Staffing benchmarks have become essential for CPA firms navigating 2025’s talent shortage. With high turnover and a shrinking pipeline of new accountants, firms can no longer afford to make staffing decisions by instinct alone. Measuring performance through consistent benchmarks helps leaders reduce costs, retain top employees and maintain client trust in an increasingly competitive environment.
The State of CPA Firm Staffing
The accounting profession is experiencing one of its most difficult labor markets in decades. According to Accounting Today, more than 300,000 accountants and auditors left the profession between 2019 and 2021 and fewer graduates are entering accounting programs each year (Accounting Today).
For CPA firms, the impact is clear:
- Positions stay vacant longer.
- Turnover during and after tax season drains resources.
- Staff are asked to take on heavier workloads, increasing burnout risk.
Tracking the right staffing benchmarks gives firms visibility into these challenges and supports smarter decision-making.
Key Staffing Benchmarks for 2025
1. Time-to-Hire
This metric tracks how long it takes to fill open positions. Long time-to-hire delays projects and increases strain on existing staff. Firms that reduce this number gain an edge in serving clients on time.
2. Retention Rate
Retaining top performers beyond busy season saves thousands in recruiting and onboarding costs. Monitoring retention also highlights areas where firm culture, workload or compensation may need attention.
3. Utilization Rate
CPA firms must balance billable hours with employee well-being. Overuse of staff can lead to burnout, while underuse reduces profitability. Utilization benchmarks help find the right balance.
4. Quality of Hire
Beyond filling seats quickly, firms need to evaluate whether new hires meet expectations for performance and cultural fit. Measuring this benchmark ensures long-term staffing success.
5. Training Hours per Employee
As technology and regulations evolve, ongoing training is critical. Tracking professional development ensures staff stay compliant and build new capabilities, from data analytics to automation tools.
Why Benchmarks Matter
Benchmarks transform workforce management from reactive to proactive. Instead of waiting for turnover or client dissatisfaction to signal problems, leaders can spot trends early.
For example:
- A rising time-to-hire may signal the need to improve recruiting strategies.
- A drop in retention may highlight cultural issues or compensation gaps.
- Low training hours could put the firm at risk for compliance failures.
Benchmarks also make it easier to justify investments in staffing solutions, whether in technology, training or outsourced support.
The Risks of Ignoring Staffing Benchmarks
CPA firms that fail to track these metrics risk:
- Higher turnover costs, as employees leave after busy season.
- Missed deadlines, damaging client trust.
- Compliance risks, from staff who aren’t up to date on regulations.
- Lower morale, as employees are overworked without visible improvements.
In a tight labor market, firms cannot afford these risks. Competitors who adopt benchmarks and act on them will attract and retain talent more effectively.
Amerit’s Role in Supporting CPA Firms
At Amerit Consulting we help CPA firms align staffing strategies with measurable benchmarks. Our approach includes:
- Pre-vetted accounting professionals including CPAs, auditors, and analysts.
- Flexible staffing models to support tax season surges or project-based needs.
- Compliance-ready candidates who understand industry regulations.
- Retention-focused staffing by matching professionals with the right environments.
- Supplier diversity benefits as a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB), enhancing proposals for firms in government contracting.
By partnering with Amerit, CPA firms can improve their benchmarks while reducing risk and costs.
In 2025, the CPA profession will continue to face shrinking pipelines, retirements and new client demands. Firms that treat staffing as a strategic priority will be better positioned to adapt. Benchmarks offer the visibility leaders need to identify challenges, allocate resources and build stronger, more resilient teams.