Nearly three quarters of accountancy firms fear rising workloads could drive staff to leave the profession, according to a global survey highlighting growing burnout across the profession.
New findings from the 2026 Accounting Talent Index – a global survey of accountancy leaders by outsourcing specialists Advancetrack – highlight the growing human impact of the skills crisis, with firms warning that pressure on teams is becoming a serious retention risk.
According to the research, more than a quarter (26%) of professionals say they are already considering exiting the profession altogether with 35% reporting increasing stress or anxiety.
In 2026, 74% of firms are concerned that current workloads could lead to staff leaving.
The findings mark a shift from the operational impact of talent shortages to their effect on people, and firms now facing the risk of a cycle where capacity pressures drive attrition, further deepening the shortage.
Vipul Sheth, Managing Director of Advancetrack, said: “This is quickly becoming a people issue, as workloads are rising faster than accountancy firms can hire.”
“When workloads keep rising like they are, morale dips, stress builds, and people begin to question whether they want to stay in the profession. The latest survey shows there’s a real risk that experienced staff will leave, making the shortage even worse.”
“At a time when recruitment is already difficult, losing experienced staff can only add to the challenge. And if that continues, it raises bigger questions about how attractive the profession will be for the next generation coming through.”
Further findings from the Index show 70% of firms say workloads are increasing pressure on senior staff, while 71% identify the loss of key individuals as a significant risk to their business.
According to Vipul Sheth, this is forcing firms to rethink how they support their people and manage delivery.
He added: “It seems retention is becoming just as important as recruitment, and firms need to think carefully about how they manage workloads, support their teams and structure how work is delivered.
“Those that get this balance right will be far better placed to navigate the challenges ahead.”
The Accounting Talent Index 2026 is based on responses from 500 accountancy leaders across key global markets, including the UK, US, Australia and Canada. It provides a detailed snapshot of how firms are responding to the ongoing talent shortage and the impact it is having on growth.
