Adelaide Public Practice Industry Insights – Q1 2026

As 2026 begins, Adelaide’s public practice accounting industry is experiencing a period of transformation shaped by workforce mobility, firm-level growth patterns, and changing professional demographics. The accounting profession remains a vital part of South Australia’s economic ecosystem, supporting businesses across sectors from financial services to food and beverage. However, shifts in hiring demand, retention challenges, and competition among employers are redefining the landscape. Understanding where talent is moving, which firms are growing, and how experience levels are distributed provides valuable insight into both the current state of the industry and where it may be heading.

Skilled Labour Movement

Several firms have experienced notable changes in their workforce over the past 12 months.

• Equipe Advisory saw the largest increase in employees, growing by 83%.
• AFM Services also expanded, with a 50% increase.
• In contrast, HLB Mann Judd and Hood Sweeney recorded declines, down 26% and 18% respectively.

This growth of smaller firms like Equipe Advisory and AFM Services suggests that professionals may be increasingly drawn to organisations offering flexibility or niche expertise. On the other hand, the decline at established firms such as HLB Mann Judd points to retention challenges and stronger competition from rivals. This trend could signal a broader redistribution of talent from large firms to more agile, mid-tier practices.

Public Accountant Employers

The largest employers of accountants in Adelaide show mixed results:

• William Buck remains a significant employer despite a 7% decline in numbers.
• Bentleys and Perks both grew, with increases of 13% and 23%.
• Brentnalls SA held steady, showing no change compared to the previous year.

William Buck’s decline may reflect internal restructuring or difficulty in retaining staff. Meanwhile, Bentleys and Perks demonstrate strong growth, positioning themselves as attractive destinations for professionals looking for career progression. Brentnalls SA’s steady figures highlight resilience, though lack of growth may raise questions about future expansion.

Flow of Talent

The flow of public accountants indicates mobility between industries:

• Gains were noted into financial services and F&B services.
• Losses were more apparent in law practices and certain areas of financial services.

Movement into financial services and F&B shows that accountants are exploring diverse career pathways, leveraging transferable skills in commercial sectors. The decline in law practices suggests these environments may be less appealing due to work demands or compensation structures. This growing cross-industry flow highlights the demand for accountants beyond traditional public practice roles.

Talent Pool Experience

The overall pool of public accountants reveals important changes in experience levels:

• Intermediate Accountants grew by 37%, and Junior Accountants by 22%, showing an influx of early-career talent.
• At the same time, Assistant and Graduate Accountants saw declines of 7% and 6%.
• Senior and fully qualified Accountants remain relatively stable, with minor increases of 1–2%.

The rise in junior and intermediate professionals suggests strong entry into the profession, which bodes well for long-term sustainability. However, the decline in assistants and graduates may point to fewer entry-level opportunities or gaps at the earliest stages of the pipeline. Stability at senior levels is positive, but firms will need strategies to ensure that today’s mid-tier professionals progress into tomorrow’s leaders.

Location of Public Accountants

Across Australia’s major cities, the number of public accountants shows small shifts:

• Sydney (7,084) and Melbourne (6,050) remain the largest hubs, both slightly down by 1–3%.
• Brisbane (2,523) held steady.
• Adelaide (1,696) and Perth (2,225) recorded minor declines, reflecting the broader national trend.

Adelaide’s modest decline mirrors the national picture, with Sydney and Melbourne maintaining dominance. Smaller markets like Adelaide may face greater pressure to retain professionals who are tempted by larger cities with broader opportunities. To stay competitive, Adelaide firms may need to enhance their value propositions and career development pathways.

Adelaide Snapshot

A closer look at Adelaide shows:

• Very high hiring demand, with 211 public accountants changing jobs in the past year.
• 1,696 professionals are currently employed in the region.
• Median tenure sits at 1.6 years, suggesting relatively high turnover compared to other industries.

The short tenure highlights a mobile workforce where professionals are willing to change roles frequently in search of better prospects. High hiring demand confirms that accounting expertise is still strongly sought after, but it also raises the challenge of retention. Firms that invest in employee engagement, growth opportunities, and flexible arrangements are better positioned to keep their people.

The first quarter of 2026 paints a picture of an accounting sector in transition. While mid-tier firms continue to expand, larger organisations are contracting, pointing to a reshaping of employer strength. The growth of junior and intermediate accountants shows that the pipeline of talent is healthy, but retaining senior professionals remains a pressing concern.

With hiring demand high and professionals more open to career moves, Adelaide’s accounting market is likely to stay highly competitive throughout 2026. Employers that focus on retention strategies and career development will have the advantage, while professionals can expect new opportunities both within traditional practice firms and in adjacent industries. The months ahead will be pivotal in shaping how Adelaide’s public practice accounting sector positions itself for the rest of the year and beyond.