Shrinking CPA Pipeline Adds Pressure to Accounting Hiring Decisions for Small Businesses

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 17, 2026

A new analysis highlights that the true cost of hiring in-house accounting staff significantly exceeds base salary when benefits, overhead, software, and recruitment are factored in — with employer costs on a $70,000 salary approaching $91,000 before overhead. The accounting talent pool is tightening: accounting degree completions fell 6.6% in 2023–2024, and only about 27% of 2025 CPA Exam candidates passed their final section. For staffing firms placing finance and accounting professionals, these supply-side constraints signal continued demand pressure and elevated recruitment fees in the sector.