Driven by automation, regulatory changes, and the growing need for strategic business insight, the Finance and Accounting profession continues to evolve in 2026. From entry-level accountants to senior financial analysts, professionals in this field are taking on more complex responsibilities and adapting to new technologies. This article offers employers and job seekers a closer look at 2026 salary and compensation trends for finance and accounting jobs, using exclusive insights from the 2026 Canada Salary Guide from Robert Half.
2026 Salary trends for finance and accounting jobs
Finance and accounting teams across Canada are continuing to be reimagined through digital transformation. According to new research from Robert Half’s 2026 Canada Salary Guide, 88 per cent of finance and accounting departments plan to launch major digital initiatives within the next two years. To support these changes, employers are blending traditional finance and accounting expertise with tech fluency. Professionals who can work effectively with AI and data tools are in high demand, especially those who can leverage the blended skillset to help improve processes, uncover insights, and drive innovation.Specialized areas like compliance are seeing increased demand, but staffing gaps are slowing progress. In fact, 68 per cent of finance and accounting managers say they’re struggling to hire and retain talent, especially in specialized areas like compliance and financial reporting. And, in the case of compliance-related initiatives, shortages are causing delays for over half of employers (58 per cent), prompting many to plan for additional hiring, whether permanent or contract, to keep key initiatives on track. Bringing in contract professionals is becoming a practical way to maintain momentum when full-time hiring is competitive or slow.Discover the latest Finance and Accounting insights today
Demand for compensation
As the need for tech-savvy talent grows, so do compensation ranges for candidates who can bridge technical and strategic work. Hiring challenges are putting pressure on compensation strategies in finance and accounting. The latest salary guide research reveals, with the demand for skilled talent increasing, 83 per cent of finance and accounting leaders agree that candidates with specialized expertise earn more than peers in similar roles. Employers are responding by offering higher wages for professionals with strengths in areas like financial reporting, compliance, and data analysis. Continuing reading to see a fully list of in-demand skills commanding top salaries. Curious how your skills compare? Use the latest Robert Half Canada Salary Calculator or explore the full Salary Guideto see what compensation looks like across roles and regions.
In-demand administrative and customer support jobs
