It’s no secret: there’s a critical accounting talent shortage in the United States — and it’s not letting up any time soon. As baby boomers retire, fewer students pursue CPA careers, and entry-level roles go unfilled, finance leaders are being forced to rethink how they can access hard-to-find accounting talent.
Between rapidly evolving AI tools, stricter compliance standards, and the pressures of lean operations, CFOs are seeking ways to balance the books — both literally and figuratively. And while automation plays an important role, the human element is still essential.
Businesses Still Need People — But Skilled Accounting Talent Is Hard to Find
Yes, technology has taken some pressure off finance teams. But automation can’t replace the judgment, oversight, and adaptability that real professionals bring to the table. Tasks like AR/AP, reconciliations, close, and even payroll still require thoughtful execution — and for many finance teams, the real challenge is finding enough skilled professionals to handle them.
“Many companies are dealing with a chronic shortfall in qualified accounting staff,” says Matt Wood, SVP at Personiv. “The pipeline is drying up, and CFOs are realizing they need a smarter, more flexible model — one that gives them breathing room without sacrificing accuracy or control.”
According to the AICPA, accounting program enrollments have declined by a staggering 33%, signaling a long-term talent gap. And a Deloitte study warns that this lack of qualified professionals could impact entire economies by 2030, making it clear that businesses must rethink how they build and support their finance teams.
Outsourcing Is No Longer a Backup Plan — It’s a Strategic Move
A growing number of finance leaders are turning to outsourcing not just to save money — but to solve the talent problem. “When you’re spending months just trying to fill one accounting role, you’re losing time and momentum,” Wood explains. “With the right partner, outsourcing can deliver talent that’s already trained, and ready to hit the ground running.”
In fact, in many cases, outsourced professionals bring the same education and certifications as U.S.-based talent — often with more experience. It’s about unlocking capacity and regaining control of your time and priorities.
Read what finance leaders are saying in our CFO Pulse survey: Accounting Talent & Hiring Trends Report
What Can (and Should) Be Outsourced?
Wood encourages CFOs to start by evaluating their finance function as a whole. “Look at your team’s day-to-day. What’s stealing their time that doesn’t require internal context or strategic input?” he says. “Those are the areas ripe for outsourcing — things like payables, receivables, monthly close support, reconciliations.” And the benefits go beyond filling roles. “We often hear clients say: 'You’ve taken the noise away.’ That’s what we do — we let your internal team focus on the work that actually moves the business forward.”
Transactional Tasks |
Strategic Functions |
| Accounts Payable & Receivable | FP&A |
| Payroll | Cash Flow Forecasting |
| General Accounting | Master Data Maintenance |
| Bank Reconciliations | Bank Relations & Administration |
| Fixed Assets | Establish Annual Audit Plan |
| Tax | Vendor Management |
| Treasury | Reports and Recommendations |
| + More | + More |
Security & Scalability Matter More Than Ever
It’s not just about hiring quickly — it’s about hiring smart. And in today’s environment, data privacy and business continuity can’t be afterthoughts.
“Security is at the center of everything we do,” Wood highlighted. “Our teams follow strict protocols, operate under ISO 27001 standards, and work inside your systems — not ours — so there are no hidden platforms or risks.”
The scalability of outsourcing is also a big plus for growing companies. Whether you need one accountant or a team of 50+, you can expand your bandwidth without rebuilding your entire finance org.
Learn how to protect your organization and client data: Data Security While Outsourcing: How to Ensure That Your (and Your Clients’) Data is Safe
The Bottom Line on Hard-to-Find Accounting Talent
The talent crisis isn’t going away. But that doesn’t mean you need to stall growth, stretch your team thin, or settle for less. Strategic outsourcing is giving finance leaders a new way to move forward — with the support they need and the agility they want.
“Finance leaders aren’t just looking to fill seats,” Wood remarked. “They’re looking for partners who get it — who can solve real problems, help them scale, and make finance a more valuable part of the business.”
Outsourcing can yield high return for companies hoping to grow while managing financial services in a scarce labor market.
Want to learn more? Discover how Personiv helps companies access hard-to-find accounting talent in today’s tight labor market and explore our approach to Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO). Reach out to see if it’s time to consider overseas talent, and how a BPO partnership can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
