A new report from outsourcing provider Personiv shows that employers in accounting are still struggling to find talent. Accounting Today reports that the average number of open accounting and finance jobs per company has gone up sharply in recent years. 

Out of 171 finance and accounting leaders surveyed, the average number of open roles per organization was 17, up from five in 2025 and two in 2024. Even though concern about the shortage dropped a bit this year, 84% of leaders still believe there is a shortage, compared to 63% in 2020. 

Senior accountant, staff accountant, and tax accountant roles were identified as the most difficult positions to fill. More than half of respondents cited rising salary expectations as their biggest hiring challenge. 

To fill workforce gaps, more organizations are using technology and new staffing approaches. The number of leaders using AI to ease hiring jumped from 23% last year to 63% this year. Over 90% said that AI, automation, and outsourcing have lowered their current or future staffing needs. 

“When we see that 93% of finance leaders say that AI is reducing their headcount and 94% are utilizing outsourced talent, it is abundantly clear that workforce strategy is evolving,” said Megan Weis, vice president and general manager of FAO services at Personiv. 

Even with more investment in AI, firms still focus on recruiting and developing talent. Michael Hoover, chief growth officer at Bennett Thrasher, said the firm has not cut back on entry-level hiring but has changed its expectations about using technology. 

“For any firm, AI is a game changer for this industry,” Hoover said. “The reality is you’re not ever going to get away from having that core accounting knowledge that you’re going to gain in an undergrad or graduate program.”