How to Hire Senior Accountants in a Candidate-Short Market

Rezonate Recruitment • August 30, 2026

Hiring a good Senior Accountant in Australia takes more than putting a job ad online and waiting for applications to fly in. The strongest candidates are often already employed. They know their value, and they have options. They aren’t desperate for another job; they’re weighing offers and picking what suits them best. So, accounting firms can’t just sit back and wait. You need to offer a solid salary, a clear reason to join your team, a fast hiring process, and, most importantly, you have to reach out to candidates who didn’t plan on applying in the first place.


So, what actually works? How do you hire Senior Accountants in this candidate-short market?


Start by figuring out exactly what you need in the role, and compare what you're offering with what the market’s paying. Don’t wait for people to come to you—go after the candidates that you want on your team, even if they’re not actively looking. When you meet someone who fits, move fast. Show them why your firm stands out.


Read on for the full breakdown on how to hire the best Senior Accountants.


1. Start With the Role You Actually Need


Before you write a job description, get crystal clear about what this person actually needs to do.


Do you want your Senior Accountant running their own client portfolio? Reviewing junior staff’s work? Handling tricky tax returns or mentoring intermediate accountants? Maybe you’re hoping they’ll step into a Manager role in a year or two. Whatever it is, nailing down these details early opens you up to more qualified candidates.


It’s easy to make things harder than they need to be by listing every “nice-to-have” as a must. Instead, figure out what matters most. What do they absolutely need to know on day one? What can you teach them? What’s just a bonus?


2. Benchmark Salary Before You Go to Market


Salary really starts to matter when skilled candidates have options. If a Senior Accountant realises halfway through the process that your offer sits lower than what others pay, they probably won’t stick around just because they like your firm.


So, before anything else, benchmark the position.


Consider everything—where the job’s based, how many years of experience you need, what kind of specialisations are important, the level of client responsibility, required qualifications, and how much progression you expect. The salary market in Sydney or Melbourne isn’t the same as in regional Australia, and candidates in Business Services, Tax, Audit, or SMSF each face their own market pressures.


Rezonate’s
2026/27 Accounting & Business Support Salary Guide lays out up-to-date Australian benchmarks to help when you’re planning your next hire.


3. Give Senior Accountants a Reason to Move


Just having an open position isn’t enough to attract Senior Accountants who already have a solid job.


You’re basically asking someone to leave behind what they know—people they trust, routines they’re comfortable with—and take a leap into something unknown. There has got to be a clear benefit.


That could include:

  • A defined pathway to Manager
  • More advisory and client-facing work
  • Better mentoring from Partners or Directors
  • Hybrid or flexible working
  • Exposure to larger or more complex clients
  • Leadership responsibilities
  • Stronger systems and administrative support
  • A healthier workload
  • Better salary progression


The more specific, the better. “Great culture and career progression” shows up in every ad, but details speak volumes. Instead, you could advertise, “Progression to Manager is available as you begin reviewing intermediates and taking ownership of a $700k client portfolio.” Now you’ve painted a picture they can actually imagine themselves in.


4. Search Beyond Active Applicants


This is one of the biggest differences between hiring in a candidate-rich and candidate-short market.


Many of the Senior Accountants you want are not browsing SEEK every night.
CA ANZ’s 2026 Occupation Shortage List submission found a high likelihood of nationwide shortages for Accountants (General), Taxation Accountants and External Auditors. Its survey also found the main reason vacancies went unfilled was a lack of experienced professionals.


That means firms need access to passive talent.


Build relationships before vacancies appear. Keep in contact with previous applicants. Encourage referrals. Maintain an active network within the accounting community. And where internal networks don’t reach far enough, work with a specialist
accounting recruitment partner that already speaks with accountants who are open to hearing about the right move.


5. Remove Unnecessary Delays


Candidate-short hiring punishes slow processes.
Jobs and Skills Australia reported that the national vacancy fill rate fell to 68.2% in the March 2026 quarter, with recruitment conditions difficult across both metropolitan and regional Australia.


So, once a strong Senior Accountant enters your process, momentum matters. Try to keep interviews to one or two meaningful stages. Make sure the decision-makers are available. Give feedback quickly. Discuss salary expectations early. If references or technical assessments are required, organise them promptly.


A week of internal discussion can be enough time for another firm to organise an interview, make a decision and get an offer in front of the candidate.


6. Assess for the Senior Accountant You Need Next


Technical skills definitely count. But what really matters is what the person does once they're on board.


A lot of companies see their Senior Accountants as future Managers. So pay attention to more than just the resume. Watch how they talk to clients, break down complicated ideas, take responsibility, review other people’s work, and deal with tough situations where the solution isn’t clear.


Honestly, these qualities stick around and make a bigger difference over time than just finding someone whose last job title perfectly matches your opening.


Hiring Senior Accountants Requires a Different Approach


Australia’s shortage of experienced accounting talent means firms have to approach recruitment with more intention. This means real requirements and salaries in accordance with the market. It also means giving candidates a genuine reason to move (so you attract both active and passive jobseekers). Most importantly, start building your talent pipeline before the workload becomes urgent.


Rezonate specialises in
permanent Accounting recruitment across Australia, working with firms from boutique practices through to larger Public Practice businesses. If you’re struggling to hire a Senior Accountant, speak with the team about what candidates are looking for, what the market is paying and how to reach the people who aren’t applying to job ads.

