Survey on Career Change Realities for Certified Public Accountants [May 2026]
A survey of 312 professionals by Account Agent Inc. reveals that 84% of CPAs are considering job changes, with a strong preference for moving to general business corporations. 80% of career changers successfully increased their salary.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 18:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 28, 2026 at 13:26 (75h 54m after Collected)
Account Agent Inc., a consulting firm specializing in accounting and tax fields, conducted a 'Survey on the Reality of Job Changes for CPAs and Successful Examinees [May 2026],' gathering 312 valid responses (243 CPAs, 69 successful examinees).
## Summary of Results
- Approximately 84% are aware of career change options, with 47% already in the action or consideration phase.
- Top motivations: 'Salary/Treatment' (44.9%), 'Job Content' (43.6%), and 'Career Growth' (40.4%).
- Preferred destination: 'General business corporations' (55.1%), indicating a clear shift away from audit firms.
- Key criteria: 'Salary level' (26.9%) and 'Work-life balance' (25.0%) are almost equally weighted.
- Salary impact: About 80% of those with career change experience saw a salary increase.
- Retention: The most common planned exit time for audit firm employees is during their 4th or 5th year (31%).
## Detailed Insights
The survey underscores the high mobility of accounting professionals seeking better conditions and environments. With 76.3% having changed jobs at least once, career shifts are now a standard choice. The strong interest in business corporations (over 50%) suggests a desire to improve work-life balance and gain experience closer to business management. The need for flexibility, such as remote work, was also highlighted by 10.3% of respondents.
## Summary of Results
- Approximately 84% are aware of career change options, with 47% already in the action or consideration phase.
- Top motivations: 'Salary/Treatment' (44.9%), 'Job Content' (43.6%), and 'Career Growth' (40.4%).
- Preferred destination: 'General business corporations' (55.1%), indicating a clear shift away from audit firms.
- Key criteria: 'Salary level' (26.9%) and 'Work-life balance' (25.0%) are almost equally weighted.
- Salary impact: About 80% of those with career change experience saw a salary increase.
- Retention: The most common planned exit time for audit firm employees is during their 4th or 5th year (31%).
## Detailed Insights
The survey underscores the high mobility of accounting professionals seeking better conditions and environments. With 76.3% having changed jobs at least once, career shifts are now a standard choice. The strong interest in business corporations (over 50%) suggests a desire to improve work-life balance and gain experience closer to business management. The need for flexibility, such as remote work, was also highlighted by 10.3% of respondents.
FAQ
調査の対象者と有効回答数は？
公認会計士243名、公認会計士試験合格者69名の計312名から有効回答を得ています。
転職を検討している人の割合はどのくらいですか？
積極的に活動中（14.1%）、検討中（32.7%）、機会があれば（37.2%）を合わせ、全体の84.0%が転職を意識しています。
転職を考えた主なきっかけは何ですか？
「年収・待遇への不満」（44.9%）、「仕事内容・やりがいへの不満」（43.6%）、「キャリアアップ・スキルアップ」（40.4%）が上位3位です。
最も人気のある転職先カテゴリは？
「一般事業会社」が55.1%で1位です。2位の「コンサルティングファーム・FAS」は34.0%でした。
監査法人勤務者は何年目での退職を検討することが多いですか？
「4〜5年目」が約31%で最多となっており、一定の経験を積んだ段階でのキャリアチェンジが目立ちます。