Accounting firms are at a turning point in how they recruit, evaluate, and retain talent. Traditional volume-based hiring models are breaking down under the combined pressure of a shrinking pipeline, rising compensation costs, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.
NCACPA, in partnership with CPA Crossings, conducted a national study of more than 200 firm leaders and talent professionals to examine how firms are responding and what’s at stake for those that don’t adapt.
The conclusion is clear: precision hiring is no longer optional.
Why This Research Matters Now
The study finds that firms are already moving away from hiring large classes of entry-level staff and hoping the right people emerge. Instead, firms are shifting toward precision hiring — hiring fewer people, but being far more intentional about the skills, competencies, and long-term potential each role requires.
Key findings include:
- AI is no longer optional in recruiting: More than 90% of firms already use AI in hiring, leaving non-adopters at risk of competing only for candidates screened out by AI-enabled firms.
- Firms are hiring fewer people — more intentionally: A growing majority of firms are shifting from volume hiring to precision hiring focused on specific, high-value competencies.
- The real skills gap isn’t technical: Nearly 60% of firms report deficits in critical thinking and professional communication, yet continue to overemphasize technical accounting knowledge in hiring.
- AI ethics has become a business risk issue: Firms now rank AI ethics awareness as more important than technical accounting skills, reflecting a new compliance and trust imperative.
- Paying more for the right hire is paying off: Despite higher upfront costs, firms report stronger performance and retention from AI-vetted, precision-hired talent.
Download the Research
- Executive Summary
- The Full Report will be provided to webinar registrants (see below) and will be available for download after January 28.
Learn More: Live Webinar | January 28
To help NCACPA members put the research into context, we’ll host a live, one-hour webinar exploring what precision hiring means in practice and how firm leaders can begin adapting now. Register now