【Certified Public Accountant Survey】"Report on the Actual Status of CPA Independence 2026"
"Accountant.job," operated by Bridge Consulting Group Inc., conducted a survey of 147 independent certified public accountants. The report found that about 60% saw an income increase and 80% were satisfied with their work-life balance, suggesting success is possible even for younger CPAs.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 13, 2026 at 14:10 (38 min after Collected)
Report on the Actual Status of CPA Independence 2026
"Accountant.job," a service for certified public accountants (operated by Bridge Consulting Group Inc.), conducted a survey targeting 154 registered certified public accountants (with 147 valid responses from those currently independent) regarding their career status after independence. The results have been compiled and published as the "Report on the Actual Status 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 (proprietary survey by Accountant.job)
Target Respondents: 154 certified public accountants registered with Accountant.job. Among them, analysis was conducted based on 147 valid responses from those who stated they are "currently independent."
## Purpose
For certified public accountants considering independence, concerns such as "income might decrease" and "anxiety about securing projects" are deeply rooted. This survey was conducted with the aim of providing valuable insights to those considering independence and those striving to build their careers after independence, by shedding light on the actual circumstances of independent certified public accountants through a questionnaire.
## Key Findings of the Survey
- Achieving High Satisfaction and Income Increase: Approximately 60% of independent accountants achieved an income increase. Approximately 80% are satisfied with their work-life balance.
- Commonality among the "Satisfied & Income UP Group": Those who achieved both increased income and satisfaction commonly prioritized "networking and building connections" even before becoming independent.
- The "Devil's Six Months": Approximately 40% responded that the first six months immediately after independence were "tough." Many were observed to overcome this period by utilizing savings accumulated before independence as a safety net.
- Opportune Time for Independence: No correlation was found between "years of experience" and "high satisfaction & high income." This suggests that even young professionals can successfully get their work on track after becoming independent.
*This survey is based on responses from certified public accountants who are registered with our service 'Accountant.job' and are actually independent.
Please see the report for details:
https://cpa-workstyle.com/column/493/
## About Accountant.job
Accountant.job is a working platform for Certified Public Accountants and USCPA holders.
Through project search, information gathering, and attending seminars where CPD units can be acquired, you can find a working style that suits you.
HP: https://cpa-workstyle.com/
## About Bridge Consulting Group Inc.
Bridge Consulting Group is a consulting company that develops pro-sharing businesses specializing in certified public accountants, with the corporate mission of "creating a platform that consolidates, optimizes, and allocates the experience, knowledge, and aspirations of certified public accountants."
As its main services, it supports listed companies, pre-IPO companies, medium-sized companies, and startups through IPO, M&A, Finance-driven corporate growth/business succession support, risk management support through internal audits/internal controls, financial reporting support centered on skill sharing, and talent acquisition support centered on CxO personnel. Additionally, it is also engaged in operating 'Accountant.job,' a working platform specialized for certified public accountants.
Corporate site: http://bridge-group.co.jp/
"Accountant.job," a service for certified public accountants (operated by Bridge Consulting Group Inc.), conducted a survey targeting 154 registered certified public accountants (with 147 valid responses from those currently independent) regarding their career status after independence. The results have been compiled and published as the "Report on the Actual Status 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 (proprietary survey by Accountant.job)
Target Respondents: 154 certified public accountants registered with Accountant.job. Among them, analysis was conducted based on 147 valid responses from those who stated they are "currently independent."
## Purpose
For certified public accountants considering independence, concerns such as "income might decrease" and "anxiety about securing projects" are deeply rooted. This survey was conducted with the aim of providing valuable insights to those considering independence and those striving to build their careers after independence, by shedding light on the actual circumstances of independent certified public accountants through a questionnaire.
## Key Findings of the Survey
- Achieving High Satisfaction and Income Increase: Approximately 60% of independent accountants achieved an income increase. Approximately 80% are satisfied with their work-life balance.
- Commonality among the "Satisfied & Income UP Group": Those who achieved both increased income and satisfaction commonly prioritized "networking and building connections" even before becoming independent.
- The "Devil's Six Months": Approximately 40% responded that the first six months immediately after independence were "tough." Many were observed to overcome this period by utilizing savings accumulated before independence as a safety net.
- Opportune Time for Independence: No correlation was found between "years of experience" and "high satisfaction & high income." This suggests that even young professionals can successfully get their work on track after becoming independent.
*This survey is based on responses from certified public accountants who are registered with our service 'Accountant.job' and are actually independent.
Please see the report for details:
https://cpa-workstyle.com/column/493/
## About Accountant.job
Accountant.job is a working platform for Certified Public Accountants and USCPA holders.
Through project search, information gathering, and attending seminars where CPD units can be acquired, you can find a working style that suits you.
HP: https://cpa-workstyle.com/
## About Bridge Consulting Group Inc.
Bridge Consulting Group is a consulting company that develops pro-sharing businesses specializing in certified public accountants, with the corporate mission of "creating a platform that consolidates, optimizes, and allocates the experience, knowledge, and aspirations of certified public accountants."
As its main services, it supports listed companies, pre-IPO companies, medium-sized companies, and startups through IPO, M&A, Finance-driven corporate growth/business succession support, risk management support through internal audits/internal controls, financial reporting support centered on skill sharing, and talent acquisition support centered on CxO personnel. Additionally, it is also engaged in operating 'Accountant.job,' a working platform specialized for certified public accountants.
Corporate site: http://bridge-group.co.jp/