How to Hire and Keep Top Accounting Talent in a Competitive Market

Across the accounting and finance sector, businesses are grappling with a critical challenge: the finance talent gap.

The industry is evolving faster than many teams can adapt — with automation, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies reshaping the skills finance professionals need. At the same time, experienced professionals are retiring, and new talent often lacks the hands-on experience companies urgently require.

At Accountants One, we work closely with organizations navigating this exact issue. The good news? With the right strategies, you can attract, retain, and upskill top talent — even in today’s competitive market.

The Real Problem: A Capability Gap, Not Just a Headcount Shortage

This isn’t just a numbers game. The finance talent gap is as much about capability as it is about availability.

Key challenges include:

• Retirement of seasoned professionals, creating critical leadership and institutional knowledge gaps
• A shortage of mid-level professionals who blend technical expertise with leadership skills
• Rapid tech adoption (ERP systems, automation, AI) outpacing current team capabilities
• Changing expectations from younger professionals who value flexibility, purpose, and growth

How to Attract Top Accounting & Finance Talent

Today’s job seekers are selective — and with good reason. To stand out in a crowded hiring landscape, companies need to offer more than a paycheck.

Here’s how to make your roles more attractive:

• Highlight purpose-driven work: Show how your finance team drives impact and contributes to broader goals.
• Offer flexibility: Hybrid and remote work options remain highly desirable, especially in areas like payroll, A/P & A/R, and tax.
• Show career progression: A clear path forward — whether to Controller, Director of Finance, or CFO — is a major draw.
• Streamline your hiring process: Top candidates won’t wait. Delays in interviews or offers can mean losing talent to competitors.

Retention Is the New Recruitment

Hiring well means little if you can’t keep your best people. Retention is especially critical in audit, controllership, and finance leadership roles where trust and institutional knowledge are essential.

Top retention strategies include:

• Invest in professional development: Support CPA, CMA, or CFA certifications and encourage continuing education.
• Create mentorship opportunities: Pair junior staff with senior professionals to foster growth and continuity.
• Recognize hard work: Especially during peak times like year-end close or tax season, recognition goes a long way.
• Ask for — and act on — feedback: Regular surveys and open conversations help you address small issues before they lead to resignations.

Make Upskilling Your Competitive Advantage

When the right talent isn’t available, build it internally. Upskilling your current team is a long-term play that pays off — and it’s something leading finance departments are prioritizing now.

In-demand skills include:

• Data analytics and visualization tools like Power BI and Tableau
• ERP and systems fluency (NetSuite, Oracle, SAP)
• Soft skills like communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking
• Leadership readiness for roles like Controller, Director of FP&A, or CFO

Upskilling doesn’t just help close the gap — it boosts morale, improves retention, and future-proofs your team.

Plan Ahead, Act Now

The finance talent market isn’t getting easier — but companies that plan proactively are thriving. Whether you’re looking to fill an urgent vacancy or build a smarter long-term hiring strategy, Accountants One is here to help.

Need help attracting top accounting talent? Want to create a long-term upskilling plan that works?

Let’s start the conversation. We’d love to share insights and real-world success stories from clients like you — and help craft a solution that fits your team’s goals.

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