Recruiting Market Report - December

Find out what we are hearing from candidates and clients and get our predictions for the future of the hiring market in the December 2025 edition of The ASP Team Market Report:

Quinn Finnigan - Recruiting Services Leader

Joss Stokke - Recruiting Services Leader

What are we hearing from candidates?
"I had a feeling that was the case.” 
Candidates consistently show curiosity about the job market, even those who are satisfied in their current roles. The urgency behind this inquiry has recently intensified. Candidates, regardless of their job search status—from passive to actively seeking—are asking about the market with a noticeable weight on their shoulders. When we respond that, simply put, "it's been better," we often hear a sigh and the response, "that's what I thought." This reaction indicates that candidates across all levels are closely monitoring job market trends. The increasing seriousness with which they approach this question suggests a cautious attitude towards actively entering the job market at this time.

What are we hearing from clients?
"We're navigating complexity with a clear eye on 2026." 
Our clients are currently navigating a range of complex issues, including tariffs, interest rates, labor market pressures, market demand shifts, supply chain complexities, and regulatory changes. December is a time when many take extended breaks to unwind and spend time with loved ones. It also marks a period for companies to finalize budgets and prepare for the upcoming year. Despite these pressures, we have heard from our clients about their plans to unplug during the holiday season and their intent to hire and engage with us early in 2026. This commitment is a positive indicator, and we are looking forward to a successful year ahead with a dedicated group of clients ready to address any challenges that may arise.

What am I feeling about the market?
"Needs to do some good stretching." 
The current job market feels reminiscent of returning to running after a long break. Initially, your whole body is tight - calves, hamstrings, your breathing, but you're out there on the road moving forward. This is similar to our labor market today - tight but moving forward. Recent data from the BLS shows several positive indicators: unemployment is down and still historically pretty low, job gains were modest, GDP and productivity are solid and firings are low. However, the rate of hiring is still low and the long-term unemployed rate is high and trending up. Employers appear hesitant to hire and employees are "job hugging". Despite these hurdles, there is still hiring happening, and the broader economic signals remain positive. Just like a good stretch can improve your run, the job market needs some time to loosen up. We're out there on the road, making progress—let's keep moving forward.

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ASP Hiring Statistics
40 - Avg. Days to Place
$155,333 - Avg. Placed Controller Salary
32% - Percent of Diversity Hires
84% - Percent of time we get interviews for our clients

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Recent Placements
Controller - Seafood - Bellingham
VP Finance - Manufacturing - Snoqualmie
Staff Accountant - Construction -  Tacoma

View Our Current Openings

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Hiring Smarter with The ASP Team
Check out the latest episode of our accounting and finance recruiting podcast!

How to Find Candidates

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Top Candidates
Take a look at some examples of accounting and finance candidates we are working with currently.

View Our Top Candidates