The accounting profession continues to face unprecedented talent challenges. From a wave of retirements to shifting workforce expectations, CPA firms are being forced to rethink how they attract, engage and retain their people.
In last week’s webinar, Chelsea Summers, Executive Director at INSIDE Public Accounting, joined Shawn Minard, Chief People Officer at Frazier & Deeter, for a candid discussion on the realities of today’s talent market and what firms can do to stay competitive.
Key Forces Driving the Talent Shortage
During the session, we explore several converging factors contributing to the ongoing talent gap, including:
- The “silver tsunami” of baby boomer retirements accelerating leadership and institutional knowledge loss
- Declining enrollment in accounting programs, shrinking the future talent pipeline
- Evolving employee expectations, particularly around flexibility, culture, career development, and purpose
Together, these forces are reshaping how firms must approach workforce planning and long-term growth.
Practical Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Talent
Rather than focusing solely on short-term hiring fixes, the conversation emphasized the importance of building sustainable, people-first strategies. Topics covered included:
- Strengthening employer branding to clearly communicate firm culture and values
- Leveraging employee advocacy and social engagement to extend recruiting reach
- Creating more intentional career paths and development opportunities
- Using referral-driven recruiting to attract candidates who align with firm culture
Minard also shared perspective on how firms can better align their internal people strategies with the expectations of today’s professionals—particularly younger generations entering the workforce.
Watch the Full Webinar Recording
This webinar offers timely insights for firm leaders, HR professionals, and partners looking to better understand the talent landscape and implement practical solutions within their organizations.
Watch the full recording HERE
Please note: This recording does not qualify for CPE credit.
