A new report from global HR and payroll firm Deel released Feb. 20 reveals that accountants experienced the highest hiring and salary growth of any profession in 2024. Hiring for accountants surged by 74%, while salaries increased by 15%, outpacing even software engineers—traditionally on elf the most in-demand professions. 

The growing demand for accountants is driven by two key factors: a persistent shortage of accounting talent and the increasing complexity of global tax regulations. Fewer early-career professionals are entering the field, making experienced accountants a highly sought-after resource. 

“For most of the past decade, companies couldn’t hire software engineers fast enough,” the report stated. “Now, accounting is becoming the new must-have skill for global organizations.” 

The report, which analyzed data from over 1 million contracts across 35,000 companies in 150 countries, found that businesses in the United States, Australia and Great Britain were the most likely to hire accountants from abroad. The top destinations for hiring accountants included the Philippines, the United States and Argentina, with Mexico and Singapore also seeing significant demand. 

Deel also observed notable differences in pay trends. Salaries for cross-border accounting professionals rose by 17% in 2024, compared to a 9% increase for domestic hires. Additionally, companies are shifting their hiring strategies, showing a preference for candidates based closer to home.

Younger accountants also benefitted from these trends. The report found that Gen Z professionals received larger raises than their older counterparts, as firms prioritized retaining younger talent.