Audit deadlines are stacking up. Month-end closes keep slipping. Your finance team is stretched thin, and every open role puts more pressure on the people still standing.
The problem isn’t going away. Mimi Torrington notes in the CFO Pulse Survey 2024 that 83% of finance leaders struggle to find qualified accountants. At the same time, fewer people are graduating with accounting degrees—bachelor’s degrees dropped nearly 8% and master’s degrees 6.4% in 2022. That means fewer people to hire, more work to do, and longer waits. No wonder teams feel stressed. For finance teams, this means longer hiring cycles, heavier workloads, and higher burnout during critical reporting periods.
That’s why a specialized accounting staffing agency helps. They know the field, understand the jobs, and have pre-checked candidates ready to go. They move fast, so your team doesn’t have to slow down.
It isn’t just about filling a spot. It’s about giving your team support to get work done on time (and do it well). The right agency makes all the difference.
How an Accounting Staffing Agency Works
Your team needs help. You need someone who knows accounting, meets deadlines, and fits your culture. A specialized accounting staffing agency steps in like a bridge. You tell them the role you need (maybe a staff accountant or someone just for audit season). They already have a pool of candidates who can do the work.
The agency handles most of the hard work:
- They review resumes and check references.
- They match candidates to your specific needs and culture.
- They coordinate interviews and onboarding so you don’t waste time.
Recent U.S. data tells the same story. The AICPA reports that accounting firms are facing ongoing hiring challenges: fewer students are graduating with accounting degrees each year, and the number of CPA Exam candidates is steadily declining. This shrinking talent pipeline means firms are struggling to fill critical roles, especially as experienced accountants retire. With fewer new CPAs entering the profession, relying only on internal hires isn’t enough to meet deadlines or maintain smooth operations.
By using the right agency, you get faster access to qualified people. You spend less time sorting through mismatches. Your team can focus on what matters (closings, audits, and reporting) without chasing the perfect hire. When your finance team is under pressure, this helps you move forward instead of standing still.
Why Choose Accounting Staffing Agency Services
Finding the right accountant on your own can take weeks—or even months. Job boards fill up with resumes, but most candidates aren’t the right fit. That’s why a specialized accounting staffing agency makes a real difference.
The main reason to choose an agency is access. They already know qualified professionals who might not even be looking for a job. Mike Whitmire, Forbes Council Member, noted in 2024 that 83% of finance leaders reported a talent shortage in accounting, up sharply from 2022. His analysis looked at hiring trends across multiple industries and highlighted how gaps in talent slow down finance operations, increase stress, and hurt performance. It means having a network ready to tap into is more important than ever.
Agencies also save effort and reduce risk. They handle screening, reference checks, and initial interviews. That means fewer surprises, fewer mismatches, and less time wasted on unqualified candidates.
Here’s what you gain when you work with a staffing agency:
- Faster access to pre-vetted candidates
- Reduced risk of a bad hire
- Flexibility to fill temporary or permanent roles
- Support with onboarding and integration
Choosing an agency doesn’t just fill a position. It gives your team breathing room, confidence, and focus to do the real work. When deadlines are tight, that support isn’t optional—it’s essential.
How an Accounting Staffing Agency Reduces Hiring Risk
Hiring someone who doesn’t fit slows your team, wastes money, and creates chaos. A specialist agency takes on the heavy lifting. They screen candidates, check references, and make sure each person matches your team’s needs.
Krish Chopra, in his 2025 Forbes article “The True Cost Of A Bad Hire—And How To Avoid Making One,” explains that one bad hire can cost tens of thousands of dollars in lost productivity and rehiring expenses. Chopra looked at companies across different industries and showed how even a single mismatch can create delays, stress, and higher costs for teams.
Working with a trusted agency helps you avoid starting from zero. Working with a trusted agency like CooperDouglas helps you avoid starting from zero, giving you access to candidates already screened for skills, experience, and team fit. You get candidates already reviewed and ready to jump in. Your team stays focused on closing the books, meeting deadlines, and getting results—not chasing down candidates.
