By Caroline Furness, published 12 November 2025 

With the Chancellor set to deliver the Autumn Budget later this month, anticipation is building across the UK accounting sector. From expected tax reforms to changes in audit standards and business investment incentives, this year’s Budget could have a significant impact on both employers and finance professionals alike.

At Sheridan Maine, we specialise in recruitment across accounting, audit, and tax, supporting both firms and commercial organisations in securing top talent. This article focuses on the UK market, providing insight into how the Autumn Budget may shape recruitment trends across these specialist areas.

Christian Furness, Operational Director at Sheridan Maine, comments: 

"With Rachel Reeves preparing her latest Budget, I’m anticipating significant movement across the tax and compliance landscape. Changes to corporate and personal taxation, along with greater clarity around partnership and LLP regulation, are likely to drive strong demand for tax professionals with deep technical and advisory expertise. I also expect evolving audit and reporting standards to keep financial control, transparency, and governance front and centre for every business."

A Shifting Economic Landscape

Early commentary suggests that businesses are preparing for a more cautious fiscal environment. Reports indicate that rising tax burdens and increased compliance demands may prompt many UK organisations to rethink their growth and hiring strategies.

However, with change also comes opportunity. As new legislation reshapes how companies manage tax, reporting, and compliance, demand often increases for technically skilled accounting, audit, and tax professionals who can help organisations navigate these adjustments effectively.

The Implications for Accounting and Tax Practices

For accountancy firms, the Budget could influence several key areas:

• Tax and compliance reform - Adjustments to corporate and personal taxation could increase demand for tax professionals with advisory and structuring expertise.
• Partnership and LLP regulation - Any further clarification or tightening of partnership tax rules may create a need for accountants with detailed technical knowledge of these structures.
• Audit and reporting standards - As businesses adapt to evolving regulations, robust financial controls, transparency, and accurate reporting will remain essential.

Periods of policy change like this often drive recruitment activity, particularly for firms seeking to strengthen their technical and advisory capabilities.

Impact on In-House Finance Teams 

Within commerce and industry, finance leaders may face increased scrutiny on cost management, forecasting, and tax efficiency. Many organisations will seek experienced Finance Managers, Financial Controllers, and FP&A professionals to help manage these challenges and maintain financial resilience.

We also expect to see heightened demand for interim and contract specialists, particularly as businesses implement new systems or compliance frameworks in response to Budget measures.

Our View

At Sheridan Maine, we believe this period presents both challenge and opportunity.

• For our clients, the focus will be on securing the right people - those who can interpret policy change, manage risk, and drive financial stability.
• For our candidates, it’s an opportune time to position yourself for career progression, particularly if you hold strong technical knowledge in accounting, tax, or audit.

As the UK Budget approaches, we’ll continue to monitor developments closely and share insights on how they may affect recruitment trends across the accounting, audit, and tax sectors.