Global Talent Trends - Why Are Accountants Unhappy?

Accounting Talent Podcast

The Accounting World is Bracing for a Talent Exodus - Are You Prepared?

A groundbreaking global study reveals a profession in turmoil, with widespread dissatisfaction threatening to drain the talent pool. In this hard-hitting solo episode, host Rob Brown unpacks the uncomfortable truths unearthed by the ACCA's (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) on global talent trends in the accounting profession. The study, based on data from nearly 10,000 accounting and finance professionals across 157 countries, reveals that many accountants are dissatisfied and unsettled in their roles.

Rob delves into the reasons behind this dissatisfaction, including concerns over pay levels, work-life balance, and the impact of technology and AI on jobs.

The episode also highlights the growing desire for remote and hybrid work arrangements, with only 9% of employees at Big Four firms preferring to work in the office full-time.

Rob emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changing workforce preferences to attract and retain top talent.

Key Takeaways:

• Only 57% of respondents work full-time in the office, while 8% are fully remote. (00:02:00)
• 75% of respondents said they go to the office because their employer requires it. (00:03:50)
• 34% of respondents at small firms and 38% at Big Four/mid-tier firms are unhappy with pay levels. (00:07:10)
• Inflation impacting salaries is the biggest work-related fear for 40-44% of respondents across firm sizes. (00:10:00)
• 46% of Big Four employees fear for their mental health. (00:10:20)

Quotes:

"Compensation is a big thing. Remote working is a big thing. The talent pipeline, people are leeching out of accounting once they're in it, and people are not coming into it in the first place." (00:16:20)

"It should be the governing bodies, but even the accounting leaders, the influencers all have a responsibility, we might say, to shape the profession and be an ambassador for the profession." (00:15:50)

You can watch this episode and more on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5rB_ATw-vOU

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Thanks to our sponsors:

ACCOUNTINGFLY. Accountingfly connects employers with top U.S.-based accounting talent through a variety of services including dedicated searches, Always-On Recruiting, and freelance placements for seasonal or temporary needs. They specialize in remote accounting recruitment, recognizing early on the significant advantages that remote work offers to employers, job-seekers, and their own operations. They pride themselves on their track record of matching the right candidates with the right opportunities and building a robust team of industry experts. Additionally, their partnership with Going Concern—an esteemed source for accounting news and insights—further enhances their ability to stay on the cutting edge of remote recruiting by tapping into a natural pipeline of job seekers.

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.