Australian accounting firms face a growing talent shortage. This problem affects daily operations and long-term planning. Reports show a shortfall of over 10,000 qualified accountants by 2026. Many firms struggle to fill roles.
Recent data highlights the scale of the issue. The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects a need for 338,362 accountants by 2026. This requires an annual increase of nearly 10,000 professionals. The current supply falls short of this demand.
The Timeline of the Shortfall
The shortage has developed over several years. Enrolments in accounting programs have declined sharply. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) data shows a drop in the Accounting Professional Year program. Numbers fell from 7,122 in 2018 to around 340 in 2024.
This decline reduces the pipeline of new graduates. At the same time, experienced accountants retire. Projections indicate that around 22,000 professionals may leave the workforce by 2026. The combination creates a widening gap.
Demand continues to rise. Job vacancies remain high across key roles. Taxation accountants, general accountants, and external auditors show persistent shortages. Firms report difficulty filling positions despite increased advertising.
Severity Across the Profession
The impact is widespread. A CA ANZ survey of members found vacancy fill rates below 67% for several occupations in recent years. Taxation accountants face the highest risk of shortage. Management accountants and finance managers also see strong demand.
Over 80% of respondents in some surveys note higher demand in 2024 compared to previous years. This trend affects internal auditors, financial investment advisers, and external auditors. The profession struggles to meet client needs on time.
Burnout increases as existing staff handle extra work. Errors rise when capacity is stretched. Client satisfaction can suffer as a result.
Regional vs Metropolitan Differences
The shortage varies by location. Regional areas experience more severe shortages. A CA ANZ survey identified shortages in regional parts of states like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. External auditors and general accountants show particular gaps in these areas.
Metropolitan shortages exist but are less intense. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne attract more graduates and experienced staff. However, demand still exceeds supply in many roles.
Regional firms face extra challenges. They struggle to attract talent from cities. Relocation costs and lifestyle factors play a role. Some positions remain unfilled for longer periods.
Job Market Indicators
Job advertisements reflect ongoing pressure. Platforms like SEEK show thousands of open accounting roles across Australia. Glassdoor lists over 1,700 accounting positions as of late 2025. These numbers indicate sustained demand.
Government reports support the picture. Jobs and Skills Australia identifies shortages in accounting-related occupations. The Occupation Shortage List includes several roles in finance and audit.
The trend points to continued strain. Without changes, the gap may widen further.
Looking Ahead
Australian accounting firms must address this reality. The shortfall affects capacity and service delivery. Many explore options to maintain standards.
BOSS has supported firms for over 20 years. We offer reliable offshore solutions that help manage workload. Firms can explore these approaches to maintain service levels.
For more information on preparing for outsourcing, visit our page on how to get ready for accounting outsourcing success. Additional resources are available on our BOSS Accounting Outsourcing Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the projected accountant shortage in Australia?
Reports indicate a shortfall of over 10,000 qualified accountants by 2026. The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects a need for 338,362 accountants, requiring nearly 10,000 new professionals annually — far exceeding current supply.
What factors are driving the talent shortage?
Declining enrolments in accounting programs, retirements of experienced professionals, and competition from other fields reduce the pipeline of new graduates. CA ANZ data shows sharp drops in training programs like the Accounting Professional Year.
How does the shortage vary by role?
Taxation accountants, general accountants, external auditors, management accountants, and finance managers show persistent shortages. CA ANZ surveys report vacancy fill rates below 67% for several key occupations in recent years.
Why do regional areas face more severe shortages?
Regional parts of states like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia show stronger demand and lower fill rates. Metropolitan areas attract more graduates, but regional firms struggle with relocation and lifestyle barriers.
What job market indicators confirm the shortage?
Platforms like SEEK and Glassdoor show thousands of open accounting roles. Jobs and Skills Australia lists persistent shortages in accounting occupations, and government reports support high demand across finance and audit roles.
