussex and London. Now in its 11th year, it has become a trusted resource for businesses planning their next hire and professionals considering their next career move.
A market that isn't standing still
The results from our survey showed that 30% of finance and accounting professionals would consider leaving their current role based on salary alone. That figure should give employers pause for thought.
Replacing experienced finance professionals is rarely quick or inexpensive. Aside from recruitment costs, there is often a loss of knowledge, disruption to the wider team and additional pressure on colleagues while a vacancy remains open.
The finding also reflects what we're seeing across the wider market. Salary continues to be one of the main factors influencing career decisions, with many professionals keeping a close eye on opportunities even when they're not actively searching for a new role.
For candidates, the statistic may simply confirm a feeling they've had for some time. As responsibilities increase and expectations grow, it's natural to question whether your salary still reflects the value you bring to your organisation.
Why employers are turning to salary benchmarking
A common challenge for hiring managers is that market expectations can move surprisingly quickly. A salary that felt competitive 12 months ago may no longer attract the same calibre of candidate today. Businesses can find themselves investing weeks into a recruitment process, only to discover that their preferred candidate has accepted another offer or that the salary band they're working to no longer reflects the market.
The guide helps employers benchmark salaries across a wide range of finance and accounting positions, from transactional roles through to Finance Directors, CFOs and executive appointments.
Alongside salary data, we've included insights into pensions, benefits and flexible working arrangements. Those factors are playing an increasingly important role in recruitment decisions, particularly in a market where attracting and retaining skilled professionals remains a challenge. Recent findings from the CIPD Labour Market Outlook continue to highlight the difficulties many employers face when recruiting experienced talent.
Why finance professionals are downloading the guide
Not everyone who downloads a salary guide is planning to resign next week, some people are preparing for a salary review. Others are curious about opportunities in the market or want to understand how their package compares with similar roles elsewhere. For many, it's simply about making informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions.
Having access to regional salary data provides a useful benchmark and can help remove some of the uncertainty around career planning.
Salary is only one part of the picture, of course. Working patterns have changed significantly over the last few years and flexibility remains an important consideration for many professionals with hybrid working continuing to be firmly established across many professional sectors, making it an important factor when comparing opportunities.
What's included in the 2026/27 Salary Guide?
The guide covers far more than basic salary ranges.
Inside, you'll find:
Salary bandings across finance and accounting roles at all levels
Comparisons between permanent and temporary positions
Insights into hiring and workplace trends
Benefits and pension benchmarking
Flexible and hybrid working expectations
Commentary from recruitment specialists working across the South Coast market
Together, these insights provide a clearer picture of what employers are offering and what finance professionals are looking for in 2026.
Why regional data matters
The salary expectations of a Financial Controller in Southampton are not necessarily the same as those of someone working in Central London. Talent availability, competition between employers and local economic conditions all play a role in shaping salaries across the region.
That's why we've continued to focus on Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Sussex and London. Employers and candidates benefit most from data that reflects the market they actually operate in rather than broad national averages.
Download your free copy
Whether you're planning your next hire or thinking about your next career move, having access to accurate salary information puts you in a stronger position to make informed decisions.
Download the free 2026/27 Finance and Accounting Salary Guide to explore the latest salary benchmarks, hiring trends and workplace insights across the South Coast and beyond.
For employers, it's an opportunity to sense-check your salary packages before launching a recruitment campaign.
For finance and accounting professionals, it's a chance to understand how your current remuneration compares with the wider market.
If you'd like to discuss hiring plans, salary benchmarking or your next career move, our team is always happy to have a confidential conversation.