Finance and accounting salaries and hiring trends

2026 Salary Guide

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Finance functions have moved beyond traditional accounting to become central to business strategy. With digital transformation accelerating, finance teams now drive cost control, compliance, restructuring, capital optimisation, and risk management. Organisations increasingly rely on finance for real-time insights and scenario analysis to support growth and resilience, making finance not just a support function but a key source of competitive advantage.

Technology is transforming finance and accounting. Artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics are widely applied in forecasting, cash management, and performance analysis, building a new way for people and technology to work together. This integration improves speed, accuracy, and decision-making. Digital capability is now essential for agility and competitiveness, placing finance teams at the forefront of strategic transformation.

The preferred talent profile is shifting as employers seek professionals who blend technical expertise with data analysis, risk awareness and digital fluency. Adaptability, collaboration and change leadership now matter as much as technical skill, prompting greater use of behavioural interviews and skills assessments.

Organisations are rethinking how they attract and develop finance talent, adopting flexible models and diverse sources while investing in training and upskilling. The goal is to build agile, innovative teams that keep finance driving growth and transformation.

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View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, company size and demand for the role.

Accounting

Compliance/Internal Audit/Internal Control

Costing

Credit Control

Financial Management

Financial Planning & Analysis

Finance Business Partnering

Reporting

Tax

Treasury

Mergers & Acquisitions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Senior Accountant - S/M

149000

201000

263000

Senior Accountant - L

167000

247000

352000

AP Supervisor - S/M

149000

201000

263000

AP Supervisor - L

167000

247000

352000

AR Supervisor - S/M

149000

201000

263000

AR Supervisor - L

167000

247000

352000

General Ledger Accountant - S/M

134000

167000

219000

General Ledger Accountant - L

201000

223000

274000

General Ledger Manager - S/M

392000

426000

461000

General Ledger Manager - L

505000

562000

573000

Accounting Manager - S/M

405000

470000

530000

Accounting Manager - L

505000

562000

639000

Shared Services Centre Manager - S/M

405000

470000

530000

Shared Services Centre Manager - L

505000

562000

639000

Accounting Director - L

900000

1170000

1620000

Shared Services Centre Director - L

900000

1170000

1620000

25th percentile

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Small companies: < ¥ 100 million Mid-size companies: ¥100 million - ¥500 million Large companies: > ¥500 million

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2026 finance and accounting compensation trends

Key insights at a glance

53%

of finance and accounting leaders in the FMCG and retail sector say that they plan to increase salaries in 2026

51%

of finance and accounting leaders from large enterprises (with more than 500 employees) say that they plan to increase salaries in 2026

74%

of finance and accounting leaders say that they plan to offer the greatest number of permanent roles in financial controlling in 2026

30%

of finance and accounting leaders say they plan to hire contract professional in 2026 to support the strategic implementation of artificial intelligence projects

The value of technical skills

Almost two thirds (63%) of finance and accounting leaders say that they are willing to pay higher salaries to professionals with specialised skills, reflecting the growing pressure to secure talent that can navigate complex regulatory, digital, and strategic demands. As finance transforms, employers increasingly recognise that advanced capabilities such as data analysis, risk management, and systems expertise directly influence business performance. This premium on specialised talent highlights a competitive market where the right expertise delivers measurable value.

Budgeting

Business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI)

Financial modelling

Consolidation and financial reporting

The value of soft skills

More than one third (35%) of finance and accounting leaders state that candidates with exceptional soft skills and interpersonal capabilities are more likely to stand out. This reflects the growing expectation that finance professionals not only need to master technical expertise but also influence, communicate, and collaborate effectively across the business. Strong interpersonal skills enable finance talent to drive cross functional initiatives, manage stakeholders, and support strategic decision-making.

Ability to adopt change

Communication/interpersonal skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Business partnering skills

Hiring for finance roles involves navigating multiple dimensions, calling for greater efficiency and deeper insight. Candidates’ skills and experience levels may not always align perfectly with role requirements, adding complexity to the matching process. At the same time, AI-generated content and standardised CVs can make it more challenging to understand a candidate’s unique qualities, soft skills, and long-term potential. To navigate this, employers should prioritise structured interviews and practical assessments to uncover the real capabilities behind the CV.

of finance and accounting leaders say that many candidates lack tailored or role-specific skills of finance and accounting leaders say that many candidates lack tailored or role-specific skills

of finance and accounting leaders say that generic CVs and cover letters fail to highlight distinctive strengths of finance and accounting leaders say that generic CVs and cover letters fail to highlight distinctive strengths

In-demand roles, certifications, and top industries hiring

Internal Audit Director

CFO

Tax Director

Senior Accountant

FP&A Manager

FP&A Director

Accounting Director

GL Accountant

FP&A Manager

Financial Planning Analyst

Finance Manager

Finance BP Manager

CPA

ACCA

CIA

FMCG/Retail

Manufacturing

Energy

Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

Transport, distribution or logistics

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More insights

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AI-driven Finance: how Chinese enterprises are thriving out in an era of volatility? Explore how AI can empower finance teams, transform decision-making, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth for businesses in a competitive environment.

Elevate your leadership: 8 strategies for women in finance and accounting How can women in finance become influential leaders? Learn about eight strategies to build strong leadership to accelerate your career growth.

Behavioural interviews: enhancing talent assessment Assessing if a candidate will thrive is challenging, and a bad hire drains resources and pressures teams. Learn how to drive hiring breakthroughs.

The salaries listed in Robert Half’s Salary Guide are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on real compensation data from professionals Robert Half has successfully matched with employers across China.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses or benefits. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in October 2025. The survey gathered responses from 200 HR and hiring managers in finance, accounting, technology, supply chain and procurement from a diverse range of organisations in China, including SMEs and large companies in first-tier cities.