【Certified Public Accountant Survey】"Report on the Actual Conditions of CPA Independence 2026"

Report on the Actual Conditions of CPA Independence 2026

CPA.job, a service for certified public accountants (operated by Bridge Consulting Group Inc.), conducted an anonymous survey targeting 154 registered certified public accountants (147 valid responses) regarding their career conditions after becoming independent, and has compiled and released the "Report on the Actual Conditions of CPA Independence 2026."

Report available here:
https://cpa-workstyle.com/column/493/

Survey Overview

Survey period: December 3, 2025 - February 20, 2026

Survey method: Internet survey (CPA.job's proprietary questionnaire survey)

Target respondents: 154 certified public accountants registered with CPA.job. Based on 147 valid responses from those who answered "currently independent," data was aggregated and analyzed.

Purpose

For certified public accountants considering independence, concerns such as "will my income decrease?" and "will I be able to secure projects?" are deeply rooted. This survey was conducted to provide valuable insights to those considering independence or striving for career development after independence, by surveying independent certified public accountants and clarifying their actual conditions.

Key Findings of the Survey

High satisfaction and income increase: Approximately 60% of independent accountants achieved an increase in annual income. Approximately 80% are satisfied with their work-life balance.

Commonalities among the "Satisfied & Income UP Group": Those who achieved both increased income and satisfaction commonly emphasized "networking and building connections" before becoming independent.

The 'Devil's Half-Year': Approximately 40% responded that the first six months immediately after independence were "tough." Many were able to overcome this by utilizing savings accumulated before independence as a safety net.

Good timing for independence: No correlation was found between "years of experience" and "high satisfaction/high annual income." This suggests that even young professionals can successfully establish their business after independence.

*This survey is based on responses from certified public accountants registered with our service 'CPA.job' who are actually independent.

Please check the report for details.
https://cpa-workstyle.com/column/493/

About CPA.job

CPA.job is a working platform for certified public accountants and USCPA holders. Through job search, information gathering, and seminar participation where CPD units can be earned, you can find a work style that suits you.

HP: https://cpa-workstyle.com/

About Bridge Consulting Group Inc.

Bridge Consulting Group is a consulting company that specializes in pro-sharing services for certified public accountants, with the corporate mission of "creating a platform that aggregates the experience, knowledge, and aspirations of certified public accountants to enable optimal allocation." Our main services include supporting corporate growth/business succession through IPO, M&A, and Finance; risk management support through internal audits/internal controls; financial reporting support centered on skill sharing; and talent acquisition support focused on CxO personnel, assisting listed companies, companies preparing for listing, mid-sized companies, and startup companies. We also operate 'CPA.job,' a working platform specialized for certified public accountants.

Corporate Site: http://bridge-group.co.jp/