The accountant shortage in USA 2025 is the result of decades of growing concern, slowly escalating from a behind-the-scenes issue among educators and policymakers into a nationwide crisis for the accounting profession.
Commonly known as the pipeline problem, this persistent CPA shortage in the USA now calls for bold, collaborative solutions. One proactive step involves the AICPA working alongside state and local education authorities to broaden and modernise accounting education at the high school level, sparking early interest in the field and building a stronger foundation for future talent.
Since 2019, the number of qualified accountants in the United States has declined by an alarming 16%, posing serious risks not only to the future of public accounting firms but also to the financial stability of small businesses, large enterprises, and public sector institutions.
As the shortage of accountants in USA continues, leaders such as Sue Coffey, CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, caution that the long-term consequences of this accounting shortage in the United States could impact financial decision-making, regulatory compliance, and economic growth at all levels.
The Rising Accounting Job Shortage in the USA
In recent years, there’s been a significant drop in the number of individuals choosing to pursue a degree in accounting or take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, and enter the accounting profession.
This growing gap between supply and demand highlights the urgency for qualified accountants and auditors, with many firms offering attractive financial incentives to fill their vacant roles. The accountant shortage in USA is more than just a challenge for the accounting profession, it’s a growing concern for financial stability, compliance, and the industry’s future.
Key Factors Contributing to the Accountant Shortage in USA 2025
The accountant shortage in USA is driven by a combination of several key factors, including:
- As many accountants approach retirement, the talent gap in the profession is growing.
- Overall enrollment in accounting programs at universities and colleges has significantly declined.
- Accounting regulations have become more complex, fueling greater demand for certified and experienced CPAs.
- Some firms’ unattractive salary packages and limited career progression opportunities are making the profession less desirable for prospective graduates.
The Impact of the Accountant Shortage in USA on Businesses
The accountant shortage in USA isn’t just a challenge for the accounting profession, it’s a growing concern for American businesses, investors, and the broader economy as well.
This is because accountants in short supply play a crucial role in financial reporting, tax preparation, and other essential financial processes that enable companies to make well-informed decisions and remain compliant.
Additionally, key aspects of the industry have been directly affected by the shortage, fueling a range of problems, including:
- Delays in financial report preparation
- Compliance and accuracy issues due to overburdened teams
- An uptick in errors within financial statements
As a result of these ongoing struggles, businesses, investors, and regulators are experiencing significant ripple effects from decreased investor trust to heightened financial and legal risks further underscoring the urgency of addressing the public accounting shortage.
How Businesses Are Tackling the Accountant Shortage in USA
As the accountant shortage in USA continues, many organisations are proactively addressing the challenge by strengthening their teams and making the accounting profession more attractive. These initiatives include:
- Increasing base salaries to reflect heavy workloads and growing responsibilities.
- Allowing team members to work remotely once appropriate security controls are in place, helping to improve flexibility and retention.
- Reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction for existing accounting staff through better support and realistic workloads.
- Offering scholarships to accounting students to aid their education and contribute to developing a strong pipeline of future talent.
- Expanding the use of apprenticeships and training programs to enable a new generation of financial professionals to enter the workforce faster.
7 Statistics That Reveal the 2025 Accountant Shortage in the USA
The accountant shortage in the USA is backed by a range of insightful data points that highlight the growing gap between demand and supply.
Here are 7 key statistics that illuminate the current state of the shortage:
- As of 2024, roughly 75% of CPAs belong to the Baby Boomer generation and are nearing retirement.
- The demand for accountants is expected to grow by 6% by 2025.
- Since 2010, there’s been a 20% decline in the number of accounting graduates (AICPA & CIMA).
- Between 2022 and 2032, employment for accountants and auditors is projected to increase by 4% as per Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- According to Bloomberg, there are roughly 340,000 fewer accountants in the workforce today than there were five years ago.
- In 2022, the number of CPA exam candidates fell to its lowest level since 2006 as per The CPA Journal.
- The median salary for senior accountants stands at $84,090, with salaries reaching up to $112,000.
A Solution to the Accounting Talent Shortage in USA 2025
The accountant shortage in the USA is a growing challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for the industry to come together and make real, sustainable change. From firms and regulators to educators and policy makers, a collaborative approach can help foster a new generation of passionate and well-equipped accounting professionals.
Here are some key strategies to address this shortage:
- Grant Accounting STEM Designation
Giving accounting a STEM designation can raise its profile, aid funding, and make it a more desirable path for prospective students strengthening the pipeline of future accounting talent and reducing the shortage of accountants in USA. - Increase Exposure and Raise Awareness Among High School Students
Research indicates that many career choices are made well before students reach college. Providing high school students with a clear understanding of accounting’s role, responsibilities, and rewards can make a significant, positive difference in closing the pipeline gap and addressing the accounting shortage in United States. - Design Compelling and Impactful High School Initiatives
Develop curricula, workshops, clubs, and other initiatives that enable high school students to appreciate the value of accounting, emphasising financial literacy, business acumen, strong employment prospects, and helping ease the CPA shortage USA. - Improve Access to Quality Accounting Curriculum
Support high schools in strengthening their accounting programs, ensuring they teach financial and managerial accounting in depth much more than just a standard business class to ease the growing accountant shortage 2025. - Leverage Legislative Support and Funding
The Accounting STEM Pursuit legislation, if enacted, would enable federal funding to aid high schools in developing or strengthening their accounting curricula helping foster a strong pipeline from high school into the accounting profession. - Collaborate with AICPA and State CPA Societies
Successful implementation will require strong partnerships with organisations like the AICPA and state societies of CPAs, alongside training for high school educators to teach accounting effectively, a key step toward addressing the ongoing public accounting shortage.
Conclusion
The 2025 shortage of accountants in USA is more than just a staffing hurdle; it’s a significant challenge that could undermine financial stability, compliance, and business growth in the years to come.
This growing gap, driven by an alarming decline in graduates, a wave of retirements, and growing financial regulations, signals a turning point for the accounting profession. Without decisive, collaborative action from firms, educators, regulators, and industry bodies, the shortage may worsen, putting additional pressure on companies and their financial operations.
Fortunately, there are strategies and resources available for navigating these challenges. Some businesses are turning to outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services to ease their workloads and enable their internal teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
Others are strengthening their financial expertise by engaging with outsourced CPA support or employing SMSF administration experts, ensuring compliance and financial accuracy while freeing up resources for ongoing growth. This combination of education, incentives, and flexible solutions can make a measurable, sustainable difference in closing the gap, securing a strong financial future for both companies and the industry as a whole.
