The results of the 2026 national study of corporate finance and accounting (F&A) talent or human resources is now available in a published report by the Controllers Council. The research identifies aggressive hiring plans, growing talent shortages, increasing compensation, and more. 

The 2026 Corporate Finance & Accounting Talent Study was conducted in May to June of 2026 via a national survey of Controllers, CFOs and related executives across a wide range of industries and company sizes.

Key findings include the beginnings of the long-anticipated CPA and accountant shortages with a 2026 Talent Shortage Index of 77%, from a 2025 Talent Surplus of 108%, coupled with a hiring rebound to pandemics levels after a 2-year lull with a 2026 Hiring Index of 134%. Not surprisingly with shortage and hiring trends, F&A compensation nearly doubled year-over-year (YoY). Other highlights include significant AI adoption, while Onsite work models surpassed Hybrid work for the first time since the pandemic for corporate accounting and finance professionals.

"The 2026 corporate finance and accounting talent study identified significant trends in accountant shortages, hiring, compensation and AI adoption," states Neil Brown, Controllers Council Executive Director. "This important benchmark study is sure to help CFOs, Controllers and related corporate finance leaders navigate rapidly changing human capital dynamics."

To view or download the 2026 Corporate Accounting & Finance Talent Study Report, link here.

To view the roundtable panel video archive, 2026 Corporate Accounting & Finance Talent Study Results – Webcast Preview Panel, link here.