GITNUXREPORT 2025

Accounting Industry Statistics

Accounting industry rapidly grows, adopting technology and digital transformation initiatives.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average client retention rate for accounting firms is approximately 85%, indicating high customer satisfaction

Statistic 2

Nearly 70% of accounting firms report that client engagement has improved due to digital communication tools, fast-tracking decision-making

Statistic 3

Nearly 60% of firms report challenges in integrating new accounting software with existing systems, emphasizing the need for better compatibility solutions

Statistic 4

65% of accounting firms reported that cybersecurity threats impacted their operations in 2023

Statistic 5

62% of accounting professionals see data security as their top concern when adopting new digital tools

Statistic 6

The overall industry profitability margin for accounting firms is around 15%, with larger firms typically achieving higher margins than small firms

Statistic 7

The accounting industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 8

The demand for forensic accounting services is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025

Statistic 9

The number of CPA exam takers increased by 12% in 2023 compared to 2022

Statistic 10

The revenue from outsourced accounting functions grew by 35% between 2019 and 2022

Statistic 11

The total number of accounting jobs in the U.S. is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations

Statistic 12

The global market for accounting software is expected to reach $23 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8%

Statistic 13

Over 65% of firms expect to invest more in cybersecurity by 2025, recognizing its importance in protecting client data

Statistic 14

The proportion of accounting firms using virtual CFO services increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023, indicating a shift toward higher-value outsourced services

Statistic 15

The use of sustainable and green accounting practices has increased by 25% over the last five years as firms emphasize corporate social responsibility

Statistic 16

The growth of online accounting courses and certifications increased by 50% in 2022, reflecting the industry’s emphasis on continuous learning

Statistic 17

The global accounting services market size was valued at approximately $3.73 trillion in 2022

Statistic 18

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over 60% of accounting firm clients worldwide

Statistic 19

The global audit market size was valued at $125 billion in 2022

Statistic 20

The global outsourcing market for bookkeeping services was valued at over $5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 7% through 2027

Statistic 21

The average charge-out rate for external accounting services in North America is approximately $150 per hour, with small firms charging an average of $120 per hour

Statistic 22

Over 70% of accounting firms have adopted cloud-based accounting software

Statistic 23

Approximately 42% of accounting firms increased their use of artificial intelligence in 2023

Statistic 24

About 55% of accountants use data analytics tools for auditing processes

Statistic 25

The adoption rate of blockchain technology in accounting is projected to reach 30% by 2025

Statistic 26

The use of automation in bookkeeping has increased by 80% since 2020

Statistic 27

The percentage of firms using automated fraud detection tools increased from 25% in 2020 to 55% in 2023

Statistic 28

80% of firms believe that integrating artificial intelligence will improve their audit reliability

Statistic 29

The use of natural language processing in accounting has increased by 70% since 2020, facilitating better data extraction and analysis

Statistic 30

The penetration of mobile accounting apps in small businesses reached 55% in 2023, up from 35% in 2020

Statistic 31

Automation tools have reduced data entry time in accounting processes by up to 60%, substantially increasing efficiency

Statistic 32

The number of new accounting firms registered online increased by 40% during 2022, showcasing digital growth in the industry

Statistic 33

The adoption of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems in accounting firms is expected to reach 55% by 2025, up from 35% in 2021

Statistic 34

Over 80% of younger accountants (under 35) prefer digital platforms for their work over traditional methods, signifying a generational shift

Statistic 35

The number of patents filed related to accounting technology solutions increased by 30% between 2019 and 2023, indicating innovation in the industry

Statistic 36

More than 65% of accounting firms use or plan to use robotic process automation (RPA) in their workflows by 2025, illustrating a strategic move towards automation

Statistic 37

The adoption rate of client portals and secure document sharing tools in accounting has reached 80% in 2023, improving client communication

Statistic 38

The penetration of AI-driven audit tools in the industry is projected to reach 40% by 2025, up from 20% in 2022, indicating rapid technological adoption

Statistic 39

The average salary of an accountant in the U.S. was $73,560 in 2022

Statistic 40

During 2022, 45% of firms increased their staff training for emerging accounting technologies

