Finding qualified accounting talent can be brutal. With unemployment in finance and accounting at historic lows, everyone's fighting for the same people. And the good ones? They're gone before you can schedule a second interview.
I've been helping companies work out this mess for most of my career, and here's the truth: the right recruitment agency changes everything. They know people. They have relationships with candidates who aren't even looking. While you're running your business, they're out there scouting talent.
But picking an agency is tricky. Some handle executive searches, others do temp work, and a handful actually understand what makes someone stick around. You need to know which one fits what you're looking for.
Top Accounting Recruitment Agencies in 2025
1. Somewhere
Somewhere is the best overall accounting recruitment agency. However, we’re not your traditional recruitment agency. We're experts in connecting companies with skilled remote accounting professionals, particularly from global talent pools.
While most agencies focus on local placements, Somewhere has perfected the art of remote accounting hires. We've built relationships with talented accountants worldwide, offering clients access to professionals who are not only skilled but also cost-effective.
The cost savings alone are compelling. We're talking 70-80% less than traditional U.S. hires without sacrificing quality. We pride ourselves on an extremely thorough vetting process, and we handle all the complexities of international hiring, from compliance to onboarding.
Services offered:
- Full-time remote accounting placements
- Financial analysts and controllers
- Bookkeeping and accounts payable specialists
- Tax preparation professionals
- CFO and finance director roles
Read: How an Extended-Stay Hotel Chain Hired an Accounting Specialist for $1,000/ month
2. Robert Half
Their network is massive, spanning temporary, contract, and permanent placements. They've got specialized divisions like Accountemps for temporary roles and Robert Half Management Resources for project-based work. Their consultants understand market trends and can provide valuable salary insights.
3. Beacon Hill Staffing Group
Beacon Hill is particularly strong in the Northeast but has expanded its reach significantly. It excels at mid-level to senior accounting placements and has developed expertise in niche areas like revenue cycle processing and financial services compliance.
4. Aston Carter
Aston Carter brings a fresh approach to accounting recruitment with their focus on agile staffing solutions. They emphasize understanding your business needs first, then finding candidates who fit both technically and culturally.
5. Vaco
Vaco may be best known in the technology sector, but they also handle accounting and finance staffing. They get the changing nature of work and can find candidates who thrive in flexible environments. Their technology-forward approach appeals to both clients and candidates.
6. Randstad
Randstad brings global resources to local markets, which can be a significant advantage for companies with international operations or those needing specialized expertise. As a global company, they have access to talent pools and market insights that purely domestic agencies can't match. Their technology platform is also quite sophisticated.
How We Chose the Best Accounting Recruitment Agencies
I didn't just Google "best accounting agencies" and call it a day. This list comes from some serious detective work.
Here's what I looked for:
- Specialization matters. Generalist agencies might dabble in accounting, but specialists live and breathe it. They understand the difference between a tax accountant and a forensic accountant and why that matters for your hire.
- Track record speaks volumes. A good agency doesn't just fill positions; it creates lasting matches.
- Network depth. The best agencies have relationships with passive candidates, those stellar professionals who aren't actively looking but might be interested in the right opportunity.
- Transparency in the process. I favor agencies that clearly explain their vetting process, fee structure, and what happens if a placement doesn't work out.
- Geographic reach. Whether you need someone local or you're open to remote talent, the agency should match your scope.
Tips for Working Effectively with an Accounting Recruitment Agency
The difference between a great partnership and one that is doomed from the start usually comes down to how well both sides communicate and collaborate.
- Be specific about your needs. Don't just say you need "an accountant." Explain the specific responsibilities, the systems they'll use, the team they'll work with, and the growth opportunities available. The more context you provide, the better they can match candidates.
- Share your company culture honestly. If you're a fast-paced startup where people wear multiple hats, say so. If you're a traditional firm with formal processes, own that too. There's no right or wrong culture, but there are right and wrong fits.
- Provide timely feedback. When they send you candidates, respond quickly with specific feedback. "Not a good fit" doesn't help them refine their search. "Great technical skills, but seems too rigid for our collaborative environment," gives them something to work with.
- Be realistic about timing. Good candidates don't sit on the market long. If you need three weeks to make a decision, communicate that upfront. If you can move quickly, that's a competitive advantage. Use it.
- Designate a single point of contact. Nothing slows down a search like having multiple people from your company giving conflicting feedback to the agency. Pick one person to be the primary contact and stick with it.
- Think partnership, not transaction. The best agency relationships are ongoing partnerships. Even if you're not actively hiring, stay in touch. Share updates about your business, provide feedback on market conditions, and, most importantly, give them a heads-up about future needs.
When to Hire an Accounting Recruitment Agency.
Definitely use an agency when:
- You're hiring for senior or specialized roles (Controller, CFO, forensic accountant)
- You need someone quickly and can't afford a long search
- You're looking for passive candidates who aren't actively job-hunting
- The role requires specific industry experience or certifications
- You're conducting a confidential search (replacing someone who doesn't know they're being replaced)
- Your internal team lacks recruitment experience or bandwidth
Finding Your Next Accounting Ace
Finding the right accounting talent doesn't have to be a nightmare. The agencies I've outlined here each bring something different to the table.
Remember, the best agency for your competitor might not be the best agency for you. Take the time to have conversations with your prospect, ask the right questions, and choose a partner who understands your business and can deliver the results you need.
The accounting talent shortage isn't going away anytime soon, but with the right recruitment partner, you can still build the financial team your business deserves.
Common Questions About Hiring With A Recruitment Agency
How much do accounting recruitment agencies charge?
Most agencies charge 15-25% of the candidate's first-year salary for permanent placements. Temporary placements typically involve a markup on the hourly rate. Executive search firms may charge 30-35% for senior roles.
What's the difference between direct hire, contract, and temp-to-perm?
Direct hire means the candidate becomes your employee immediately. Contract means they work for a specific period (usually through the agency). Temp-to-perm starts as temporary with the option to convert to permanent after a trial period.
How long does it take to fill a position through an agency?
Typical timeframes range from 2-6 weeks for most accounting roles, though senior positions may take 8-12 weeks. Temporary placements can often be filled within days.
Do agencies help with candidate onboarding?
Many agencies provide onboarding support, especially for the first 30-90 days. This might include check-ins with both you and the candidate to ensure a smooth transition.
Can agencies help with salary benchmarking?
Yes, most reputable agencies can provide current market data for specific roles in your geographic area, helping you set competitive compensation packages.
So, are you ready to find top accounting talent and grow your team? If the answer is yes, use the contact form below to book a call with the Somewhere team. We'll help you find that perfect match for your company.
