If you’re hiring accountants in Ontario, you already know the struggle: quality candidates are scarce, timelines are long, and offer rejections are on the rise. In fact, the Canadian CPA profession is experiencing a talent crunch, with growing retirements and fewer new designations. As a result, accounting and finance professionals have more choice than ever—and they’re not just looking for the highest salary.
Our team works with accounting employers across Ontario, from Hamilton to the GTA to Kitchener-Waterloo. Here’s what we’ve learned about why top accounting talent turns down job offers—and what you can do to win them over.
Company Culture Doesn’t Inspire Confidence
Accounting professionals in Ontario are prioritizing meaningful work environments. If your culture feels outdated, overly corporate, or unsupportive, top candidates are likely to walk.
A 2023 Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) survey found that over 70% of CPAs value a strong ethical culture and leadership transparency when choosing where to work.
Actionable Tips:
- Get feedback from your current accounting team. Use anonymous surveys to understand what’s working—and what’s not.
- Showcase your culture online. Share employee spotlights, community involvement, and testimonials on your careers page and LinkedIn.
- Walk the talk. Candidates will ask detailed questions during interviews, so be ready to back up your cultural claims with examples.
Work-Life Balance Expectations Are Changing
Hybrid work is no longer a perk—it’s the baseline. Accountants, especially those in tax, audit, and controllership roles, often face intense periods of stress. If your company expects long office hours or lacks flexibility, you’ll lose out to employers who’ve adapted.
In Ontario’s competitive market, many firms now offer flexible hybrid models, with options to work from home 2–3 days a week.
Actionable Tips:
- Clarify your hybrid policy early in the hiring process. Candidates want specifics: how often are they expected onsite? Are there busy-season exceptions?
- Support healthy boundaries. Avoid after-hours communication expectations and encourage vacation use.
- Offer flexibility beyond location. Consider flexible hours, mental health days, or compressed workweeks.
Your Compensation Package Isn’t Competitive (Even If You Think It Is)
Accounting salaries in Ontario vary by region, but one thing is consistent: professionals know their worth. According to the 2024 CPA Ontario Compensation Survey, the average annual salary for CPAs in Ontario is $121,000, with many exceeding that in leadership roles or in-demand specialties like data analytics or financial reporting.
Actionable Tips:
- Benchmark regularly. Use neutral sources like CPA Ontario, Glassdoor Canada, and Statistics Canada—not just internal data.
- Offer benefits that resonate. Consider health spending accounts, paid volunteer days, education reimbursement, and bonus structures.
- Tailor offers. Ask candidates what they value most—some may want a higher base salary, while others prioritize remote work or professional development.
Win the War for Accounting Talent in Ontario
Ontario employers need to evolve if they want to attract and retain top accounting professionals. From Mississauga to Burlington to the Waterloo Region, the firms winning top talent are those offering more than just pay—they’re providing flexibility, purpose, and a culture that supports well-being.
At Elby Professional Recruitment, we specialize in helping Ontario employers connect with top-tier accounting and finance talent. Whether you’re hiring for senior financial analysts, corporate controllers, or staff accountants, our team understands the local landscape—and how to help you stand out.
Need help finding the right people?
Contact Elby today to speak with a recruitment expert and accelerate your hiring process.