Where to Find the Best U.S. Tax Talent (Outside the U.S.)

The U.S. tax talent pool is drying up. Between retirements, declining CPA interest, and intense competition, firms across North America are scrambling to keep up.

And the ones who are winning? They’re not just looking locally anymore.

Top-performing CPA firms are now hiring elite U.S. tax talent from around the world professionals who already know the forms, deadlines, and client standards. We’re talking about EA-certified preparers, ex-Big 4 reviewers, and seasoned accountants who live outside the U.S. but work like they’ve always been part of your team.

Here’s where to find them in 2025.

What Makes a Country Strong for U.S. Tax Talent?

• English fluency (written + verbal)
  
  
• U.S. tax training and real-world experience
  
  
• Familiarity with forms like 1040, 1065, 1120, FBAR, state filings
  
  
• CPA or EA credential pathways available
  
  
• Time zone overlap for EST/PST firms

These professionals don’t need to be taught how to do the job. They’ve already done it  in your systems, for your clients, during your busy season.

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Hiring Smarter: Core Traits of High-Performing Offshore Tax Talent

1. Argentina 🇦🇷

Why it works:

• Deep talent pool of U.S. tax-trained professionals
  
  
• Many worked in Big 4 or mid-size U.S. firms
  
  
• Fluent English, EST-friendly hours
  
  
• CPA and EA holders already in-market
  
  

Best for:

• 1040 prep
  
  
• High-net-worth client tax planning
  
  
• Business returns (1065, 1120)
  
  
• Tax reviewers
  
  

Bonus:

Some of the largest U.S. firms have set up tax centers in Buenos Aires. The talent pipeline is built and proven.

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2. The Philippines 🇵🇭

Why it works:

• Longstanding U.S. tax outsourcing history
  
  
• Strong accounting education and EA program adoption
  
  
• Comfortable with QBO, Xero, Drake, Canopy
  
  
• Strong work ethic and low turnover
  
  

Best for:

• Volume 1040 prep
  
  
• Admin-heavy tax coordination roles
  
  

Bonus:

U.S. CPA exam is now accessible locally, creating a wave of upskilled candidates.

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3. Mexico 🇲🇽

Why it works:

• Strong nearshore option with bilingual professionals
  
  
• Increasing number of EA and U.S. tax-trained candidates
  
  
• EST/CST time zone compatibility
  
  
• Culturally aligned, strong work ethic, easy integration
  
  

Best for:

• 1040 and 1065 prep
  
  
• Admin support for tax coordination and review
  
  
• Bilingual client service for Spanish-speaking clients
  
  

Bonus:

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. makes it a top pick for firms wanting closer collaboration and easier onboarding without sacrificing quality.

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4. India 🇮🇳

Why it works:

• One of the largest global pools of U.S. tax-trained professionals
  
  
• Many trained through BPO and outsourcing firms on forms like 1040, 1065, and 1120
  
  
• Often experienced with software like Drake, Lacerte, and QBO
  
  

Best for:

• High-volume 1040 prep
  
  
• Admin-heavy or back-office tax support
  
  

Note:

While India offers scale and technical exposure, quality can vary widely. It’s a strong region for firms supporting high-volume tax operations  but hiring should be selective.

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5. South Africa 🇿🇦

Why it works:

• Highly analytical and detail-driven accountants
  
  
• Strong financial reporting and compliance training
  
  
• Many professionals trained in IFRS with crossover into U.S. tax through global firms
  
  
• Excellent English and cultural alignment with U.S. teams
  
  

Best for:

• Tax reviewers
  
  
• Compliance professionals
  
  
• Multi-jurisdictional support roles
  
  

Bonus:

South African professionals tend to stay long-term and are ideal for firms that want more senior, structured hires.

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6. Canada 🇨🇦

Why it works:

• Strong pool of U.S. tax professionals, including many EA and dual U.S./Canadian CPAs
  
  
• High number of firms already servicing U.S. clients
  
  
• Seamless integration: same language, culture, and professionalism
  
  

Best for:

• Senior U.S. tax preparers and reviewers
  
  
• Client-facing tax advisors
  
  
• Cross-border compliance roles
  
  

Bonus:

Thanks to the exchange rate, U.S. firms can save significantly while still hiring top-tier, North America-based talent.

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Final Thought

The shortage of U.S. tax talent isn’t going away. But your hiring bottleneck can.

If you’re tired of recycling the same 3 local resumes or overpaying for mid-level talent, it’s time to go global, strategically.

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At Talent Gems, we help firms find and hire elite U.S. tax talent in the regions above (and more). These aren’t temps or outsourced teams. They’re full-time professionals who deliver like they’re sitting next to you.

Book a call with Talent Gems and we’ll show you what hiring smarter really looks like.

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