Top Countries to Hire Remote Accountants

Finding the right country to hire offshore accountants can mean the difference between smooth financial operations and constant communication headaches. The wrong choice leaves you dealing with major time zone gaps that delay month-end close, unreliable internet that disrupts critical calls with your finance team, or talent pools that don't match US accounting standards.

For US companies, these challenges directly impact your ability to scale efficiently while maintaining financial accuracy. When your accountant can't join real-time discussions about cash flow concerns or you're constantly repeating explanations across a 12-hour time difference, you lose the operational efficiency that made offshoring attractive in the first place.

This guide breaks down the top countries where US businesses successfully hire offshore accountants, comparing time zones, talent quality, cost savings, and cultural fit so you can make a confident decision about where to build your remote finance team.

Why Are Companies Hiring Offshore Accountants?

Hiring offshore accountants solves two critical problems simultaneously: accessing qualified talent that is increasingly hard to find in the US and reducing costs by up to 55% compared to US salaries.

The accounting talent shortage in the US has turned hiring offshore into a strategic move rather than just a cost decision—companies that can't find qualified accountants quickly lose ground to competitors who can close their books on time and maintain compliance.

According to Near's State of LatAm Hiring Report, accounting roles represent 12% of all offshore hires from Latin America, with companies achieving savings up to 55% compared to US-based salaries.

These aren't just entry-level positions either—companies are successfully hiring senior accountants, controllers, and accounting managers offshore.

The shift to offshore accounting hiring solves two critical problems at once: access to qualified talent and budget constraints that make local hiring unsustainable for growing businesses.

What Makes a Country Good for Hiring Offshore Accountants?

The best countries for offshore accountant hiring combine strong educational systems with practical US market experience, producing professionals who understand both technical accounting principles and American business practices.

Here’s what actually matters when evaluating countries:

• Educational infrastructure: Universities that require 5-6 years of accounting education and produce CPA-level professionals
• Big Four presence: Exposure to Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG creates familiarity with international standards and rigorous training
• US GAAP expertise: Practical experience working with US-based companies and knowledge of American accounting standards
• Time zone compatibility: Maximum 0-3 hour difference from US time zones enables real-time collaboration
• English proficiency: High levels of English proficiency so it’s easy to find talent with communication skills you need. 

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What Skills Should You Look for When Hiring Remote Accountants?

Focus screening on US GAAP knowledge, multi-client experience, and client-facing communication skills—these three factors separate truly excellent offshore accountants from merely adequate ones.

When looking to hire remote accountants, it is crucial to identify specific skill sets and attributes that ensure they are capable of performing effectively despite the physical distance. 

Here is a list of essential skills to prioritize during your remote hiring process:

Strong technical accounting skills

An in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and procedures is non-negotiable. Depending on your business needs, look for accountants with a firm grounding in topics like:

• Financial reporting
• Tax preparation
• Auditing
• Budgeting

They should also know the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Proficiency in accounting software

Remote accountants should be adept at using your company’s accounting software and tools, such as QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, or any industry-specific applications. Familiarity with cloud-based systems is also key, as these often facilitate remote accounting tasks.

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Accountants must analyze financial data, recognize patterns, and identify potential issues. They should also be critical thinkers with a knack for solving complex problems and helping the business make informed strategic decisions.

Effective communication skills

The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is vital for remote workers. Look for candidates who can articulate financial concepts to stakeholders at all levels in an understandable way, whether verbally or in writing.

Attention to detail

Accuracy is critical in the accounting field. Your remote accountant should pay meticulous attention to detail to ensure that financial records are precise and error-free, as accurate information is foundational for reliable financial insights and compliance.

15 Best Countries To Hire Remote Accountants

The best countries for hiring offshore accountants are where US companies consistently find and retain top accounting talent. 

According to Near's State of LatAm Hiring report, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia lead as the most popular countries for US companies placing finance and accounting professionals. These rankings reflect real placement patterns across hundreds of US companies, not just theoretical advantages. 

