Around the world, professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) are facing a shared challenge: the supply of accounting talent is shrinking, even as demand continues to rise. In the United States, accounting and auditing job openings are projected to exceed 130,000 per year through 2033. In the United Kingdom, 45% of accountancy firms report being “severely” or “significantly” affected by skills shortages. Globally, ACCA’s Talent Trends 2025 report, based on over 10,000 responses across 175 countries, highlights widespread concern over talent shortages, citing pressures from an aging workforce, increased digital demands, and competition from fintech. 

While recent data shows encouraging signs – such as a 12% increase in undergraduate accounting enrollment from spring 2024, largely driven by growth at two-year institutions, – the profession continues to face long-term talent risks. Many early and mid-career professionals are leaving the field, and concerns remain about retention, evolving skill demands, and the aging of the current workforce. These factors still pose challenges to the sustainability and relevance of the global accountancy profession.