VALiNTRY Services

valintry new logo
Call Us
Find Talent
valintry new logo
Call Us
Find Talent

What Top CFOs Reveal About the 2025 Accounting Job Market

By /
The accounting job market remains exceptionally tight in 2025, with unemployment rates for accountants and auditors sitting at just 1.3%. Finding qualified finance talent has become a significant challenge for businesses across industries, as 93% of finance and accounting leaders report difficulties securing professionals in today’s employment landscape. Despite the high demand, hiring for permanent accounting roles now takes seven weeks on average. Furthermore, 71% of finance and accounting leaders acknowledge skills gaps within their departments, with 72% reporting that the negative impact of these gaps has increased over the past year. This challenging hiring environment has forced organizations to reconsider their recruitment strategies, with 70% increasing their use of contract talent.
We’ve seen firsthand how companies are adapting to this competitive job market for accountants. The accounting outlook remains positive for job seekers but presents real challenges for employers. At VALiNTRY, we understand these hiring obstacles and work directly with organizations to overcome the staffing hurdles that finance departments face today.

Key Sections

What CFOs are saying about the 2025 accounting job market

Categories

A growing number of CFOs are warning of a severe shortage in qualified accounting professionals — 83% now struggle to fill roles, up from 70% in 2022. As AI, ESG, and evolving regulations reshape finance, CFOs are balancing technology adoption with urgent hiring needs. Many are turning to creative solutions like external resourcing, cross-functional hires, and AI-driven recruitment. With 79% planning to use generative AI within two years, adaptability and tech skills are top priorities. As veteran CPAs retire and fewer graduates enter the field, firms like VALiNTRY are helping CFOs modernize recruiting strategies to secure top talent and stabilize their financial teams.

Key hiring trends shaping the accounting outlook

The accounting job market in 2025 has changed significantly, with hiring practices adapting to new economic realities. Job seekers and employers must navigate this evolving landscape strategically.

Longer hiring cycles and more selective processes

Recruitment timelines have stretched considerably, with finance and accounting leaders reporting it takes 7 weeks on average to hire for permanent roles. This represents a significant shift from the previous 7-21 day norm to approximately 45 days. The primary reason? Organizations now involve 5-7 people in hiring decisions instead of just three, prioritizing long-term fit over quick fills. Senior positions like CFOs and controllers face even longer cycles, stretching well beyond the previous 9-12 week standard. At VALiNTRY, we’ve developed specialized processes to help clients maintain momentum during these extended hiring timelines.

Rise of contract roles for flexibility

A remarkable 70% of finance and accounting leaders are increasing their use of contract talent in 2025. This surge reflects a strategic pivot toward workforce flexibility, notably during periods of business uncertainty. Contract professionals offer several advantages:
    • Access to specialized skills for specific projects
    • Flexibility to scale teams based on project demands
    • Faster time to hire for critical positions
Through VALiNTRY’s Financial Recruiting services, we connect organizations with high-quality contract talent to address immediate needs while maintaining long-term hiring objectives.

Shift toward hybrid and remote work models

The workplace model has permanently transformed, with job postings reflecting this reality: 63% for on-site positions, 27% for hybrid arrangements, and 10% for fully remote roles. Nevertheless, many companies are setting geographical limitations on remote positions to ensure tax compliance. When organizations post remote accounting opportunities, they receive an “incredible” number of applications, illustrating the strong candidate preference for flexibility. VALiNTRY helps clients implement effective hybrid models that balance employee preferences with organizational requirements, creating optimal solutions in this evolving accounting outlook.

Focus on Digital and Tech Skills

As accounting evolves, digital literacy has become a must-have skill. Employers increasingly seek professionals proficient in AI-driven tools, data analytics, and ERP systems. The modern accountant must combine traditional financial expertise with strong technological acumen. At VALiNTRY, we help clients identify tech-savvy candidates ready to thrive in the digital finance landscape.

Diversity and Inclusion in Hiring

Organizations are prioritizing diversity and inclusion to strengthen decision-making and innovation within finance teams. Inclusive hiring not only expands the talent pool but also improves employee engagement and retention. VALiNTRY supports clients in building diverse accounting teams that reflect today’s global business environment and enhance organizational resilience through varied perspectives.

Soft Skills Are Gaining Importance

Beyond technical ability, today’s accounting professionals must excel in communication, collaboration, and adaptability. As automation handles routine tasks, soft skills drive leadership and cross-functional success. VALiNTRY helps organizations identify candidates with the right balance of analytical and interpersonal strengths to thrive in dynamic finance environments.

Personalized Candidate Experience

Candidates now expect more than standard recruitment processes—they value personalization, communication, and speed. Employers offering clear timelines, role transparency, and tailored engagement stand out. VALiNTRY emphasizes candidate-centered recruiting, creating a positive experience that enhances employer reputation and increases the likelihood of securing high-quality accounting talent in a competitive market.

Top in-demand accounting and finance roles in 2025

In today’s shifting labor landscape, specific financial roles are increasingly in demand. At VALiNTRY, our recruiting experience has revealed key trends in the accounting job market.

1. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) professionals

FP&A analysts remain at the forefront of finance demand in 2025. Starting salaries average around $88,000, with senior analysts earning over $120,000 annually. Research indicates that 42% of FP&A job postings require a bachelor’s degree and 33% a master’s degree. These professionals excel in forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning—skills featured in over 71% of job descriptions. Indeed, VALiNTRY’s Financial Recruiting team regularly connects organizations with FP&A talent who can transform raw financial data into actionable business insights.

2. Senior and staff accountants

Currently, the unemployment rate for accountants sits at just 1.3%, well below the national average. These professionals ensure financial records accuracy, compute taxes, and identify potential fraud risks. Given that 56% of finance leaders plan to add new permanent roles, VALiNTRY helps organizations secure qualified accountants who blend technical expertise with business acumen.

3. Controllers and finance directors

Finance directors typically command salaries between $140,000-$210,000, handling strategic financial planning and long-term growth initiatives. Controllers, meanwhile, focus on operational accuracy and compliance. In fact, 68% of finance directors actively participate in executive decision-making. Our specialized headhunting services at VALiNTRY target these crucial leadership positions.

4. Tax specialists and compliance officers

The tax profession faces a critical talent shortage, with nearly 75% of CPAs over age 50. Tax managers now command salaries of $133,000-$207,500 as job responsibilities have increased by 241%. Organizations report extended hiring cycles of 3-4 months for experienced tax professionals. VALiNTRY addresses this challenge through our extensive network of specialized tax practitioners.

5. Payroll and bookkeeping roles

Although bookkeeping positions may decline by 6.2% through 2032, approximately 197,600 openings appear annually. The average salary stands at $50,000, with a remarkably low unemployment rate of 1.7%. Primarily, these professionals now focus on advisory services rather than data entry. Through VALiNTRY’s recruitment expertise, we connect businesses with bookkeeping talent who can adapt to evolving technological demands.

Conclusion

The accounting profession faces challenges in 2025, including low unemployment and shifting skill demands, which complicate the search for financial talent. Companies must adapt their recruitment strategies, with CFOs leveraging contract professionals, hybrid work models, and technology. Demand is rising for roles like FP&A analysts, controllers, and tax specialists, emphasizing the need for strategic recruiting partnerships.

VALiNTRY provides specialized headhunting services to connect organizations with skilled finance professionals, streamlining hiring and ensuring quality. As the accounting landscape evolves, collaborating with expert recruiters will be essential for securing top talent and fostering growth.

Scroll to Top

Get A Free Consultation And Estimate

Skip to content