Brisbane Public Practice Industry Insights – Q1 2026

Brisbane’s accounting industry is continuing to evolve as we enter the first quarter of 2026. With demand for skilled public accountants remaining high, the city has become a competitive arena for both firms and professionals. This quarter’s insights reveal a mixture of growth and contraction across firms, an influx of intermediate-level accountants, and a market where opportunities are plentiful but retention remains a challenge. For accountants navigating their careers, and for firms competing to secure top talent, these insights provide valuable context about the shape of the industry in the months ahead.

Skilled Labour Movement

Brisbane saw notable changes in public accountant employment across major firms:

• Moore Australia grew by 40% (21 employees).
• BDO in Australia increased by 38% (22 employees).
• In contrast, Forvis Mazars (-27%) and DLA Partners (-19%) recorded workforce declines.

This mixed trend highlights shifting employee preferences and firm-level growth strategies.

Leading Employers

The city’s largest accounting employers include:

• BDO in Australia (+62 employees, up 5%)
• Pitcher Partners (+51 employees, up 6%)
• Hall Chadwick QLD and Bentleys Queensland both showed solid 9% growth.

These figures reflect steady recruitment efforts, particularly in mid-tier firms.

Flow of Talent

Movement trends showed accountants leaving financial services roles while retail and strategic management gained new talent, with financial services seeing the largest inflow.

Talent Pool Experience

The Brisbane talent pool showed encouraging growth:

• Intermediate Accountants rose by 19% (63 professionals).
• Graduate Accountants (+3%) and Senior Accountants (+3%) also increased.
• The largest group, Accountants, remained steady at 1,661 (+1%).

Brisbane Snapshot

• Hiring Demand: Very high.
• Median Tenure: 1.5 years.
• Job Changes: 315 public accountants switched roles in the past year.
• Workforce Size: 2,525 public accountants in Brisbane.

Brisbane’s public accounting sector continues to show signs of both growth and churn, reflecting the city’s dynamic employment environment. With hiring demand at very high levels, firms need to work harder to retain top talent while also tapping into the growing pool of intermediate and graduate accountants. For professionals, this market offers plenty of opportunity to advance careers quickly, with short average tenures suggesting rapid progression. As 2026 unfolds, Brisbane’s accounting landscape will likely remain one of high competition, both for employers seeking skilled professionals and for accountants aiming to secure the best career opportunities.