AI and Global Talent: The New Growth Model for Accounting Firms

The accounting talent shortage is undeniable, prompting firms to explore new talent pools and professionals skilled in applying AI to accounting.

The accounting industry is facing a significant talent shortage driven by declining CPA exam participation, lower pass rates, and an aging workforce nearing retirement. At the same time, AI is reshaping accounting functions and creating new opportunities for firms willing to adapt.

For many firms, the challenge is no longer whether to embrace change, but how to build a sustainable operating model that combines technology, new professionals well-versed in AI technology for accounting, and global collaboration. Organizations are adapting to these changes by building a remote accounting team.

The talent challenge facing the profession

The accounting profession continues to face workforce pressures driven by declining CPA exam participation, changing educational requirements, and an aging workforce. According to AICPA & CIMA research, CPA exam pass rates have declined in recent years while many experienced professionals approach retirement. Similar talent shortages are being reported across multiple regions as firms compete for a limited pool of qualified accounting professionals.

According to Brett Loxterman, Managing Director of Growth at GR8 Global, structural changes within the profession have significantly impacted the traditional talent pipeline:

“Tax and Accounting firms have seen a decline in talent coming out of school over the last five years, and it’s created a need to look offshore for tasks beyond simple tax preparation. Changes which tightened the rules regarding CPA exams and hours of education ultimately hurt the talent pipeline that used to exist in accounting.”

As a result, firms are expanding their recruiting strategies beyond domestic talent and moving towards hiring global accounting professionals to support growth and continuity.

In addition, a 2025 AICPA & CIMA survey of 1,446 global senior finance and accounting leaders indicates that 88% believe that AI will reshape the industry over the next 12-24 months. “Nearly nine in ten finance leaders say AI will transform the profession within two years, but only 8% feel very well-prepared to adopt AI.” Half identified a lack of skilled talent as the biggest barrier to technology implementation.

At the same time, firms are being asked to deliver more strategic value while navigating capacity limitations. As a result, many organizations are expanding recruiting strategies beyond local markets and exploring globally distributed workforce models to support growth, continuity, and client service.

AI is transforming work, not replacing expertise

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the accounting profession. Industry surveys indicate that most finance and accounting leaders expect AI to significantly reshape the profession in the coming years, yet many accounting leaders are still wondering how to use AI for accounting.

Nowadays, AI can assist with:

• Data extraction and organization

• Document analysis

• Workflow automation

• Meeting and note summarization

• Draft report preparation

However, technology alone cannot replace professional judgment, client relationships, risk management, or strategic advisory services.

As Brett Loxterman explains:

“AI is going to improve the work product that is done by the human workforce today. I don’t believe it is going to replace it in mass. There are tasks that should not be done manually today with the technology we have available. Stripping away some of that manual work will allow professionals to be more engaged in the higher-level work that is needed in many of the industries that we serve.”

This perspective aligns with the broader evolution of the accounting profession. As AI automates repetitive functions, accountants can dedicate more time to advise clients, analyze financial trends, ensure compliance, and deliver strategic business insights.

Why firms are combining AI tools and global teams

Many firms are finding that AI and global teams create the strongest impact when combined. AI can automate repetitive work such as document processing, data extraction, workflow management, and initial report preparation, while global talent provides accounting expertise, quality control, client communication, and professional judgment. This approach also makes it easier to find talent with the right AI skills for accounting roles.

Together, these capabilities help firms:

• Increase operational efficiency.

• Expand service capacity.

• Improve turnaround times.

• Maintain quality standards.

• Support business growth.

For example, AI can organize information from financial documents and generate initial analyses, while accounting professionals review outputs, validate accuracy, address exceptions, and communicate recommendations to clients.

The firms best positioned for long-term success are not choosing between technology and talent. They are developing operating models in which each strengthens the other.

Building successful global teams

Building a global team is not simply a recruiting initiative. Long-term success depends on integration.

Organizations that achieve strong results typically invest in structured onboarding, documented processes, knowledge transfer, communication practices, and ongoing training. Global professionals should be treated as an extension of the firm’s existing team and integrated into workflows, service standards, and organizational culture.

Avoid terms such as “offshore staff” or “contractors,” as they can imply that work has been handed off to an outside provider rather than integrated into the core team. Instead, use more inclusive language such as “global team member,” “international workforce,” or “global colleague.”

Here are a few ways to help global teams to thrive in any organization:

1. Proper integration:

Clear expectations, defined responsibilities and structured onboarding process help new hires understand their role from day one.

2. Make People Feel Welcome:

Including global employees in meetings, company updates, and checking in to see how they’re feeling is essential to make them feel they’re part of the team.

3. Standardized processes and tools:

Global team members should have access to the same systems, documentation, workflows, and support as their coworkers.

4. Avoid the “Plug-and-Play” mentality:

Building trust, understanding workflows and aligning to the culture takes time. Companies that invest in process and training are more likely to succeed and see long-term results.

5. Strong onboarding:

Onboarding should go beyond training. It should help employees understand the company’s mission, culture, and growth opportunities.

Building a successful global team is not about filling roles quickly. It is about creating an environment where people can contribute, collaborate, and grow regardless of their location. As firms continue to navigate talent shortages, evolving client expectations, and technological change, the ability to develop inclusive and well-integrated global teams may become a key differentiator for future success.

Five Questions to ask before building a global accounting team

These five questions can help accounting firms assess their readiness to build a global team, develop the right mindset, and create an environment where global talent can thrive now and in the future.

1. What is my staffing plan for the next five years? How will my global workforce complement that plan and create synergy within the In-House staffing plan?

2. Which location is best for me to consider? Different geographic locations offer different skill sets and come with different challenges to navigate.

3. Have I given our firm enough runway to make this a success? It takes a minimum of two years to completely ramp up international production, so keeping that vision front and center is important.

4. How will the addition of global support modify my value proposition to my clients?

5. Have you developed an end goal for the benefits of creating your international team? Softly determining the end stage first will help set the stage for proper growth and development of the new team expansion.

These questions can help firms align technology, talent, and growth objectives before making significant investments.

Looking Ahead

The accounting profession is being shaped by three interconnected forces: technological advancement, workforce transformation, and global collaboration.

AI is helping firms automate routine tasks and improve efficiency. Global teams are expanding access to skills, flexibility, and capacity. Together, they enable firms to scale while maintaining quality and client trust.

Neither technology nor talent alone is a complete solution. The firms most likely to thrive will be those that thoughtfully combine AI, people, and process innovation to create more agile, resilient, and scalable organizations.

The future of accounting is not AI versus people. It is AI empowering people, and global teams helping firms build capacity beyond traditional geographic boundaries.

About GR8 Global

GR8 Global helps accounting firms build high-performing global teams that strengthen operations, expand capacity, and support long-term growth. As the Employer of Record, GR8 Global manages global hiring, compliance, payroll, onboarding, benefits, IT support, performance, and quality assurance, so firms can focus on what they do best while maintaining high-quality service standards.