Hiring in Accounting and Finance: Guide and Trends in 2026

Finance transformation to drive demand for strategic talent in 2026

Indonesia’s accounting and finance functions are moving beyond traditional reporting and transactional work as businesses look to improve efficiency and make better-informed decisions. Automation and digital finance tools are changing how teams operate, while employers increasingly expect finance professionals to contribute to business planning and strategy.

Aureen Na, Manager in Robert Walters Indonesia’s Commerce Finance division, highlights the growing importance of digital capabilities, specialist tax expertise and commercial awareness in shaping hiring demand for 2026.

Read on to find out more about Aureen’s expectations for Indonesia’s labour market and hiring trends for Accounting & Finance professionals in 2026.

From transactional accounting to strategic finance

As companies adopt automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based accounting systems, routine tasks are becoming easier to streamline.

This is changing the nature of finance roles, with professionals increasingly expected to spend less time processing information and more time interpreting it.

Finance teams are taking on a broader role in budgeting, forecasting and business modelling, helping organisations understand financial performance and assess different scenarios. Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) professionals are particularly relevant in this shift, as businesses rely on financial insights to guide decisions on costs, investment and growth.

For employers, this means looking beyond traditional accounting expertise when hiring. Candidates who can work with data, understand business operations and communicate financial insights to non-finance stakeholders are becoming increasingly valuable. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, automation and data visualisation tools can also help professionals adapt as finance functions continue to change.

Tax expertise and digital skills in demand

Digital transformation is not the only factor shaping finance recruitment. Evolving tax requirements and increasingly complex cross-border business activities are also creating demand for professionals with specialist knowledge.

Tax Managers are expected to be among the sought-after roles in 2026. Companies need professionals who can manage tax compliance and planning, navigate digital tax systems such as Coretax, and advise on transfer pricing where cross-border transactions are involved.

The continued entry of Chinese businesses into Indonesia is also supporting demand for Mandarin-speaking finance professionals, particularly in corporate finance and tax advisory. Language skills can help candidates work across markets and communicate with international stakeholders, although technical expertise remains essential.

As these requirements become more complex, professionals who combine strong finance fundamentals with digital capability, regulatory knowledge and commercial judgement will be better placed to meet employers’ needs.

Employers look for more than technical expertise

The changing role of finance is also raising the importance of soft skills. As finance professionals work more closely with other business functions, they need to explain financial information clearly and help stakeholders understand its implications.

Strategic thinking and business acumen are important for professionals who want to move beyond reporting and contribute to decision-making. Communication is equally valuable: the ability to tell a clear story with data can help finance teams turn complex analysis into practical recommendations.

Adaptability and collaboration also matter as organisations introduce new systems and workflows. Finance professionals may need to work alongside IT, operations and other teams to implement changes and improve processes. Those who can manage change while maintaining sound judgement will be well placed to take on broader responsibilities.

Attract and retain talent through development

For employers, hiring the right finance professionals is only part of the challenge. As roles evolve, employees also need opportunities to develop the skills required for future responsibilities.

Training in AI, automation, analytics and ESG-related reporting can help finance teams adapt to changing business needs. Clear career pathways and internal mobility can further support retention by showing employees how they can progress within the organisation.

Candidates are also weighing career development and stability when considering a move. Employers should therefore communicate the scope of a role and its growth opportunities clearly, alongside offering competitive and transparent compensation. A timely recruitment process can make a difference when sought-after professionals are considering multiple opportunities.

Find out more

Request access to the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026 to benchmark salaries and explore key hiring trends in Indonesia.