Statistic 41

The average age of certified public accountants (CPAs) in the U.S. is 45 years, indicating an impending wave of retirements

Statistic 42

Nearly 50% of accounting firms reported that remote work has become a permanent part of their work culture

Statistic 43

40% of small firms lack specialized accounting staff, relying instead on generalist staff or external providers

Statistic 44

The majority of accounting firms (over 60%) have implemented some form of remote or hybrid work policies by 2023, reflecting a shift from traditional workflows

Statistic 45

50% of accountants believe that automation will eliminate repetitive tasks but also require new skill sets, according to a 2023 survey

Statistic 46

About 35% of accounting firms have reported difficulties in recruiting qualified staff due to industry labor shortages

Statistic 47

The industry’s gender diversity has improved, with women now making up about 45% of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the U.S., up from 30% a decade ago

Statistic 48

The average age of accounting specimens shown in industry surveys is decreasing, with many new professionals entering the field under age 30, indicating a youthful workforce trend

Statistic 49

45% of firms are actively investing in training and development programs to upskill their staff to meet technological demands

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Key Highlights

The global accounting services market size was valued at approximately $3.73 trillion in 2022
The accounting industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028
Over 70% of accounting firms have adopted cloud-based accounting software
The average salary of an accountant in the U.S. was $73,560 in 2022
Approximately 42% of accounting firms increased their use of artificial intelligence in 2023
The demand for forensic accounting services is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over 60% of accounting firm clients worldwide
About 55% of accountants use data analytics tools for auditing processes
The global audit market size was valued at $125 billion in 2022
65% of accounting firms reported that cybersecurity threats impacted their operations in 2023
The adoption rate of blockchain technology in accounting is projected to reach 30% by 2025
The use of automation in bookkeeping has increased by 80% since 2020
During 2022, 45% of firms increased their staff training for emerging accounting technologies

The accounting industry is on the brink of a digital revolution, with market values soaring past $3.7 trillion globally, rapid adoption of AI and automation transforming workflows, and a youthful, tech-savvy workforce shaping the future of financial services.

Client and Service Dynamics

The average client retention rate for accounting firms is approximately 85%, indicating high customer satisfaction
Nearly 70% of accounting firms report that client engagement has improved due to digital communication tools, fast-tracking decision-making

Client and Service Dynamics Interpretation

With an impressive 85% client retention and 70% reporting enhanced engagement through digital tools, the accounting industry proves that in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, managing numbers is only half the equation—building relationships and streamlining communication are the real game changers.

Industry Challenges

Nearly 60% of firms report challenges in integrating new accounting software with existing systems, emphasizing the need for better compatibility solutions

Industry Challenges Interpretation

With nearly 60% of firms grappling with integration issues, the accounting industry vividly underscores that compatibility isn't just a feature—it's the foundation for seamless financial management.

Industry Challenges, Regulations, and Diversity

65% of accounting firms reported that cybersecurity threats impacted their operations in 2023
62% of accounting professionals see data security as their top concern when adopting new digital tools
The overall industry profitability margin for accounting firms is around 15%, with larger firms typically achieving higher margins than small firms

Industry Challenges, Regulations, and Diversity Interpretation

With 65% of firms flagging cybersecurity threats and 62% viewing data security as their top priority amidst a industry-wide 15% profit margin, it's clear that balancing digital innovation with robust security measures is the new accounting firm's fiscal and ethical ledger.

Market Growth and Market Size

The accounting industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028
The demand for forensic accounting services is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025
The number of CPA exam takers increased by 12% in 2023 compared to 2022
The revenue from outsourced accounting functions grew by 35% between 2019 and 2022
The total number of accounting jobs in the U.S. is projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations
The global market for accounting software is expected to reach $23 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8%
Over 65% of firms expect to invest more in cybersecurity by 2025, recognizing its importance in protecting client data
The proportion of accounting firms using virtual CFO services increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023, indicating a shift toward higher-value outsourced services
The use of sustainable and green accounting practices has increased by 25% over the last five years as firms emphasize corporate social responsibility
The growth of online accounting courses and certifications increased by 50% in 2022, reflecting the industry’s emphasis on continuous learning

Market Growth and Market Size Interpretation

As the accounting industry surges ahead with a 6.5% CAGR, a 10% annual rise in forensic services, and a booming $23 billion software market, it’s clear that firms are not only balancing books but also investing heavily in cybersecurity, virtual CFOs, and green practices—proving that in finance, future-proofing is as vital as counting beans.

