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A global survey of 500 industry leaders has found that recruitment challenges are now a direct constraint on business expansion, with 73% of firms rejecting new work.
The 2026 Accounting Talent Index, published by outsourcing specialist Advancetrack, reveals that nearly three-quarters of accountancy practices are operating at or near full capacity.
The report indicated that the skills shortage has escalated from a “recruitment difficulty” into a “structural barrier” to growth across the UK, US, Australia, and Canada.
According to the findings, 45% of respondents believe the talent shortage has deteriorated since 2023, while 19% describe the decline as significant.
The data revealed that 71% of firms have seen their growth trajectory slowed by staffing issues, despite 73% of leaders expecting demand for their services to increase over the next 12 months.
The report highlights that the shortage is driving a shift in operational strategies. To bridge the gap between high demand and limited capacity, 70% of firms now identify the talent crisis as a major barrier, leading many to increase their reliance on technology and external outsourcing to maintain service delivery.
Vipul Sheth, managing director of Advancetrack, said: “Firms are not short of demand – they are short of people. This year’s Accounting Talent Index reinforces just how challenging the environment has become for firms across the profession, and how the talent shortage is starting to put a ceiling on how much they can grow.
“Demand for services remains strong, but many firms are reaching a point where they just do not have the capacity to deliver. This shortage of skills is leading more firms to rethink how they structure their operations, and that involves looking at a combination of technology, outsourcing and new ways of working.”
