Technology is no longer viewed as a competitive advantage - it is an expectation. Today's finance professionals want to work with modern AI, automation and cloud-based tools because they recognise these technologies are reshaping accounting, audit and tax. The question has shifted from whether firms should invest in technology to how effectively they can help their people use it.

Perhaps the most significant finding is that over a third of respondents want more training and support. This suggests many organisations have invested heavily in technology but not enough in developing the skills needed to unlock its full potential. The firms gaining the greatest return on investment are those that put equal emphasis on people as they do on platforms.

The message for employers is straightforward. Candidates increasingly want to join businesses that embrace innovation rather than resist it. Those that combine cutting-edge technology with structured training and continuous development will be better placed to attract ambitious professionals and remain competitive in an increasingly digital UK market.