How to find top accountants in Berlin
Berlin's accounting talent pool is shaped by a good academic foundation, with hundreds of graduates from Germany's top universities and business schools every year. Most of them have a degree in accounting, finance, economics or business administration. These graduates are well educated in theory and some go on to pursue higher qualifications such as accountancy, or CPA to further develop their skills. Despite this well-established educational base, the job market remains challenging. Demand for accounting and finance roles, particularly in fast-growing markets like Berlin, continues to exceed the supply of experienced professionals. This shortage is exacerbated by the evolving requirements of today's accountants, including technical skills, cross-functional collaboration and knowledge of international financial standards. Recent market surveys suggest that most organisations are not short of candidates, but rather candidates with the new mix of technical, regulatory and soft skills needed to succeed in today's finance teams.
The best way to find top accounting talent for your business in Berlin is to work with a professional recruitment agency. Berlin's labour market, particularly in the financial services and accounting sectors, is dynamic and competitive, making it essential to use reliable recruitment support to connect with qualified professionals. These agencies have access to a wide range of candidates and understand the dynamics of the local labour market. This saves you time, money and internal resources.
If you're looking for the most effective way to recruit financial professionals in Berlin, recruitment agencies are the way to go. They will find the right person in every city and help you achieve your business objectives, whether you are recruiting for international clients in Asia Pacific, expanding into the Middle East or managing a team from San Francisco or Hong Kong.
What are recruitment agencies and how do they find the right accounting professionals?
When companies in Berlin need to fill accounting roles, either new positions or replacements, they often turn to executive search or recruitment agencies to find the right professionals. These agencies use a variety of sourcing methods, including job postings, interviews, background checks, and skill assessments.
Wondering how to hire the right accountant in Berlin?
Recruiters specialise in identifying candidates that match your specific job description, budget and work culture. They also keep up to date with tax laws, German labour regulations, and accounting certifications such as HGB or IFRS, and the evolving expectations of finance professionals, ensuring full tax compliance.
Recruiters use a mix of methods to find the right accounting professionals. They post jobs on local platforms and use LinkedIn or internal candidate databases to reach people who are not actively applying but may be open to new opportunities using real-time analytics through artificial intelligence tools. Some agencies also contact candidates directly when their profiles match specific job requirements. Beyond online searches, they work with universities and attend job fairs to find junior talent. For more experienced roles, recruiters rely on referrals and direct headhunting. Whether your focus is on cash flow forecasting or closing the fiscal year, having access to thoroughly screened candidates with relevant industry experience is essential.
Once a shortlist of qualified candidates is established, the recruiter presents these individuals to the employer for review. If a candidate appears to be a good fit, the recruiter arranges interviews and supports the onboarding process.
Why use an international recruitment agency to hire accounting talent
In a competitive job market, many companies struggle to find experienced accountants quickly, particularly for specialist roles like tax advisor or certified public accountant.
Unemployment Rate in Berlin (2020-2024)
Berlin has consistently had a higher unemployment rate compared to the national average.
2020: 10.5% (Economic downturn due to COVID-19)
2021: 9.8% (Gradual recovery)
2022: 8.9% (Increased job creation)
2023: 8.4% (Steady labor market growth)
2024: 9.7% (Economic shifts impacting employment)
Here is why using a recruitment agency is a smart choice:
- You save internal teams time by outsourcing the search, and screening candidates
- Agencies understand local compliance and can advise on legal hiring standards under both German and international tax systems
- You gain access to candidates who are not actively looking for a job, but are open to the right opportunity from across Europe
- Agencies can help negotiate salary packages and contract terms
Whether you are hiring for a permanent position or a short-term project, a good agency can get the job done faster and more efficiently than trying to do it all in-house.
Choosing the right recruitment partner in Berlin
When choosing a recruitment agency, it is important to choose one that understands the financial sector and the German market. Here are some tips:
- Define your recruitment needs. Are you recruiting for a niche role such as a tax advisor or something broader like an AP/AR accountant?
- Compare agencies. Look for those with a strong track record in working with accounting firms or offering advisory services and ask for references if necessary.
- Explore their services. A good agency should offer end-to-end recruitment support and understand local labour compliance.
- Arrange an interview. Speaking directly to a recruiter can help you assess whether they understand your business and values.
Conclusion: why hiring accountants in Berlin is easier with professional help
Recruiting finance and accounting professionals in Berlin is a complex, time-sensitive process. From tax advisors and audit specialists to controllers who manage company-wide cash flow, the range of expertise required is broad. Working with a recruitment agency ensures that your company is exposed to top talent while avoiding costly hiring mistakes. From sourcing candidates to managing interviews, professional recruiters take care of the entire process, leaving you free to focus on your core business.
If you are looking for a reputable personnel service in Berlin with experience in the financial services we recommend working with RED. Recruitment. Their tailored approach, focus on efficiency, and experience working with accounting firms make them the go-to partner for companies recruiting in Germany and the DACH region.
RED. Recruitment wants to make your business successful and as a recruiter we want you to be happy with our service. Let us help you find the right candidate without wasting your time searching through hundreds of CVs. Contact us now! We can help!
Not convinced enough to get in touch? Check out why we call ourselves professionals and are worth hiring.