Why Employee Retention Is Critical for Accounting Firms

Employee retention for accounting firms is more critical than ever.
In today’s market, your most valuable asset is your talented and dedicated team of professionals, and keeping that talent is key to long-term success.

This is a challenge that comes up frequently in our consulting sessions with firm leaders.

📌 Attracting top talent is hard enough, but keeping them is where firms build a sustainable advantage.

As the accounting industry experiences unprecedented changes — from shifting workforce expectations to increasing competition for talent — firms that prioritize employee retention strategies are best positioned to thrive.

Leading firms like Plante Moran and The Bonadio Group are seeing this firsthand, and recent reporting from the Journal of Accountancy confirms it: firms that invest in employee retention are achieving stronger team engagement, improved client outcomes, and greater long-term stability.

Top Employee Retention Tips for Accounting Firms

Based on feedback we hear directly from candidates, and on what’s working for the firms that consistently attract and retain top talent, here are key strategies to focus on:

Offer Competitive Compensation

Compensation still matters.

Firms that offer salaries and benefits competitive with market standards are more likely to attract strong candidates and to retain them once they join.

💡Consider adding performance-based incentives that reward excellence and drive engagement.
Learn more about compensation strategies in this article.

Build a Strong Mentorship Culture

Top talent wants to grow, and they stay where they can see a future.

Firms that invest time and resources in mentorship and professional development build loyalty and long-term commitment.

💡Create formal and informal mentorship opportunities, and give staff both the room and the means to grow.

According to the AICPA Mentorship Study 2025, firms with structured mentorship programs experience a 28% higher retention rate among entry-level accountants compared to those without such programs.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is no longer a “perk” — it’s an expectation.

And when firms get it wrong, the consequences are real: nearly 48% of accounting professionals cited lack of work-life balance as a primary reason for leaving their jobs (Illinois CPA Society, 2023).

Leading firms are building flexible work models that support staff well-being, including:

✔️ Remote and hybrid work options,
✔️ Generous PTO,
✔️ Encouraging — or requiring — staff to actually take time off.

💡A culture that genuinely supports work-life balance is a major differentiator in employee retention for accounting firms.

How White Tiger Helps Firms Improve Employee Retention

At White Tiger Connections, we work with accounting firms to design and implement talent strategies that drive employee retention and long-term team success.

Our solutions include:

  • Talent Strategy Consulting: Build a clear plan for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent
  • Recruiting Support: Identify and hire candidates who align with your firm’s culture and goals
  • Leadership Development: Help your leadership team build a mentorship-driven, growth-focused culture
  • Operational Best Practices: Optimize internal processes to support employee engagement and retention

If your firm is looking to improve employee retention and attract top talent, we can help you design the right strategies for success. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our team.