Market Size

The global accounting services market size was valued at approximately $3.73 trillion in 2022
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over 60% of accounting firm clients worldwide
The global audit market size was valued at $125 billion in 2022
The global outsourcing market for bookkeeping services was valued at over $5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 7% through 2027
The average charge-out rate for external accounting services in North America is approximately $150 per hour, with small firms charging an average of $120 per hour

Market Size Interpretation

With a staggering $3.73 trillion market size and SMEs dominating over 60% of clients, the accounting industry not only underpins global business economies but also proves that whether at $120 or $150 an hour, accountants are the secret currency of commerce — making numbers work harder than ever.

Technological Adoption and Innovation

Over 70% of accounting firms have adopted cloud-based accounting software
Approximately 42% of accounting firms increased their use of artificial intelligence in 2023
About 55% of accountants use data analytics tools for auditing processes
The adoption rate of blockchain technology in accounting is projected to reach 30% by 2025
The use of automation in bookkeeping has increased by 80% since 2020
The percentage of firms using automated fraud detection tools increased from 25% in 2020 to 55% in 2023
80% of firms believe that integrating artificial intelligence will improve their audit reliability
The use of natural language processing in accounting has increased by 70% since 2020, facilitating better data extraction and analysis
The penetration of mobile accounting apps in small businesses reached 55% in 2023, up from 35% in 2020
Automation tools have reduced data entry time in accounting processes by up to 60%, substantially increasing efficiency
The number of new accounting firms registered online increased by 40% during 2022, showcasing digital growth in the industry
The adoption of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems in accounting firms is expected to reach 55% by 2025, up from 35% in 2021
Over 80% of younger accountants (under 35) prefer digital platforms for their work over traditional methods, signifying a generational shift
The number of patents filed related to accounting technology solutions increased by 30% between 2019 and 2023, indicating innovation in the industry
More than 65% of accounting firms use or plan to use robotic process automation (RPA) in their workflows by 2025, illustrating a strategic move towards automation
The adoption rate of client portals and secure document sharing tools in accounting has reached 80% in 2023, improving client communication
The penetration of AI-driven audit tools in the industry is projected to reach 40% by 2025, up from 20% in 2022, indicating rapid technological adoption

Technological Adoption and Innovation Interpretation

As the accounting industry accelerates towards a future where 80% of firms embrace automation and AI, it becomes clear that while numbers like a 70% cloud adoption and a 60% reduction in data entry time underscore efficiency gains, the true ledger of progress is written by innovation, digital trust, and a new generation of tech-savvy accountants rewriting the rules of the game.

Workforce and Staffing Trends

The average salary of an accountant in the U.S. was $73,560 in 2022
During 2022, 45% of firms increased their staff training for emerging accounting technologies
The average age of certified public accountants (CPAs) in the U.S. is 45 years, indicating an impending wave of retirements
Nearly 50% of accounting firms reported that remote work has become a permanent part of their work culture
40% of small firms lack specialized accounting staff, relying instead on generalist staff or external providers
The majority of accounting firms (over 60%) have implemented some form of remote or hybrid work policies by 2023, reflecting a shift from traditional workflows
50% of accountants believe that automation will eliminate repetitive tasks but also require new skill sets, according to a 2023 survey
About 35% of accounting firms have reported difficulties in recruiting qualified staff due to industry labor shortages
The industry’s gender diversity has improved, with women now making up about 45% of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the U.S., up from 30% a decade ago
The average age of accounting specimens shown in industry surveys is decreasing, with many new professionals entering the field under age 30, indicating a youthful workforce trend
45% of firms are actively investing in training and development programs to upskill their staff to meet technological demands

Workforce and Staffing Trends Interpretation

As the accounting industry balances a youthful, tech-savvy workforce embracing automation and remote work while confronting an aging CPA population and persistent staffing shortages, it’s clear that the profession is recalibrating, proving that even in numbers, change is the only constant—especially when the calculator now doubles as a crystal ball.