Accounting Trends & Big Changes At KBW
The accounting industry is evolving, and so are we.
As firms navigate ongoing talent shortages and shifting licensure standards, KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting is proud to announce the launch of our new Public Accounting Practice, led by newly promoted Managing Director Alden Flagg. This strategic expansion reflects our continued commitment to serving the needs of both firms and professionals in a transforming market.
We’re also sharing key takeaways on how the accounting profession is evolving: more strategic roles, evolving talent pipelines, and what firms are doing to adapt.
Let’s dive in! ⬇️
This Week’s Featured Jobs: Find your next career move
Operations Banking Specialist – Lynn, MA | $25-$28/hour
Assistant Controller – Cambridge, MA | $100k-$110k/year
Assistant Systems Controller – Boston, MA | $200k-$220k/year
Senior Accountant – Ashland, MA | $110k/year
Financial Analyst – Ayer, MA | $70k/year
Senior Manager, SOX Compliance – Boston, MA | $160k-$165k/year
Sr. Manager, Internal Audit – Billerica, MA | $160k/year
VP, FP&A – Woburn, MA | $200k/year
Assistant Controller – Dover, NH | $110k/year
Staff Auditor – Concord, NH | $80k/year
Financial Analyst – Salem, NH | $85k/year
Investment Accounting Tax Manager, Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives – Boston, MA | $110k-$147k/year
AR Coordinator – Billerica, MA | $23-$27/hour
KBW Financial Staffing & Recruiting is excited to announce the launch of our newest specialized practice focused on Public Accounting!
The group will be led by Alden Flagg, who has been promoted to Managing Director
of the KBW Public Accounting Practice. Alden will join our management team and
play a key role in driving the growth of KBW through this exciting new practice.
Learn more about the launch here.
The Reality of the accounting talent shortage
The accounting profession is facing a growing challenge: not enough qualified professionals to fill critical roles. Finance and accounting leaders are feeling the strain as open positions remain vacant longer, and the demand for skilled talent continues to rise. At the same time, the nature of the profession is evolving, offering more strategic and fulfilling opportunities than ever before.
According to a recent survey by finance outsourcing firm Personiv (a study of over 250 finance and accounting leaders), 87% acknowledged a talent gap. This is a steep increase from 63% in 2020. As the demand for qualified professionals rises, organizations are feeling the pressure to adapt.
Key findings from the survey:
Organizations now report an average of five open finance/accounting positions, up from just two last year
50% of respondents said it takes 60 days or more to fill open roles
Employers are responding with automation, higher compensation, and flexible work models
Work-life balance is improving, with more companies offering supportive environments post-COVID
The 150-hour CPA licensure rule is being reconsidered in several states, including Connecticut
Despite the persistent stereotype of accounting as a dull profession, leaders like Megan Weis of Personiv argue that accounting today is anything but boring.
“It’s really like the backbone of business, and these days it’s not just a backward-looking profession. For years, it was all about just reporting things that had happened, and these days it’s more about looking forward, and setting goals and direction for a company.”
Still, structural barriers like the 150-hour rule continue to deter potential talent, especially as the cost of education climbs. With states beginning to eliminate the requirement and open alternative licensure pathways, there’s hope the profession will become more accessible.
Do you want to join our team?
Looking to make a change this summer? KBW is here to support you
