With more demands on the accounting profession than ever before, and a shrinking supply of professionals to get the job done, firms need to ensure they are doing all they can to win the talent wars.

The white paper is based on the findings of the CCH Young Accounting Professionals Survey, which examined the benefits, tools, technology and culture that 150 CPAs with four to seven years of experience want most. The survey asked them to rate how well their firms were meeting these needs.  In nearly every instance, fewer than one-half of firms received a very good rating on their ability to deliver on the attributes most important to up-and-coming professionals.

"Young CPAs are a very important asset to firms that want to grow their business. These individuals have the base experience and are eager to move into the more challenging positions that are being created as baby boomers retire and as new demands on the profession develop," said Mike Sabbatis, CCH President. 

"We also know that young CPAs today are evaluating their options and asking themselves: Should I stay at the firm I'm with, move to another firm, move into corporate work or move into an adjacent field?," said Sabbatis.  "Clearly, firms have a lot of competition and they have to make certain they're doing all they can to both recruit and retain valued employees."

The CCH Survey found that overall young CPAs want the tools they need to get their jobs done; they want to be rewarded for their performance; and, while they want to be challenged, they also want balance between work and personal life. 

"Many young professionals feel their firms should pay more attention in delivering on these," said Sabbatis. "In an environment where the future growth and even survival of the firm relies on attracting and retaining young CPAs in a highly competitive job market, firms must take action now to see what they can do and who they can partner with to help deliver on these expectations."

The CCH whitepaper, "Recruiting and Keeping Up-and-coming CPAs at Your Firm," is available at www.CCHGroup.com/survey.