The most important accounting & finance skills for 2025

As we noted when we discussed the evolving role of accountants in Australia, the finance profession is changing at a rapid pace due to evolving regulatory requirements, new reporting standards and the presence of advanced new technology in the market.  

Accountants who want to stay relevant, or get ahead, must be prepared to adapt. 

In that light, what are Australian employers actually looking for in 2025? What are the core skills which will set the best accountants apart from everyone else? 

Let’s take a look. 

 

Top 6 in-demand skills for Australian accounting & finance pros 2025

The top skills to focus on as an accountant or other finance professional in Australia come straight from CPA Australia. In an online update, the organisation outlined the top skills it felt are required for success this year, including: 

1. ESG 
2. Data storytelling 
3. Technology literacy 
4. Critical thinking and problem solving 
5. AI 
6. Ethics 

Let’s take a look at those in more detail, and add a few more to consider afterwards: 

1. Environment, Sustainability & Governance (ESG)

Climate-related financial disclosures represent a huge opportunity for Australian finance professionals – with new reporting standards starting this year (and more organisations to be swept up in the changes from 2026), there is enormous demand for sustainable finance skills. 

Expect strong regulatory knowledge, data analysis and financial reporting to be highly desirable skills in 2025. 

2. Data storytelling

Data is everything to modern businesses. The ability to collect vast quantities of information, process it, analyse it and report on it is increasingly crucial to success in the Australian (and especially international) market. 

But creating charts in a spreadsheet is one thing – telling stories with data is the real skill. Key to getting the most out of data is identifying patterns and learning to visualise them in a way that is useful to other, less data-literate members of the team. These should be key focus areas. 

3. Technology literacy

Accounting and finance are increasingly digital, and Australian professionals must get comfortable with an array of web-based, mobile and enterprise-level software to remain relevant. 

Learning the basics of contemporary cloud accounting tools is a great start, like Xero, QuickBooks or MYOB, because most SMEs use these. Then there are the major ERP providers – Sage, Oracle NetSuite and SAP – which are more common at the enterprise and corporate level. 

Key skills in general to think about include: 

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning (see below) 
• Automation 
• Big data 
• Cloud 
• Cybersecurity (more on this below too) 

Note: This isn’t a can to kick down the road. The World Economic Forum (WEF) expects 39% of the average modern worker’s existing skill set to be transformed or become outdated between now and 2030. Getting in first means winning the best roles before everyone else has caught up. 

4. Critical thinking and problem solving

It may come as no surprise that critical thinking and problem solving are growing in importance, given the expanded function that accountants are expected to take within Australian organisations. As the shift moves away from traditional back-office work, accountants must expand their abilities to interpret issues, forecast trends and come up with solutions at a more strategic level. 

Actively seeking out broader work, including guiding strategy meetings or getting involved in key business projects, should create some great case studies for your CV. 

5. Artificial intelligence

AI is transforming business and there’s no stopping that. Indeed, the above-linked WEF report also noted that AI is top of the list for fastest-growing skills in the world. Additionally, its survey found that half of employers plan to reorient their business in response to AI, and two-thirds plan to hire talent with specific AI skills. 

But, AI is still very much on the ground floor in terms of where it is expected to go next. Developing a sound understanding of contemporary AI platforms and how they play a role in finance now, and staying clued in on developing tech trends through 2025, could ensure that you present the skills that employers want as these changes get underway. 

6. Ethics

What it means to be ‘ethical’ in finance is changing, expanding – a sentiment that CPA Australia’s Chief Learning and Innovation Officer, Dr Asheley Jones, highlighted in the above-linked article. 

“Understanding the responsible use of AI, including the importance of transparency, ensuring fairness, respecting privacy and enabling trust, will set the best accounting professionals apart from the pack,” she said. 

Ethical business practices (particularly to do with personal data and AI) are chief concerns of customers and investors. Developing an understanding of these practices and demonstrating their effect on your day-to-day activities could go far to helping you talk to your strong ethics during a job interview. 

 

Additional skills to consider developing this year

In light of the changing role of accountants in Australia – and the increasing focus on being strategy partners, business leaders and ethical champions – these are three additional skills we would add to CPA’s list: 

1. Business strategy: Learn what creates success in business – understanding customers and their needs, studying UX and CX – so that you can improve your advice to other leaders. 
2. Leadership: Accountants rarely work in a vacuum, especially these days. Focus on building stronger management and teamwork skills to ensure you can integrate into any environment, and lead the charge. Remember, leadership (i.e. HR-related skills) can be very different to finance, and they do take time to learn. 
3. Cybersecurity: No one expects their accountant to protect the business from cyberattacks, but given the number of digital tools involved in finance it’s not a bad idea to ensure you’re well versed in your own responsibilities, and those of your team. 

 

9 recommended soft skills for accounting & finance pros

Combining advice from the World Economic Forum, CPA Australia and our own in-house accounting and finance recruitment experts, these are the top soft skills we see playing a big role this year: 

1. Analytical thinking (which is actually the most sought-after core skill among employers, says the WEF) 
2. Strategic thinking 
3. Communication 
4. Adaptability 
5. Resilience 
6. Flexibility 
7. Emotional intelligence 
8. Social influence 
9. Curiosity and lifelong learning 

When hunting for a new finance position this year, consider how you might be able to talk to some of these points in your job interview, bringing real-world examples from your past work (or looking to create new examples if you don’t have any just yet). 

Then, when you’re ready for your next role, we’re here for you. We know what it takes to be successful in accounting and finance, and our specialist recruiters can help you prepare your CV, find right-fit roles that will push your career forwards and help you through the entire hiring process. Learn how we help top talent here, or get in touch with us directly to start your journey.