Opportunities in the Scottish accountancy world at the heart of a tech revolution
The Cooper Parry Salary Guide 2026 gives valuable insight on a range of topics impacting the finance sector across Scotland.
In the new guide, the firm’s Andrew McLeod, BSO Partner – Finance Recruitment, says: “The only certainty we have is that there will be more change in the future, and that there will continue to be opportunities for the accounting sector to be at the heart of the technological revolution.
“The insights in this guide will give you a clear sense of where the market is heading, what employers are valuing most, and how to position yourself to stay ahead of the curve.”
The guide goes beyond salary ranges to provide a clear, evidence-based picture of what finance, tax, and accountancy professionals can expect across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Trends, benefits, expectations
It highlights trends in benefits, flexible working, workplace expectations, and the wider market forces shaping the future of the profession. It explores how the finance and accounting market is evolving quickly, with artificial intelligence (AI), automation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and hybrid working all reshaping roles.
Also covered in the guide is the rise of “fractional” chief financial officers (CFOs). Cooper Parry explains this means “getting board-level financial brain-power without the full-time payroll burden. You get flexible, expert support precisely when you need it: modelling, investor packs, cash management, and more.”
It adds: “With the rise of remote work, subscription-style services, and SMEs demanding enterprise-level insights, fractional CFOs aren’t just a trend – they’re redefining what financial leadership looks like for growing companies.”
A tool for employers
For employers, the guide is designed as a tool that improves decision making, speeds up hiring, and reduces the risk of losing strong candidates. For candidates, it gives valuable transparency.
Salary discussions are one of the toughest parts of any recruitment process, according to Cooper Parry, and the guide provides realistic expectations and data to support candidates through interviews and negotiations.
Focusing on Edinburgh, the city’s accountancy and finance recruitment market continues to show strong momentum, according to the guide. It explains this is driven by Edinburgh being Scotland’s financial capital.
“From global financial institutions and established SMEs to scaling tech firms and ambitious renewable energy projects, demand for skilled finance professionals remains consistently high,” adds the report.
Spotlight on our Capital city
It shows that Edinburgh hosts one of the UK’s most sophisticated financial ecosystems, with major banking hubs, asset managers, insurers and a growing fintech sector.
Alongside this, the city’s professional services firms, public sector organisations, and high-growth tech and digital businesses create a broad and balanced platform for finance careers.
But there are challenges identified by the guide. While activity remains strong, economic pressures are prompting employers to be more selective and strategic in their hiring. Larger financial services organisations continue to navigate transformation programmes, regulatory change and cost-efficiency initiatives. Meanwhile, public sector bodies face budget constraints that influence headcount decisions.
The publication pinpoints one of the most notable trends in Edinburgh as being the increasing investment from SMEs and scale-ups in strengthening their finance functions and automating their systems. Owner-managed businesses, tech start-ups and growth-focused organisations are hiring their first finance lead or expanding their teams to support more sophisticated reporting, planning, and commercial decision making.
Why choose Edinburgh?
The guide shows that for those seeking career progression with lifestyle balance, the Capital is a compelling choice.
It offers:
◆ A concentration of high-quality finance roles across multiple sectors.
◆ Clear pathways from part-qualified through to senior leadership.
◆ Shorter commutes and strong transport links.
◆ A vibrant cultural and professional environment.
On Edinburgh, Craig Sinclair, Recruitment Manager at Cooper Parry, comments: “From global financial institutions and established SMEs to high-growth tech firms and renewable energy projects, demand for skilled finance professionals remains high.
“What makes Edinburgh particularly attractive is the diversity of opportunities. We’re seeing increasing investment from SMEs and scale-ups in strengthening and modernising their finance functions, creating roles that offer genuine exposure, strategic influence and clear progression. Employers are prioritising professionals who can combine technical expertise with commercial insight and adaptability.”