The job market for financial specialists in Poland is no longer associated with simple outsourcing but is transforming into a hub for advanced expert structures. As a result, specialists are now expected to bring broad, cross-functional experience and skills. In niche roles, candidates can dictate the terms, while in other segments employers enjoy a wide selection thanks to the high volume of applications.
The financial job market has evolved and matured. Poland is no longer chosen for low-cost outsourcing of simple processes. Instead, more international institutions — including banks and shared service centers — are locating their advanced structures here due to access to highly qualified experts. The most valuable specialists are those who can navigate complex regulatory environments, manage risk effectively, and create competitive advantage through data analytics.
“In finance roles, knowing Excel is now just the baseline. Specialists are expected to have much broader competencies, including proficiency in BI tools, ERP systems, and process automation. These skills determine both operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Because of this, it’s hard to speak of a single job market favoring either employees or employers. Experienced financial controllers or senior accounting managers, such as chief accountants, can choose from multiple offers. On the other hand, for specialist or director-level roles, employers have the upper hand because they receive hundreds of applications,”
explains Michał Kłak, Director at Michael Page.
Pay Transparency Directive Will Reshape the Market
Starting in 2026, the EU Pay Transparency Directive will come into force in Poland, significantly impacting finance-related job markets. Requirements to report pay gaps and introduce greater transparency will force companies to review their pay policies and standardize salary ranges.
As Kłak notes, many financial roles have already been unified under a single job title to make positions appear more attractive. This lack of proper gradation has blurred distinctions between roles such as Junior Financial Analyst, Financial Analyst, Senior Financial Analyst, Junior Financial Controller, and Financial Controller — all of which are now often labelled simply as “financial controllers,” despite major functional differences. This has resulted in salary disparities ranging from PLN 10,000 to even PLN 25,000.
Most In-Demand Financial Competencies and Roles
Trends observed over the past 2–3 years continue, although new dynamics are emerging.
- The volume of applications keeps rising,
- Yet only 5–10% of candidates fully meet employer expectations.
- There is also an increase in applications for director-level roles, possibly driven by career ambitions or the need for change.
- Meanwhile, finding experienced specialists and mid-level managers is increasingly difficult, extending recruitment processes and intensifying competition for skilled financial experts.
“Although automation removes some tasks, it also creates new roles that require competencies nobody was talking about just a few years ago. Additionally, for roles offering salaries of PLN 15,000+ gross, candidates increasingly ask about B2B contracting options. The work culture in finance is also shifting — overtime, once a norm, is now far less acceptable. Candidates expect real work-life balance. Flexibility and hybrid work are becoming key selling points of job offers,”
adds Kłak.
Top Positions in Demand and Their Salaries
The roles currently experiencing the strongest demand include:
- Chief Accountant – average salary around PLN 25,000 gross
- Finance Manager – approximately PLN 28,000 gross
- Financial Controller – typically around PLN 17,000 gross per month
- Independent Accountant (Samodzielny Księgowy) – around PLN 14,000 gross
These roles remain highly competitive, particularly as businesses prioritize financial stability, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
