The new wave of tariffs introduced in 2025 is reshaping business operations, and by extension, the demand for finance and accounting talent. Here’s how they’re influencing the hiring landscape:
Shift in Corporate Strategy and Compliance Needs
Companies are navigating evolving trade regulations, which are driving demand for accounting professionals with expertise in tariff compliance, customs regulations and cross-border financial reporting. Many businesses are also reexamining global supply chains to minimise tariff exposure, which is fuelling demand for finance professionals skilled in scenario planning, cost-benefit analysis and international finance.
Cost Management Under Pressure
The rising import costs are pressuring profit margins, pushing companies to sharpen their cost management. This has led to greater hiring in roles like management accounting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A) and operational finance to identify savings and improve profitability.
On the other hand, Industries hit hardest by tariffs, such as manufacturing, automation, and consumer goods, are tightening hiring, especially for non-essential roles, to control costs. With rising expenses for both businesses and consumers, many companies are slowing recruitment and, in some cases, preparing for layoffs. The uncertainty of the current environment and policy changes makes it difficult to justify new hires, as conditions can shift rapidly. Many companies are scaling back hiring and revising capital spending plans for 2025 in anticipation of the tariffs’ impact, reflecting growing caution across key industries.
Consulting, M&A and Restructuring
Businesses are turning to external advisors to reassess their market strategies, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, to offset the impacts of tariffs. Public accounting and consulting firms are ramping up hiring for professionals skilled in financial due diligence, restructuring and risk management.
Risk and Treasury Management
Currency volatility and supply chain uncertainties are increasing the focus on treasury operations. There is now a higher demand for finance professionals in treasury and risk management roles, especially those skilled in hedging and managing international cash flow.
Technology and Automation Focus
Due to rising operational costs, some companies are considering investing in financial systems automation, which may shift hiring towards finance professionals with skills in ERP systems, FinTech and process optimisation.
Conclusion
Although there appears to be a slowdown of hiring in certain industries, the 2025 tariffs are creating demand for specialised finance and accounting roles, particularly in compliance, international tax and strategic advisory. Roles tied to navigating and mitigating the impacts of tariffs, such as compliance, FP&A and consulting, are seeing increased demand.
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