A persistent imbalance between supply and demand for skilled professionals continues to shape the market, according to a recent study by Morgan McKinley.
The 2026 Hong Kong Salary Guide, which brings in comprehensive salary benchmarking and hiring insights across various sectors including Accounting and Finance, reveals that acute shortages remain across technology, financial services and transformation-focused finance roles, particularly in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud solutions and governance.
Amid these, Morgan McKinley says salary budgets remain controlled, with most annual increments averaging 3–5%, and premiums reserved for niche, specialist capabilities.
Among the key study's key findings on accounting and finance are:
- Hiring in Accounting & Finance has been highly targeted, with limited senior-level movement and slower permanent headcount growth. Demand has focused on transformation, governance and value-creation roles rather than routine backfill.
- Contract hiring remains steady, particularly for multi-skilled professionals supporting automation initiatives, ERP upgrades and regional finance restructuring. Operational roles continue to shift offshore, increasing demand for finance leaders who can manage cross-border teams and digital finance systems.
- Most in-demand roles:
- Finance Business Analysts
- Finance Transformation Leads / Managers
- Internal Audit and Controls Specialists
- Finance Change Project Managers
- Managed Shared Service Centre Leaders
The guide reflects cautious optimism in the Hong Kong recruitment market, as businesses show intent to grow. Hiring activity throughout 2025 has remained selective and measured, with employers carefully evaluating each headcount against cost, productivity and long-term business value.
