Why Mid-Tier Accountancy Firms Hold the Key to the Profession’s Future - If They Can Win the Talent War
For years, the Big 4 have dominated the accountancy career path. From the moment a graduate steps onto campus, they’re told that landing a role at one of the Big 4 is the golden ticket.
But times are changing.
Today’s rising accountants are savvier. They want more than prestige, they want purpose, balance, variety, and a genuine sense of belonging. And that’s where mid-tier firms have a major opportunity.
If they can seize it.
The Talent Shift Is Already Underway
At Tierpoint Partners, we speak daily with newly qualified and part-qualified accountants who are actively choosing to build their careers in smaller firms. Why?
More visibility: At mid-sized firms, you're a name, not a number. You speak directly to clients and Partners, not just spreadsheets.
More variety: Roles are often broader, exposing candidates to advisory work, commercial discussions, and genuine problem-solving - not just ticking audit boxes.
Better balance: Flexible working, manageable hours, and human leadership are more common in smaller practices.
This shift isn’t a blip. It’s a permanent rewiring of what people want from their careers. Mid-tier firms are ideally placed to deliver, but they need to tell their story more effectively.
What’s Holding Mid-Tier Firms Back?
We see it often: firms with fantastic cultures, supportive Partners, and great work, but who struggle to attract the right talent.
The problem? They’re not marketing themselves like employers. Their job ads are generic. Their interview process feels transactional. Their EVP (employer value proposition) isn’t defined - let alone communicated.
In today’s competitive market, that’s not enough.
Mid-tier firms are no longer just competing with each other, they’re competing with Big 4 branding, tech companies offering remote finance roles, and even candidates choosing to leave the profession altogether.
Building an Employer Brand That Wins
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to copy the Big 4 to compete with them.
You need to:
Define what makes you different. What’s your firm’s culture, mission, and path to progression?
Bring your values to life. Through careers pages, social media, interviews, and day-to-day employee experiences.
Focus on candidate experience. Hiring shouldn’t feel like an exam, it should be a window into your world.
Partner with recruiters who get your firm. Ones who can tell your story credibly, consistently, and persuasively.
The Future Belongs to the Nimble
The accountancy profession is evolving. Technology is transforming traditional service lines. Client expectations are shifting. The firms that succeed won’t be the biggest, but the most adaptable.
Mid-tier firms can absolutely lead the next chapter of the profession. But only if they win the battle for top talent.
If you're a firm ready to step up, tell your story, and attract the people who'll shape your future, we’re here to help you do it.
