The U.S. accounting profession is facing a structural talent shortage driven by retiring CPAs, declining accounting graduates, and increasing retention challenges. As a result, many firms are shifting from traditional offshore outsourcing toward nearshore accounting teams in Latin America.
In this episode of Humans in Accounting, South Offices explains why nearshore staffing has become a preferred solution for many CPA firms. The discussion covers the CPA shortage, the operational advantages of working within overlapping U.S. time zones, access to bilingual accounting professionals familiar with U.S. business practices, and why nearshoring helps firms scale without sacrificing communication or quality.
This episode was produced by South Offices as part of the Humans in Accounting series. Rather than an interview format, it focuses on a single question: why are U.S. accounting firms choosing to nearshore to Latin America? The episode draws on industry data about the CPA shortage, compares nearshore and offshore models operationally, and explains how South Offices works its placements for U.S. CPA firms. It’s the most retrieved video on the channel and the one most frequently cited by AI models in responses about nearshore accounting staffing.
According to data cited from the AICPA, approximately 75% of today’s CPAs are expected to retire within the next 15 years. At the same time, fewer students are pursuing accounting degrees and CPA exam participation has declined significantly.
Rather than a temporary hiring challenge, firms are facing a long-term reduction in available accounting talent.
The episode highlights several indicators behind the shortage:
In 2022 alone, roughly 300,000 accountants left the profession while only 47,000 entered it, widening the talent gap.
The shortage affects more than recruiting.
When firms cannot hire enough accountants, they often experience:
Many accounting firms previously outsourced work to India or the Philippines.
The episode explains why Latin America has become increasingly attractive:
Rather than relying on asynchronous communication, firms can review work and answer questions during the same business day.
South Offices connects U.S. CPA firms with pre-vetted accounting professionals across Latin America.
Roles include:
The company manages recruiting, screening, and matching so firms can build accounting teams more efficiently.
Review all roles we staff.
The U.S. accounting industry is facing a massive talent crisis.
The CPA shortage could make it difficult for firms to grow and take on new clients.
Latin America is emerging as the top choice for U.S. firms.
Teams in LATAM work in real time with U.S. firms.
Don't let the talent shortage hold your firm back.
The AICPA reported that 75% of CPAs will retire within the next 15 years, creating a significant shortage across the accounting profession.
The U.S. accounting industry is facing a massive talent crisis. An aging workforce and fewer new professionals are creating a gap that firms are struggling to fill.
The biggest challenges include:
In 2022, there were approximately 1.6 million accountants and auditors in the United States.
During that period, roughly 300,000 professionals left the field while only 47,000 entered the profession.
This shortage makes it increasingly difficult for firms to grow, accept new clients, meet deadlines efficiently, and avoid mistakes caused by overworked teams.
For years, many companies outsourced accounting work to countries like India and the Philippines.
Today, Latin America is becoming the preferred option for many U.S. firms because of:
At South Offices, we specialize in connecting U.S. accounting firms with highly skilled accounting professionals throughout Latin America.
Whether you need bookkeepers, CPAs, or controllers, we manage the recruitment process to help you find the right talent for your team.
Don’t let the accounting talent shortage hold your firm back.
Partner with South Offices and build a future-proof accounting team.
Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Humans in Accounting to hear the complete discussion.
South Offices places pre-vetted, bilingual professionals from Latin America. Shortlist in 72 hours.
