ACCA Releases Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 Revealing Professional Career Aspirations

The latest Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 from ACCA provides a crucial look into the evolving mindset of finance and accounting professionals. The findings paint a picture of a workforce that is more ambitious, independent, and concerned with a different set of priorities than in previous years. This new reality presents both challenges and opportunities for employers in the accounting sector.

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A New Generation of Ambitious Professional Accountants

The survey’s most striking finding is the strong entrepreneurial streak among finance professionals. Over half of the respondents (52%) view their careers as a stepping stone to starting their own businesses. This is particularly true for Gen Z, with 72% of them also aspiring to work abroad. This isn’t just about career progression within a company; it’s about using accountancy as a launchpad for broader life goals, whether that’s running a startup or gaining international experience.

This shift is also seen in the rise of the “side hustle,” with 39% of all professionals—and an even higher 43% of Gen Z—engaged in additional employment. For employers, this signals a need to move beyond traditional retention strategies. Simply offering a salary and a career ladder won’t be enough. Organizations must foster an environment that encourages and leverages this entrepreneurial mindset rather than seeing it as a threat. This could mean providing opportunities for internal innovation, offering more autonomy, or even supporting employees’ side ventures.

The Growing Importance of Purpose and Well-being for Accounting Professionals

Beyond personal ambition, the survey highlights a deep-seated desire for purpose-driven work. A remarkable 67% of professionals are interested in careers focused on sustainability and environmental issues. This is no longer a niche interest; it’s a mainstream aspiration that employers can tap into to attract and retain top talent. Companies that can effectively integrate sustainability into their finance roles and show a genuine commitment to these issues will have a significant competitive advantage.

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However, despite these new aspirations, classic workplace pressures persist. The cost-of-living crisis remains the top fear for professionals, with 41% expecting a pay increase of over 11% in the next year. Mental health also continues to be a major challenge, with over half (52%) of respondents reporting that their mental health suffers due to work pressures. Employers must address these fundamental concerns with competitive compensation, better benefits, and robust mental health support programs.

Adapting to a Dynamic Finance Workforce

The survey’s findings present a clear call to action for employers. With 58% of professionals expecting their next role to be outside their current organization, the focus must shift from simply retaining talent to making the most of the time they are with the company.

Here are a few ways employers can adapt:

Rethink the Employee Value Proposition: Go beyond just salary. Offer flexible work arrangements (76% of professionals want hybrid work), provide opportunities for international experience, and create a culture that values well-being and diversity, especially for older employees.

Invest in Future-Proof Skills: Half of all professionals are concerned they aren’t developing the right skills. Employers need to bridge this gap, particularly with AI-related training, which only 32% of organizations are currently providing.

Embrace Entrepreneurial Thinking: Instead of fearing side hustles and entrepreneurial ambitions, leverage them. Encourage employees to apply innovative, business-minded approaches to their daily work, whether in finance or other departments. This can lead to increased efficiency and creativity within the organization.

The accountancy profession is at a crossroads. By understanding and proactively responding to these trends, employers can build a more resilient, engaged, and forward-thinking workforce.

Source: ACCA Global – Global Talent Trends Survey 2025

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