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.

request a meeting

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:

deepen your knowledge