What does the finance and accounting hiring market look like?
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the unemployment rate for accountants and auditors was just 2.0% during Q4 2024 and the rate for bookkeepers was 1.7%. Other finance and accounting positions with unemployment rates trending well below the 4.1% national average in December include financial analyst (1.9%) and compliance officer (2.2%).
Top industries that are hiring for finance and accounting roles include business and professional services, financial services, and manufacturing and transportation.
Managers planning increased recruitment in first half of 2025
To achieve critical business objectives, most finance and accounting leaders intend to expand their workforce or sustain current staffing levels in the coming months. 65% of managers plan to look for candidates for new permanent roles, while 31% are recruiting solely to staff vacant permanent positions.
However, 93% of leaders report difficulties securing qualified professionals in today's employment landscape. At the same time, 68% said they’re increasing their use of contract talent.
About the Demand for Skilled Talent report
The Demand for Skilled Talent report by Robert Half is an authoritative source providing essential insights into employment trends. This report has offered a deep dive into the U.S. hiring landscape for over a decade, spotlighting challenges and strategies to attract and retain talent. It explores what employees seek in their careers, identifies common recruitment errors and suggests solutions. The report spans finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources, proving crucial for business leaders and managers.
