US finance and accounting temporary staffing revenue is forecast to increase 4% this year to $8.4 billion largely driven by macroeconomic growth factors, according to a new report, “Finance & Accounting Staffing Growth Assessment” by Staffing Industry Analysts.

Increases in business spending are driving demand for back-office support and financial planning and analysis, according to report. In addition, updates in accounting standards regarding revenue recognition and lease accounting will likely drive further demand in the sector.

Low unemployment levels in the US — particularly in mid- to senior-level roles — as well as an aging workforce are two prominent trends for finance and accounting talent. Talent scarcity has made recruiting more challenging, but it also likely increases demand for staffing and recruitment services to fill these roles. The share of finance and accounting workers aged 55 and older has increased since 2011, creating both challenges and opportunities for staffing firms that can adapt to the work preferences of this aging workforce, according to the report.

Human cloud staffing has slowly made its way into finance and accounting occupations, with several firms now offering alternatives to traditional F&A staffing. The report notes a trend of convergence as traditional staffing firms are increasingly digitizing the recruiting role while human cloud firms are focusing more on integrating customer service into their platforms.

SIA members can download the full report online.