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Summary of the 2025 Corporate Finance and Accounting Talent Study

The Controllers Council has recently published the findings of its 2025 Corporate Finance and Accounting (F&A) Talent Study, revealing significant shifts in the hiring practices and compensation trends within the industry. Conducted from May to July 2025, the national survey gathered insights from Controllers, CFOs, and other executives spanning various industries and company sizes.

Key Findings

1. Hiring Trends:
Despite the widely reported shortage of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and accountants, the study observed only a modest decline in hiring numbers. A noteworthy aspect of this year’s report was the emphasis on hiring slowing down, alongside lower compensation increases compared to previous years, suggesting a definitive shift toward an employer-driven market.

2. Hybrid Work Models:
The study also highlighted the dominance of hybrid work models among organizations. While companies are generally embracing flexibility, a gradual increase in full onsite work was also noted, illustrating that many businesses still value in-person collaboration.

3. Compensation Dynamics:
Compensation for finance and accounting professionals has seen less dramatic increases compared to past years. This trend may reflect a larger economic context influenced by rapid changes in political and technology sectors, underscoring the need for organizations to remain competitive when attracting top talent.

Neil Brown, the Executive Director of the Controllers Council, commented, _"This year’s corporate finance and accounting talent study continues to uncover insights into managing professional human resources in challenging environments."_ His statement emphasizes the necessity for executives to benchmark against peers in order to excel in their fields.

The Importance of the Study

The insights provided by the 2025 Corporate Finance and Accounting Talent Study are crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of the F&A workforce. With backdrops of changing economic conditions, organizations must now adapt their hiring plans and workplace structures not just to attract talent, but also to retain it in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the study’s findings, the complete report is accessible on the Controllers Council's website. The site also houses a video archive of the roundtable panel discussing the results of the study, offering further discussion surrounding the key findings and their implications for the industry going forward.

About Controllers Council

The Controllers Council is a vital national member association and community platform consisting of over 100,000 Controllers, CFOs, and finance professionals. Focused on facilitating career development, training, best practices, and networking opportunities, the Controllers Council also produces significant publications and studies, including the annual CFO/Controller Sentiment™ Study and the Corporate Finance and Accounting Talent Study.

For further information and to stay updated on trends within the finance and accounting sectors, visit Controllers Council or contact Executive Director Neil Brown at 630-710-4710. This organization plays a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around corporate finance and human resource management in the field.

In conclusion, as the labor market continues to evolve, insights from comprehensive studies such as the one conducted by the Controllers Council will remain instrumental in guiding corporate leaders into a successful future.