When you see consistent hiring volume in specific countries, it means those regions have proven talent pools, reliable infrastructure, and professionals who understand how to work with US businesses.

Here's what makes each of these countries—and some other strong options—worth considering for your offshore accounting hire:

1. Argentina

Argentina leads Latin America for accounting placements—and there's a reason US companies consistently hire accountants here. The country's education system requires 5-6 years to earn an accounting degree, significantly longer than most programs, which creates a talent pool with deeper technical training. 

The presence of Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) throughout Argentina means many accountants gain exposure to multinational clients and U.S. accounting standards early in their careers. 

English proficiency in Argentina ranks 28th globally and second-highest in Latin America. This isn't just about test scores—it translates to accountants who can handle client-facing interactions, participate in finance team meetings, and communicate complex accounting issues clearly. 

2. Brazil

Brazil’s growing economy and educational system have placed an emphasis on accounting and financial services, creating a corresponding rise in qualified accountants. Many professionals are fluent in both Portuguese and English, making them a great fit for multinational corporations. 

Additionally, Brazil’s time zones overlap with US business hours, which can facilitate real-time collaboration.

3. Colombia

With a strategic time zone and a burgeoning pool of professional talent, Colombia offers a wealth of skilled accountants who are familiar with US GAAP. Colombian universities have rigorous accounting programs, and many professionals pursue additional certifications to enhance their credibility. 

6. Mexico

Outsourcing to Mexico is a great nearshore option for hiring remote accountants due to its proximity to the US and the resulting negligible time zone differences. The country has a robust education system, particularly in business and finance, and there are many bilingual professionals fluent in both Spanish and English. 

Mexican accountants are known for their adaptability and understanding of local and US accounting standards, making them an excellent fit for companies operating in or expanding to the US market.

4. Peru

Peru is another emerging market with a solid education system that produces skilled accountants knowledgeable in both local and international accounting standards.

These accountants often offer competitive rates while maintaining high-quality professional standards. Given the country’s growing number of technology-adept professionals, Peruvian accountants can be a good match for businesses looking for remote workers who can easily adapt to different accounting systems.

8. Chile

Chile has a stable economic environment and has invested significantly in education, producing a workforce that is skilled and attuned to international business practices. 

The country’s strong economic ties with international markets mean that many accountants here have experience with various financial systems and cross-border transactions.

14. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is strategically positioned for US-based companies due to its shared time zones and growing professional talent pool. The country strongly emphasizes education, producing accountants who are not only well versed in local regulations but also knowledgeable about US GAAP and IFRS where applicable.

4. Philippines

The Philippines has a strong tradition of excellence in accounting education, producing many CPAs. English proficiency is widespread due to the country’s American-influenced educational system, making communication with international businesses smooth, though impacted by the significant difference in time zones. 

5. India

India is a popular country for outsourcing accounting services, including accounting. Indian accountants are known for their technical proficiency, understanding of various accounting principles, and adherence to quality control.

English is commonly used in professional settings, providing ease of communication, and Indian accounting professionals possess a strong work ethic. Coupled with competitive pricing, India is an attractive destination for hiring remote accounting talent.

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6. South Africa

South Africa is an excellent source of skilled professionals who can effectively serve international businesses. The country has a strong regulatory framework for accounting, auditing, and financial management, producing accountants with up-to-date knowledge and practices. 

7. Kenya

Kenya is becoming an increasingly popular choice for hiring remote accountants, notably for businesses looking for English-speaking professionals. The country’s education system strongly focuses on commerce, with many universities offering internationally recognized accounting qualifications. 

10. Romania

Romania, while perhaps more recognized in the IT sector, is also home to a significant number of accounting professionals who offer a high standard of services. Benefiting from a good education system, Romanian accountants often possess a deep understanding of both local and international accounting practices.

11. Ukraine

Ukraine has become an attractive destination for various outsourcing services thanks to its citizens’ strong educational background in mathematics and finance.

