“The accounting talent crisis isn't coming - it's already here.” - Joanna Perry

The Accounting Talent Crisis Is Here – And It’s Bigger Than You Think

We are facing a massive talent crisis in the accounting industry – and almost no one is talking about it.

The reality is stark: by 2025, we’re projected to face a global shortage of 3.5 million accountants.
Even more alarming? 75% of current CPAs will retire in the next 10 years.

This isn’t just a staffing problem — it’s a looming business crisis that could ripple across every industry.

Why This Matters for Everyone

Accountants aren’t just number crunchers. They are the trusted advisors who:

• Guide businesses through complex financial decisions

• Help startups navigate their early-stage growth and funding

• Ensure tax compliance and risk management for organisations of all sizes

When these professionals retire — and there aren’t enough new accountants to replace them — the consequences will be significant.

Think about it:

• Who will help businesses make strategic financial decisions?

• Who will navigate companies through growing regulatory complexity?

• Who will bridge the gap between investors, compliance, and operational growth?

Without experienced financial advisors, businesses could be left navigating increasingly complicated landscapes without the expertise they critically need.

A Perfect Storm Is Brewing

Several forces are converging at once:

• Universities are producing fewer accounting graduates. Interest in accounting degrees is declining year after year.

• Experienced professionals are retiring faster than they can be replaced.

• Business complexity is skyrocketing, increasing the demand for expert financial guidance, not decreasing it.

It’s a perfect storm — and it's building faster than most people realise.

What This Means for Businesses and Professionals

This shortage will deeply impact every organisation's ability to:

1. Access quality financial advice

2. Stay compliant with ever-changing regulations

3. Make informed, strategic growth decisions

4. Secure funding and manage investor relationships effectively

In short: the organisations that don't prepare for this reality now will struggle later.

The Solution Isn’t Just Hiring More Accountants

We can’t recruit our way out of this. We need to reimagine what it means to have a career in accounting.

Here’s what the profession must focus on:

• Show young people the full scope of accounting careers: Accounting today isn’t about ledgers and spreadsheets — it’s about strategic advising, leadership, and innovation.

• Leverage technology to make the work more strategic: Automation and AI can take over repetitive tasks, freeing accountants to add higher-value insights.

• Create clear advancement paths: Professionals need to see not just a job, but a career filled with growth, excitement, and impact.

• Build vibrant workplace cultures: Environments that attract and retain the next generation of top talent will be the ones that win.

What You Should Do Now

If you’re a student considering your future:
The accounting shortage means unprecedented opportunity. You won’t just find a job – you’ll have your pick of roles, industries, and even flexible work styles.

If you’re a business leader:
Start building strong relationships with financial professionals now. The best accountants will soon be able to be highly selective about the companies they work with.

If you’re a current accounting professional:
We need to get loud about how the profession is evolving. The stereotype of the quiet accountant tucked away in the back office is outdated. Today’s accountants are advisors, strategists, and leaders.