A growing number of Gen Z job seekers are heading into the holiday season with one goal: finding stable work before the new year. As they sift through listings, one role is unexpectedly standing out.
Accounting—once labeled dull, repetitive, and uninspiring—is now one of the most in-demand seasonal jobs. The twist is that this “boring” field, abandoned by both millennials and boomers, may hold the key to long-term earnings that reach six figures.
A Job Once Ignored Is Now in Short Supply
Across the country, accounting is facing a talent drought. In the last five years alone, roughly 340,000 accountants have stepped away from the profession. Projections show that about 75% of remaining workers may exit over the next decade as retirements accelerate and younger workers continue avoiding the field.
This sharp decline has created a major labor shortage—one that Gen Z is now positioned to take advantage of.
Monster’s analysis of job postings shows that tax accountants are currently the top seasonal job title on its platform. Companies are actively trying to fill the gap, and many are treating temporary roles as early evaluations for long-term hires.
Why This Gig Has Serious Long-Term Potential
Freepik | Seasonal accounting offers an easy, low-pressure start to a stable career.
According to Monster’s report, holiday work is often more than temporary assistance. Employers use these roles to observe work style, reliability, and interest in the field. Seasonal accounting work can serve as a low-pressure entry point into a career that many previously overlooked.
Key points for new candidates:
1. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for tax accounting roles.
2. Earning a CPA can significantly increase income potential, with annual salaries reaching around $200,000.
3. Seasonal assignments often transition into steady, year-round positions for strong performers.
Top Seasonal Jobs Hiring Right Now
Monster’s current ranking of seasonal roles spans a wide range of industries. Here are the top 20 titles attracting employers:
1. Tax Accountant
2. Customer Service Representative
3. Beauty Consultant
4. Delivery Driver
5. Technical Specialist
6. Sales Representative
7. Warehouse Worker
8. Materials Handler
9. Photographer
10. Retail Sales Specialist
11. Truck Driver
12. Concierge
13. Receiving Worker
14. Stock Associate
15. Bartender
16. Retail Sales Associate
17. Barista
18. Bookseller
19. Line Cook
20. Housekeeper
While accounting sits at the top, many roles in trades and hospitality also rank high as companies prepare for a busy season.
Strong Wage Growth Outside the Office
Freepik | Entry-level roles like baristas now offer six-figure salaries without a college degree.
Separate research highlights a shift happening outside traditional desk jobs. Bankrate found that hospitality workers have seen close to 30% wage growth since 2021, outpacing inflation by more than 4%. Roles like bartenders and baristas—once considered entry-level with limited upward mobility—are now part of a broader trend where hands-on work can reach or exceed $100,000 without a degree.
This shift matters, especially with millions of young adults classified as NEETs (not in education, training, or employment). Seasonal roles offer a chance to reenter the workforce without long-term commitment or formal credentials.
A Strategic Opportunity for Gen Z
Holiday hiring often goes beyond filling temporary roles. Many employers treat this period as a chance to observe how candidates perform under real workplace conditions, which can open the door to longer-term opportunities for those who show strong initiative and consistency.
For young job seekers, seasonal roles are becoming a practical entry point into fields that need fresh talent. Accounting is one of the clearest examples, as the profession is dealing with a major talent shortage driven by departures from older generations.
With strong demand in accounting and rising wages across many trades, the holiday season is offering Gen Z a realistic path into stable, well-paying careers. Those who step into roles like tax accounting can use this window to build momentum toward future full-time positions.