Turnover in accounting firms is often described as a growing crisis, but long-term data suggests a more stable pattern.
Over the past two decades, turnover has ranged from 11.8% to 15.9% across all firms. While elevated, this range has remained relatively consistent, indicating a structurally higher level of churn rather than a profession in decline.
The most significant disruption occurred in 2022, when turnover peaked at 15.9% during the height of the “Great Resignation.”
By 2025, turnover declined to 11.8%, the lowest level in the dataset, showing that the spike was temporary rather than permanent.
At the same time, turnover continues to vary significantly by firm size, reflecting differences in hiring strategies, career paths and organizational structure.
The data suggests that turnover outcomes are not random. They are influenced by how firms design roles, communicate expectations and develop their people.
The full IPA Insights report breaks down turnover trends across firm sizes and over time, providing context for how firms compare and where retention strategies are having the most impact.
Order the IPA Insights to access the full turnover analysis.