Hands typing on a silver laptop keyboard in a dimly lit setting
By Rezonate Recruitment August 31, 2026
Should your accounting firm offshore work or hire locally? Compare the benefits of each model and find the right workforce structure for your firm.
By Rezonate Recruitment July 31, 2026
Explore the 2026 federal budget tax changes, including small business tax changes and capital gains tax changes, plus what they mean for accounting firms.
Eight people standing indoors in front of a green plant wall, posing for a group photo.
By Rezonate Recruitment June 29, 2026
Compare accountant salaries in Australia for 2026, including highest-paying accounting jobs, role salary ranges & what impacts your next move.
Person pointing at a laptop screen with financial charts on a desk with papers and a calculator.
By Rezonate Recruitment June 24, 2026
Explore the auditor career path in Australia, from Graduate Auditor to Audit Partner. Learn audit roles, qualifications, progression, and FAQs.
By Rezonate Recruitment May 29, 2026
Is there still an accountant shortage in Australia? Explore the future of accounting in Australia, the roles in highest demand, salary trends, and what it means for candidates and employers.
By Rezonate Recruitment April 30, 2026
Explore the best accounting and business support certifications in Australia, including CA, CPA, SMSF, payroll, Xero, BAS, and admin courses.
By Rezonate Recruitment April 29, 2026
Discover Rezonate Recruitment’s people-first approach to accounting and business support recruitment for candidates and firms across Australia.
By Rezonate Recruitment April 28, 2026
When accounting firms are hiring, it’s easy to assume the decision comes down to technical skills. Qualifications, experience, and technical ability are all important, and they’re often what gets a candidate through the door. But they’re rarely what makes the final decision. From our experience working with firms across Australia, hiring managers are looking for something more well-rounded. 1. It’s Not Just Technical Skills Communication is one of the biggest factors. Accounting is a client-facing profession, and firms need people who can explain concepts clearly, build relationships, and represent the business well. A technically strong candidate who struggles to communicate effectively will often be overlooked for someone who is slightly less experienced but more confident with clients. Another key factor is how candidates approach their work. Firms value people who take ownership, show initiative, and think beyond the task in front of them. This doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does mean being proactive, asking the right questions, and showing a genuine interest in improving. Consistency also plays a role. Hiring managers look for steady progression in a candidate’s career. They want to see growth, increasing responsibility, and a clear trajectory over time. It’s not about having a perfect CV, but rather showing that you’ve developed your skills and taken on new challenges as you’ve progressed. 2. Attitude and Cultural Fit Matter More Than You Think Attitude is another area that often gets underestimated. Candidates who are open to learning, adaptable, and positive in their approach tend to stand out quickly. These are the people firms see as long-term hires, individuals who can grow into leadership roles and contribute to the wider team culture. Cultural fit is just as important. Every firm operates differently, and hiring managers are looking for people who align with their way of working. This includes everything from communication style and team dynamics through to values and expectations. A candidate might look perfect on paper, but if they don’t align with the firm’s culture, it can create challenges down the line. 3. How You Present Yourself Makes the Difference For candidates, this means it’s important to think beyond your technical skillset when preparing for opportunities. How you present yourself, how you communicate your experience, and how you demonstrate your value all play a significant role in how you’re perceived. Being able to clearly explain your impact, not just your responsibilities, can make a strong difference. It’s also worth remembering that hiring is a two-way process. Just as firms are assessing you, you should be assessing them. The goal isn’t just to secure an offer, it’s to find a role where you can grow, feel supported, and build a long-term career. If you’re unsure how you come across in the market, or what firms are really prioritising right now, getting an external perspective can be incredibly valuable. We offer free consultations, no strings attached, if you want to get honest advice from a team that helps firms hire every day. Just reach out to us , we're always happy to help. Often, a few small adjustments in how you position yourself can significantly improve your opportunities.
By Rezonate Recruitment April 28, 2026
Most people don’t wake up one day and decide they need a new job. In reality, the decision builds over time. At Rezonate, a large portion of the candidates we speak to weren’t actively job hunting when we first connected. They were simply curious. Something didn’t feel quite right, or they wanted to understand what else was out there. That’s usually the first sign. So, what are the signs it's time to move? Sometimes it’s obvious. You might feel underpaid compared to your peers, overworked without recognition, or stuck in the same role with no clear progression. In these cases, the decision to move can feel straightforward. Other times, it’s more subtle. You might notice your motivation dropping, even though nothing major has changed. You’re doing the same work, in the same environment, but it no longer feels engaging. You might also find yourself questioning your long-term future at the firm, without having a clear reason why. These moments are easy to ignore, but they’re often worth paying attention to. A simple way to sense-check where you’re at is to ask yourself a few honest questions. Are you still learning and developing your skills? Do you feel valued by your team and leadership? Is there a clear next step for you within your current firm? If the answer to most of these is no, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should resign tomorrow. It does, however, suggest it might be time to explore your options. Exploring other options Exploring the market doesn’t lock you into anything. In fact, it usually does the opposite. It gives you clarity. When you understand what roles are available, what firms are offering, and what your profile is worth, you’re in a much stronger position to make an informed decision. That might mean staying where you are with a renewed perspective, or it might mean taking the next step in your career. Another important point to consider is timing. Many professionals wait until they feel completely ready to move before having conversations. By that stage, they’re often frustrated or burnt out, which can lead to rushed decisions. Having conversations earlier allows you to stay in control and approach the process more thoughtfully. It also helps you build relationships with recruiters and firms before you actually need to make a move. Where to go from here Ultimately, changing roles is a big decision, and it’s not one that should be taken lightly. But staying in a role that no longer aligns with your goals can have a long-term impact on your growth and satisfaction. If you’ve started questioning what’s next, that’s usually a sign worth exploring. Even a simple conversation can give you the clarity you need to decide what the right move looks like for you. Get in touch with our team if you want some honest advice and insights into the current market.