Many Ukranian accountants speak English, and the country’s IT infrastructure is competent, enabling seamless remote access to the latest accounting software and cloud-based tools.

12. Pakistan

A well-informed workforce accustomed to working with international clients supports Pakistan’s burgeoning market for accounting outsourcing. Pakistani accountants can provide cost-effective services without sacrificing the quality of work, an excellent option for businesses needing a low-cost solution.

13. Vietnam

Vietnam is increasingly recognized for its skilled workforce, with many accountants offering services to global clients. English language skills have improved significantly, and the Vietnamese work culture is celebrated for its diligence and attention to detail, qualities particularly valuable in accounting.

15. Poland

Poland offers a highly educated workforce, with many financial professionals fluent in English and other European languages. Polish accountants are typically well trained in European Union accounting standards and IFRS, making them suitable candidates for businesses operating within or in partnership with European markets.

Tips for Choosing the Best Country To Hire Remote Accountants

When deciding on the best country to hire remote accountants from, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Time zone differences: Look for time zone overlaps for real-time interactions or remote team collaboration.
• Travel proximity: If in-person meetings are necessary, consider ease and cost of travel.
• Cultural affinity: Ensure a good cultural fit for seamless integration and understanding of work ethics and business practices.
• Accounting standards: Choose accountants familiar with the regulatory and compliance standards relevant to your business.
• Technical infrastructure: Verify reliable technical and internet infrastructure for consistent communication.
• Economic and political stability: Seek countries with a stable environment to ensure reliable and uninterrupted services.

Hiring remote accountants from LatAm countries checks several boxes, providing high-quality accounting services without significant time difference challenges or high overhead costs.

Why time zones matter more than you think

Latin American time zones (0-3 hours from US times) enable real-time collaboration that's impossible with offshoring accounting to countries like India or the Philippines—and for accounting roles where month-end closes and urgent financial questions arise, this difference is critical.

Consider this real scenario: Kordis, a fractional CFO services provider, initially hired accountants and executive assistants from the Philippines to save on salaries. But the 12-hour time difference proved impossible to overcome. They faced unresponsive employees and invested significant resources trying to build communication solutions that never quite worked.

When Kordis switched to LatAm hiring, they found a staff accountant with a Commerce degree, an Executive MBA in Financial Management, and five years of US company experience. Same time zone, instant communication, immediate problem-solving. They're now saving over $100,000 annually without the coordination headaches.

Time zone alignment isn't just convenient—it's essential for accounting teams that need to collaborate on month-end closes, discuss discrepancies in real-time, and respond to urgent financial questions during business hours.

Have a look at our report on the top reasons US companies hire in Latin America to further understand the growing trend of hiring in this region.  

Final Thoughts

The best country to hire offshore accountants isn't the one with the lowest hourly rate—it's the one that gives you reliable collaboration without sacrificing quality.

Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia consistently rank as the top choices for US companies hiring offshore accountants, according to our State of LatAm Hiring report. And for good reason. These countries offer overlapping work hours with the US, strong educational systems that produce accounting professionals familiar with international standards, and English proficiency that makes day-to-day collaboration straightforward.

The time zone advantage alone makes a massive difference. When your accountant in Buenos Aires or São Paulo can join your 2 pm budget review call, answer your Slack message about Q4 projections within minutes, and still be online when month-end close issues pop up at 4 pm, you're not just saving money—you're building a finance function that actually works.

But here's what matters most: you need someone who knows how to find that caliber of talent. Not just accountants who can handle the technical work, but professionals who understand US business expectations, communicate clearly, and will stick around long-term.

Ready to hire an offshore accountant who actually fits your team? Near has placed top LatAm accountants with hundreds of US companies across Latin America. We handle everything from vetting for US accounting knowledge to ensuring cultural alignment—so you get someone who can do the work and integrate seamlessly with your existing team.

Schedule a free, no-commitment consultation call today to discuss how we can help you hire an accountant in Latin America in under 3 weeks.