CPA firm staffing is becoming increasingly complex as firms face shrinking talent pools and rising client expectations. With 2026 approaching, many accounting leaders are reevaluating how to structure their teams. The choice between contract hires and project based accounting talent is not one-size-fits-all. By aligning contract hiring strategies with business needs, firms can balance flexibility, compliance and long-term stability.
Why Staffing Models Matter
The accounting industry is under pressure. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), fewer students are entering the profession while experienced CPAs are retiring in large numbers. Firms must do more with fewer resources, making staffing models a critical strategic choice.
Contract Hiring Strategies
Contract staffing gives a CPA firm the ability to scale quickly during peak demand, such as tax season or year-end audits.
Benefits of Contract Staffing:
- Rapid onboarding of pre-vetted professionals
- Lower long-term costs since salaries and benefits are not ongoing
- Access to specialized expertise for specific client needs
Challenges:
- Contractors may lack long-term loyalty or deep client knowledge
- Knowledge transfer can be limited after contracts end
Project Based Accounting Talent
In contrast, project based staffing involves hiring professionals for defined deliverables. This is ideal when firms need expertise for a system upgrade, regulatory review or audit remediation.
Benefits of Project-Based Staffing:
- Direct alignment of skills to outcomes
- Clear timelines and budgets
- Ability to access niche expertise without permanent commitments
Challenges:
- Limited availability of specialized talent on short notice
- Requires strong project management to ensure deliverables are met
The Case for Hybrid Models
Many CPA firms find success using a blended approach. By maintaining a core team of permanent employees while supplementing with contract or project-based staff, firms can:
- Retain long-term client relationships
- Manage seasonal surges effectively
- Reduce burnout among full-time staff
- Ensure compliance during periods of regulatory change
How Amerit Consulting Helps CPA Firms
At Amerit Consulting, we support CPA firms by providing access to both contract professionals and project based accounting talent. Our solutions include:
- Flexible staffing models that scale with workload
- Pre-vetted CPAs, auditors, and financial analysts ready for deployment
- Expertise in compliance-heavy environments
- Diversity-certified staffing through our SDVOB status
By working with Amerit, CPA firms can focus on client service while relying on us to deliver staffing solutions that adapt to their needs.
The accounting industry is evolving quickly. Firms that depend solely on traditional hiring models risk falling behind competitors who embrace flexible staffing. By understanding the strengths of contract hiring strategies and project based accounting talent, CPA firms can build resilient teams ready for 2026 and beyond.