Plans for large-scale digital transformation efforts are shaping 2026 hiring priorities for finance and accounting teams. Employers are redefining roles and seeking professionals who can both navigate new technologies and assume broader responsibilities. As the finance function’s complexity and business impact grows, so are pay ranges for certain finance and accounting positions.

Economic uncertainty has many organizations focused on recruiting professionals for revenue-generating roles such as cost accountants and tax managers. As firms compete for in-demand talent, the total compensation package is central to pay discussions, especially in markets where the cost of living outpaces wage growth. Smaller firms with tight salary bands face added pressure competing for top candidates.

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Salaries by job category

The salaries below default to national averages. Select a job category and city to find figures for a specific market. Starting compensation—pay for someone new to a role—can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as other factors including industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role. To reflect this variability, we report our compensation data in three levels: low, mid and high.

Accounting

Accounting Operations

Audit

Banking and Financial Markets

Banking and Financial Markets Operations

Compliance

Finance

Financial Services

Financial Systems

Public Accounting

Tax

Treasury

Job Title

Low

Mid

High

Chief Financial Officer

180250

228000

293750

Director of Accounting

128750

147000

175250

Corporate Controller

128500

155750

181750

Controller

114750

141500

172500

Assistant Controller

90000

108750

127250

Accounting Manager

93250

109000

132000

Senior Accountant – Financial Services

95500

120750

129250

Accountant – Financial Services

82250

90250

101250

Senior Accountant

76250

90500

106000

Accountant

58000

68750

79250

Junior Accountant

50250

55750

60500

Cost Accounting Manager

97750

118250

131500

Senior Cost Accountant

86000

94750

106500

Cost Accountant

63000

76500

90250

Property Accountant

63750

74250

90000

Director of Financial Reporting

130250

153250

178500

Financial Reporting Manager

114500

138250

159750

Senior Financial Reporting Accountant

92750

109000

116250

Financial Reporting Accountant

72500

86000

95000

Low

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

Mid

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

High

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

2026 finance and accounting compensation trends

With most finance functions in Canada preparing for or already pursuing a digital transformation journey, many employers are increasing compensation for finance and accounting professionals skilled at using AI and data tools to help improve processes, uncover insights and drive innovation.

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of finance and accounting departments will participate in a major digital transformation initiative in the next 2 years. of finance and accounting departments will participate in a major digital transformation initiative in the next 2 years.

The finance and accounting skills commanding premiums

83% of finance and accounting leaders agree with the view that professionals with specialized skills are paid more than peers without them in the same role. Robert Half’s research shows that employers in Canada are offering higher wages to professionals with the following skills, ranked by demand:

Financial reporting

Technology implementation (e.g., AI)

Financial modeling

Leadership and management experience

Data analytics

Year-over-year salary gains

+1.8%

projected average increase across finance and accounting roles

+4.1%

for senior payroll roles due to compliance demands and the need for professionals skilled in payroll technology.

+4.0%

for financial reporting professionals in accounting, especially those in senior roles.

+3.6%

for corporate tax professionals due to growing regulatory complexity.

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of finance and accounting leaders are most willing to increase salaries for candidates with specialized skills or certifications. of finance and accounting leaders are most willing to increase salaries for candidates with specialized skills or certifications.

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predict that including pay ranges in job descriptions will help them attract skilled talent in 2026. predict that including pay ranges in job descriptions will help them attract skilled talent in 2026.

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rely on guidance from a recruiter when determining salary ranges for emerging roles. rely on guidance from a recruiter when determining salary ranges for emerging roles.

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of finance and accounting managers plan to hire permanent and contract talent to support financial reporting and compliance initiatives. of finance and accounting managers plan to hire permanent and contract talent to support financial reporting and compliance initiatives.

Bridge skills gaps with contract talent

A flexible solution when permanent hiring isn’t an option

Whether you need to navigate a hiring slowdown, cover open roles, or manage workload surges and urgent deadlines, interim professionals can step in quickly with the skills and experience needed to help keep your business running smoothly. Supplementing your finance and accounting team with contract talent can help you stay agile—without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.

Top certifications and industries

Candidates with in-demand certifications are commanding higher starting salaries, notably in sectors experiencing active hiring and strong demand for specialized skills. These are the most sought-after credentials.

Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) 

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP)

Companies in the following sectors are willing to pay top dollar for the right combination of skills and experience. Likewise, these industries are providing the greatest opportunities for career advancement and salary growth.

Financial services 

Insurance 

Manufacturing

Professional services 

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The salary benchmarks listed in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process so that our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges. Learn more about our salary methodology.

Non-salary data referenced in the Salary Guide is based on online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent research firms. Respondents include hiring managers and workers from small (10-99 employees), midsize (100-999 employees) and large (1,000-plus employees) private, publicly listed and public sector organizations across Canada.