Plan Smarter, Hire Better:
Market insights, salary benchmarks, and hiring trends shaping your workforce strategy
Cedar’s 2026 Salary Guide brings together the latest salary benchmarks and market insights across Accounting & Finance, In-House Tax, Executive Leadership, Change & Transformation, Tech & AI, Procurement, and Not-for-Profit.
Built on real placement data and specialist expertise, it provides a clear view of how hiring strategies, compensation, and candidate expectations are shifting. In a market defined by cautious hiring and increasing demand for high-impact talent, this guide equips you with the insight needed to benchmark effectively, refine your hiring approach, and make confident, commercially sound decisions.
What’s Inside the Salary Guide
- Benchmark salaries with confidence using detailed, sector-specific and regional data
- Understand market shifts through clear insight into hiring trends, talent supply, and demand dynamics
- Optimise your hiring strategy by aligning compensation and benefits with current market expectations
The Demand for High-Impact Talent Continues to RiseThe challenge is no longer finding experience alone, but securing talent that can influence decision-making, drive change, and create long-term value.
Competition for the Right-Fit Talent is IntensifyingOrganisations are placing greater emphasis on candidates who can demonstrate outcomes, adaptability, and strategic influence from day one.
Quick Decisions Are Now a Competitive AdvantageBusinesses that streamline decision-making and move with pace are securing the strongest talent ahead of competitors.
Employer Outlook
- Cautious hiring despite rising demand
- Shortage of right-fit, high-impact talent
- Speed now determines hiring success
- Flexible resourcing gaining traction
- Total reward outweighing base salary
Key Sector Insights
- Accounting & Finance salaries rising in commercial roles
- Transformation talent essential for ERP and change delivery
- AI and digital capability driving leadership demand
- Procurement leaders stepping into strategic business roles
- Non-profit organisations relying on interim leadership to deliver change
“Demand remains strong, but expectations have shifted. Organisations that align speed, flexibility, and total reward will secure the talent others miss.”
— Chris Morrison, Group Managing Director
