Remote Tax Roles Disappear as Job Seeker Demand Soars

The number of candidates looking for remote tax roles in the accounting sector is significantly outweighing the number of remote jobs available, according to a new analysis.

The research, led by specialist staffing agency, Distinct, compares job post and seeker volumes from July 2023 to July 2024. It reveals a growing disconnect as accounting employers pull back on remote positions as demand for them continues to rise.

While the number of job seekers for tax roles across the U.S. remained consistent (25,593 in July 2023 versus 25,879 in July 2024), the demand for remote roles surged by 134.5%, with job seekers increasing from 5,429 to 7,303.

Remote tax senior positions saw the biggest drop in available roles (44.2%), while the number of remote tax job seekers rose by 25.1%, according to Distinct.

The data also highlights a disconnect in remote roles for CPAs. Remote CPA job postings fell by over a third (31.2%) but interest in these roles grew, with job seekers increasing by 18.3%.

Interestingly, audit roles bucked the trend, according to Distinct, seeing drops in both job postings and seekers. Remote audit jobs were hit harder, with a 4.8% larger decline in postings and job seekers falling to 57.3% of 2023 levels, compared to 77% for the U.S. overall.

“This reflects the hands-on nature of audit work, which often requires physical presence, unlike the more independent nature of tax roles,” Distinct said.

The analysis follows major moves by companies such as Amazon and Citigroup, which are urging employees back to the office full time. It also echoes the Placer.ai Office Index, which shows a surge in office returns, with East Coast cities like Miami and New York leading the way, while West Coast hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles lagging behind.

“The data reflects what we’re seeing—while remote work in accounting is still possible, it’s becoming less common and firms often offer it selectively. We work with firms open to remote and hybrid models, but many use their supportive office environments as a key attraction,” Arran Jaiswal, director and public accounting recruiter at Distinct, said in a statement. “When a candidate seeks remote accounting work, what they may actually be looking for is a shorter commute or more flexibility, so having that conversation early on is key. Importantly, though, what truly matters is that candidates and employers find synergy in their values and goals.”