The US accounting sector is facing an unprecedented talent crisis. With 75% of accountants nearing retirement age and a sharp drop in CPA candidates, traditional hiring methods can no longer meet demand. At the same time, AI and automation are reshaping the profession, putting pressure on entry-level salaries and creating a new set of demands on employers.
The accounting profession is facing a perfect storm of a shrinking talent pipeline and a retiring workforce. The number of CPA applications dropped by 33% in 2024, creating a critical talent gap that organizations are struggling to fill. This disruption is forcing firms to fundamentally rethink their approach to talent acquisition.
Our guide addresses the key dynamics of this market:
- Automation redefines roles: AI, while boosting top talent salaries, automates entry-level accounting tasks like data entry and basic reconciliation. This eliminates traditional career entry points, necessitating new strategies to attract and train future accountants.
- The CPA shortage is acute: With a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement and fewer new professionals entering the field, the need for creative and flexible staffing solutions is at an all-time high.
prepare to uncover
- how to attract top talent in a competitive American labor market
- how will the current compensation trends shape your hiring strategy?
- what impact do local salary trends have on today’s workforce?
- how to build result-driven hiring strategies to onboard great accounting talent.
Our 2026 accounting salary guide is the essential resource for navigating these challenges, providing the data and strategies you need to find and retain skilled accounting talent.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 accounting salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of accounting specialties to give you a detailed view of the evolving US market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at national and regional salary averages for the most sought-after roles, including:
- senior accountant
- financial controller
- tax specialist
- audit manager
- accounting systems analyst
- accounts payable manager
- certified public accountant (cpa)
- bookkeeper
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- Leveraging AI for higher-value work: We explore how to proactively use automation as a tool for career development, training your existing team for higher-value, strategic work that was previously reserved for specialists.
- The rise of a flexible workforce: With traditional hiring methods falling short, 43% of accounting and finance managers are increasing their use of contract and consultant talent. Our guide examines how to use these professionals to address immediate needs and fill critical roles quickly.
- Bridging the knowledge gap: We provide insights on how to combat the talent drain from an aging workforce by bringing back retired accounting professionals as consultants. This not only solves capacity issues but also creates invaluable knowledge transfer opportunities for your team.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of accounting compensation in the US. By understanding these trends, you can build a resilient and highly skilled accounting team ready for the challenges of 2026.
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