Outsourced

By Ringside Talent

June 4, 2025

In boardrooms and CPA offices across the country, the same question keeps surfacing: Where have all the accountants gone?  

Faced with an unprecedented talent shortage, U.S. accounting firms are increasingly looking offshore for relief. But while the global hiring playbook may work for some, the reality is far more complex. Outsourcing might offer a quick fix, but it’s not a universal solution—and it’s certainly not your only option. 

The Great Accounting Talent Crunch 

The U.S. is grappling with a growing accountant deficit. As of 2024, the number of people working as accountants in the U.S. has dropped nearly 10% compared to 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) admits to a “talent pipeline issue,” citing that over half of their membership is now over the age of 50. 

Why the talent drain? A combination of factors: 

  • Mass retirements with few younger professionals stepping up to fill the void. 
  • Declining enrollment in accounting programs due to the field’s perceived lack of excitement compared to tech or finance. 
  • Increased certification requirements, like the 150-hour rule, making entry into the profession more burdensome. 
  • Stagnant compensation relative to workload, driving top talent elsewhere. 

The impact has been far-reaching. Some companies, like Mattel, have even delayed filings due to staffing shortages. 

The Rush to India: A Promising But Complicated Fix 

India now mirrors the tech outsourcing boom of the ’90s, with global capability centers for the Big Four accounting firms hosting well over 140,000 professionals. 

But this move comes with challenges: 

  • Cultural and regulatory differences that require heavy onboarding and oversight. 
  • Time zone misalignment, which can create communication friction and delays. 
  • Varying educational standards, necessitating significant upskilling before offshore talent can fully support U.S. GAAP or IRS compliance. 
  • Talent retention in India is becoming more difficult as demand rises, potentially leading to the same issues firms are trying to escape. 

In short: while offshoring may solve one problem, it can introduce several others. 

You Don’t Have to Offshore to Succeed 

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to build a global office or navigate cross-border complexities to meet your hiring goals.  

Whether you’re a mid-sized firm in urgent need of CPAs or a boutique practice seeking niche audit expertise, our recruiting model is designed to: 

  • Tap into passive talent—those who aren’t applying online but are open to the right opportunity. 
  • Offer industry-specific insights so you’re not wasting time with mismatched resumes. 
  • Deliver speed and accuracy, so your team gets the support they need, fast. 

We’re not just recruiters. We’re strategic hiring partners for firms that want to grow smart, not scramble. 

The Bottom Line 

Outsourcing to India may be an option for some firms, but it’s far from the only path forward. With the right recruiting partner, you can solve the CPA shortage without the operational and cultural headaches of offshoring. 

Let Ringside Talent help you build a high-performing team that’s as invested in your firm’s future as you are. 

Let’s talk today about how we can help you find your next great hire. 

 

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