When your finance department is under pressure, reducing risk isn’t just nice-to-have. It’s essential. A staffing partner turns hiring from a gamble into a smart, safe move.
Why Accounting Staffing Agency Boosts Talent Access
When you find it hard to find the perfect candidate for your finance team, reaching wider talent is critical. The right staffing partner helps because they have networks of professionals who may not even be actively applying. They also understand exactly what accounting roles need—technical skills, industry know-how, and culture fit.
A 2025 survey by the Controllers Council found that hiring in corporate finance and accounting is actually decreasing for many firms, even though the market is tight. This isn’t just fewer roles—it’s a smaller pool of qualified candidates. Internal recruiting alone often isn’t enough to fill gaps.
Here’s how a specialized agency expands talent access:
- Reach hidden candidates: Connect with professionals who aren’t actively applying but are highly qualified.
- Move quickly: Speed matters when month-end, audits, or sudden growth hit.
- Bring the right skills mix: Not just accounting knowledge, but updated tech and process expertise.
Partnering with a firm that knows accounting staffing widens your talent pool, improves candidate quality, and increases the chances of hiring someone who can hit the ground running. When every hire matters, broad access isn’t optional. It’s strategic.
How an Accounting Staffing Agency Saves Recruiting Time
Time can be your friend (or your enemy). When roles stay open too long, your team slows, deadlines stretch, and stress rises. A specialized staffing agency flips the clock in your favor.
A 2025 report by Bullhorn found that agencies using automation and advanced sourcing filled roles in under 20 days. Their study showed these firms were much faster than companies relying on traditional hiring methods, giving teams the staff they needed quickly.
Working with a staffing partner helps you skip many time sinks. You don’t rebuild candidate pools. You don’t spend days screening mismatches. Instead, you get pre-vetted candidates, matched to your needs, ready for interviews. Your team spends less time recruiting and more time doing the work it’s good at.
When deadlines loom, month-end is near, and audits don’t wait, saving time isn’t just helpful—it’s survival.
Hiring Smarter Means Moving Faster
Filling accounting roles isn’t just posting a job. It’s about keeping your team focused, meeting deadlines, and avoiding costly mistakes. A specialized agency gives you vetted talent, fast access, and peace of mind.
From reducing hiring risk to expanding talent pools and saving time, the right partner turns hiring from a headache into a strategic advantage. Your team stays on track, the books close on time, and the work gets done right.
When you’re ready to take the stress out of accounting hiring, CooperDouglas connects you with the right talent—quickly, reliably, and professionally. Reach out today and help your finance team thrive.
FAQs
Q. What exactly does an accounting staffing agency do?
An accounting staffing agency matches businesses with qualified accounting professionals, handling screening, references, and interviews.
Q. How fast can agencies provide candidates?
Many agencies can deliver pre-vetted candidates in a few days to a few weeks, depending on the role.
Q. Are staffing agency hires temporary or permanent?
Both. Agencies provide temporary, contract, or permanent placements.
Q. How do staffing agencies reduce hiring risk?
They pre-screen candidates, verify experience, and match skills to your team’s needs, reducing mis-hires.
Q. Can agencies help with niche accounting roles?
Yes. They have networks for finance, tax, audit, and other specialties.
Q. Do agencies save money in the long run?
Yes. Faster hiring and fewer mistakes reduce downtime and costly mis-hires.
Q. Will an agency handle onboarding?
Many agencies help with onboarding to ensure a smooth start.
Q. How is talent access better through an agency?
An agency reaches candidates you won’t find on job boards, including passive professionals and niche experts.
Q. Can an agency help during peak periods like audits?
Yes. An agency provides temporary or contract staff for heavy workloads.
Q. How do I know which agency is right?
Look for one with accounting expertise, strong networks, and a record of fast, reliable placements.
