How to Attract Top Accountants in a Competitive Market
Hiring the best accountants is tougher than ever as businesses rely heavily on financial expertise to weather economic shifts. The demand for skilled professionals—for audits, compliance, or strategic planning—is soaring, and candidates have their pick of opportunities.
Rising salaries and changing priorities make standing out as an employer challenging. So, how can you secure accountants on your team? Below, I’ll describe five strategies for attracting high-caliber talent in 2025. Keep reading to discover what it takes to build your dream team in a competitive recruiting environment.
1. Offer Competitive, Transparent Compensation
Accountants are in high demand, and pay is a top draw. The national average salary for a CPA is now $94,760—even higher in specialized or urban markets. A January 2025 Forbes report predicts, “Finance salaries will rise 6% in 2025 as compliance and analytics needs grow.” Opaque or below-market offers push candidates to competitors who move faster.
How to Attract Them: Show that you can meet or exceed regional salary ranges upfront in your job postings. Add value with bonuses or unique benefits to create a compelling package without overextending your budget.
Related: Salary Data Tool
2. Highlight Professional Development Opportunities
Accounting’s landscape is shifting—AI analytics, ESG reporting, and new regulations are rewriting the playbook. Top talent wants their employers to keep pace. A September 2024 Deloitte study notes, “67% of finance professionals favor employers investing in upskilling, particularly in tech-driven areas.” Without growth options, they’ll chase roles that provide the upside they want.
How to Attract Them: Provide access to certifications like CPA or training in tools like Power BI. Map out advancement paths—say, to Controller ($122,650 avg. salary)—to show commitment. Check out our Accounting & Finance Recruiting page to explore your options for building skilled teams.
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3. Emphasize Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Peak seasons like tax filings or audits can grind accountants down, making balance a priority. In 2025, flexibility—remote or hybrid setups—is non-negotiable for many. An October 2024 Harvard Business Review article states, “Finance roles offering flexibility see 40% more applicants.” Rigid schedules lose out to employers who are willing and able to adapt.
How to Attract Them: Offer hybrid options or condensed weeks during quieter periods. Promote wellness perks—think mental health support or extra leave—to signal you value their well-being over burnout.
Related: Warning Signs of Employee Burnout & How to Prevent It
4. Showcase Meaningful, Impactful Work
Accountants want more than data entry—they’re drawn to roles with real influence. Whether it’s steering financial strategy or ensuring compliance, purpose matters. A November 2024 McKinsey report highlights, “Finance professionals rank ‘impact on organizational goals’ as a top motivator, just behind compensation.” Generic job ads won’t hook the best.
How to Attract Them: Frame postings with meaningful stakes—e.g., “Shape budgeting for a $50M portfolio” or “Drive regulatory reporting.” Ignite interest by connecting their work to your company’s goals, like profitability or sustainability.
5. Build a Reputation for Stability and Culture
Economic uncertainty makes stability a magnet for accountants. A December 2024 Gartner survey reveals that “73% of finance hires weigh employer reputation and team culture before committing.” High turnover or a disjointed workplace can repel talent with plenty of options elsewhere.
How to Attract Them: Spotlight your organization’s longevity, growth, or industry standing. Tout your supportive culture—mentorship or team collaboration—to build trust.
Conclusion
Recruiting (and retaining!) top accountants in a competitive market demands a blend of attractive pay, growth opportunities, flexibility, purpose, and stability. Use these strategies to sharpen your edge and assemble a high-performance team.
For more on salary trends and hiring insights shaping the year ahead, our 2025 Hiring and Salary Guide provides a detailed snapshot. Take a look to refine your approach and secure the accounting talent your organization needs to succeed.
