Three-quarters (73%) of accountancy firms are turning away clients because of a lack of staff, according to new research from outsourcing specialists Advancetrack.
The talent shortage is now having a real impact, affecting firms’ ability to deliver work and generate growth. The data also suggests the issue is not easing, with 45% of respondents saying the talent shortage is worse than three years ago, including 19% who believe it has ‘worsened significantly’.
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. As a result, they are being forced to turn work away.”
He added: “Rather than a lack of ambition, our Index shows an urgent lack of available resources.
Firms want to expand, but without the right people in place that growth is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.”
Further stats from the 2026 Accounting Talent Index show how capacity constraints are now widespread, with 69% of firms reporting service lines are operating at or near full capacity.
As a result, 71% say their ability to grow is being slowed by recruitment challenges, while 70% identify talent shortages as a major barrier to expansion.
Check out the 2026 Accounting Talent Index – a global survey of accountancy leaders.
