Inside the race to attract the next generation of CPAs

Writer: Mirella Franzese

October 2025 — Hundreds of thousands of job openings in the accounting profession are expected every year over the next decade, but they will likely remain empty. Once considered a stable and predictable career path, auditing and accounting continue to face significant talent gaps that threaten to disrupt the industry.

In fact, recent surveys and industry reports show that the number of accounting majors has declined over recent years as barriers like lengthy study requirements for CPA licensure keep students out of the profession. At the same time, many Boomer-era accountants are aging out of the profession or taking up new jobs. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 300,000 accountants retired or transitioned out of their roles, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cited by GHJ. In the last decade alone, CPA candidates have fallen 27%, and many firms are reporting difficulties in hiring sufficiently experienced professionals at all levels, according to Auxis. The finance profession has also been impacted: over 90% of leaders struggle to find enough qualified accounting professionals. 

The talent crisis is also compounded by widespread competition for the remaining qualified recruits. Firms are not only competing with each other but also with other industries that are investing heavily in digital transformation, data analytics, and strategic advisory roles — areas increasingly integrated into modern accounting practices. 

With fewer students pursuing degrees in accounting, CPAs across the U.S. are rethinking their hiring strategies to attract and retain the next generation of professionals. Legislative changes — such as in Georgia and Pennsylvania, where the requirements to become a CPA have recently been eased — highlight efforts to open new pathways into the profession. Still, the talent pool remains limited, while demand is expected to grow, and firms are feeling the strain of this shrinking pipeline. Here is what industry leaders are doing to bridge the talent gap.

Andy Young, Assistant Managing Partner, Forvis Mazars

Our industry, for a number of years, has had some challenges with fewer college students choosing to major in accounting. Pennsylvania recently passed a lower-hours threshold to be able to sit for the exam and become a CPA — one of many states to do so in an effort to open up more pathways to earning a CPA license. Although there was some good news recently showing that accounting majors were up 12% nationally in 2024 compared to 2023, the fact remains that fewer young people are earning accounting degrees than when I started with the firm. That trend has caused many firms of all sizes to rethink how they hire. At Forvis Mazars, we prioritize trying to get our talent up to speed and supporting their continued growth and development from day one. Today, these young professionals have to know what quality work looks like a lot quicker. Technology such as AI is taking some of the load off, but we lean into that with our people, letting them show off their skills and talent to our clients much earlier on. The fun part is the relationships that we build with our clients, and making sure that they see that from the get-go is critical. That’s why we feel like we can attract and retain high-quality employees.

Paul Gabriele, Partner – Private Client Services, EisnerAmper

The industry faces a talent shortage as fewer students are pursuing accounting degrees and CPA licensure. This decline is concerning, but it also presents an opportunity to rebrand the profession. Traditionally, accounting was perceived as monotonous, but today, it involves client communication, financial analysis, and leveraging AI and other technologies. We need to better communicate that accounting is a dynamic, leading-edge, fulfilling career path. We hope to reverse the trend by showcasing the exciting aspects of the profession, such as strategic advisory roles and innovation-driven work, to the next generation of graduates.

Yessica Perez, Tax Partner, Calvetti Ferguson

Finding CPAs has become more challenging. It’s a more limited pool now, but cities like Houston, DFW, and Nashville still offer strong talent. We actively encourage our employees to earn their CPA licenses. We provide bonuses and incentives for those who pass within their first year, along with access to learning tools and support for exam preparation. To retain talent, we focus on making employees feel valued and invested in. We prioritize learning, growth opportunities, and recognition. Pairing that with competitive compensation helps us maintain low turnover and a strong, motivated team.

Alan Wink, Managing Director – Capital Markets EisnerAmper

Younger people today have a different view of the world compared to other generations. Due to their knowledge and involvement with technologies, there is almost a need for instant gratification, and sometimes the accounting profession does not provide them with that. We are having the same issues that other accounting firms are facing in relation to finding and retaining talent. We also need to consider the impact of AI on the accounting profession. We are in the first inning of the AI game, and it will impact many professions. The value will come in interpreting the data to make informed decisions. Becoming an expert in data analysis will be key to being successful.

Mary Roberts, Director, BakerTilly

The accounting industry is not going away anytime soon, but the industry has a few challenges that appeal to college students looking to enter the accounting profession. However, I do think that is changing. For example, the legislation in Georgia has recently reduced the requirements to become a CPA. In addition, accounting is more than just auditing and tax — our professionals serve clients with a number of advisory services and are truly business consultants.  Baker Tilly believes that the accounting industry is exciting, challenging, and growing — all of which should appeal to professionals who want to have satisfying, long-term, successful careers.

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