Accountancy careers across the globe are in transition. According to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2025, entrepreneurialism is on the rise; workplaces are being shaped by artificial intelligence (AI); the sustainability landscape is demanding more of our attention; and concerns about the cost of living and a desire for hybrid working are growing.
But one of the things that leaps out in particular, according to Jamie Lyon, ACCA’s global head of skills, sectors and technology, is the desire to found and run a business.
‘This year, a key theme emerging is how accountancy can be a fantastic early-career pathway for building entrepreneurial skills,’ he says.
The ‘side hustle’ has gained popularity among Gen Z respondents
Entrepreneurial ambitions
The research, which covers the views of 10,000 ACCA members in 175 countries, reveals that more than half, 52%, of those questioned say they have career ambitions to start their own businesses and view accountancy as the ‘springboard’.
This desire appears strongest among younger members, with 57% of Gen Z and 53% of Gen Y saying entrepreneurialism is where they see their futures.
And while the sentiment is broadly global, it is particularly widespread in Asia and Africa. One African roundtable participant told moderators that accountancy is a prime platform for entrepreneurship because it equips individuals with financial literacy and budgeting skills, adding that ‘these elements are necessary for the success of a business’.
It is no surprise, then, to see that the ‘side hustle’ has gained popularity among Gen Z respondents, with a significant 43% saying they have additional projects outside their full-time job. Among older members the rate is 39%.
It’s also notable that the popularity of running projects alongside full-time work is highest in emerging economies, such as Uganda, Zimbabwe, Myanmar and Vietnam. According to the report, side hustles in these countries are more likely to be driven by a desire to earn more money, compared with mature economies where the drivers are ‘purpose’ or ‘giving back’ to communities.
Going hybrid
Members also overwhelmingly want hybrid working, with 76% saying it is their preference but only 51% saying it is their current working mode. Only 9% are fully home based.
Globally, the reasons behind the popularity of hybrid working are led by demand for a better work-life balance and, pragmatically, to save time time on the daily commute. But almost equally important is respondents’ need for more flexibility.
‘The risk is losing your job to somebody else who knows how to use AI’
There are global differences. Members in wealthier economies, such as Singapore, Ireland and Australia, are much more likely to split work between home and office. However, those in less wealthy economies, such as Malawi and Pakistan, are more likely to be working from their office desk.
AI threats
Accountants are not without their worries, particularly on AI. Half of all respondents across the world are concerned that they are not developing the AI skills needed for the future workplace, while 38% say they are not confident in their current knowledge.
As one respondent put it, ‘The risk isn’t about people losing their jobs to AI; it’s about losing their job to somebody else who knows how to use AI’.
In terms of training, 44% say they have insufficient opportunities to learn about AI, while 32% say their organisation is providing opportunities but that these are more available to Gen Z workers. This potentially chimes with concerns that older employees are viewed as the cohort in need of greatest support when it comes to diversity policies.
Inevitably, issues about training and skills feed into the retention equation for employers. A roundtable participant in India said: ‘To truly retain talent and foster growth, upskilling must be approached holistically and strategically.’
Other fears
Among workplace fears examined by the survey, the cost of living is the biggest for the third year running. This has crystallised into significant salary expectations. Of those surveyed, 41% expect an annual salary rise of 11% or more; 51% are looking for boosts of up to 10%.
Of course, the workplace itself can be a source of anxiety, although things appear to be improving. Among the respondents, 52% say their mental health suffers due to workplace pressure, a drop from 61% two years ago.
When it comes to what drives dissatisfaction at work, poor skills development, a lack of social mobility, being stuck in offices and employers failing to make mental health a priority all figure heavily.
Reasons to be cheerful
These worries exist, however, in parallel with reasons to be optimistic about being an accountant and a member of the profession.
‘The transition in the workplace demands a rethink on career planning’
Mirroring the views on entrepreneurial futures, accountancy training is seen as a gateway to career opportunities abroad, mostly for those in developing nations; 72% of Gen Z respondents and 52% of Gen Y cite a desire to pursue career opportunities in other countries. As helpful as that is for individuals, it may raise a question for their home countries and how they retain trained professionals to support their economies.
Likewise, members have a focus on specific opportunities such as sustainability. Two-thirds, or 67%, of all respondents say they are interested in sustainability-related work. This is highest among Gen Z, at 72%.
Interestingly, an organisation’s record on social and human rights issues overrides its stance on environmental issues when it comes to attracting talent, with an average of 73% saying it’s influential when deciding on an employer.
Lastly, confidence among respondents that they are employable is high. But nearly 60% say they expect their next career move to be away from their current employer. The issue is urgent for many; 62% of accountants are looking for a move within the next two years.
The results of the latest talent trends survey reveal an accountancy workplace that is changing, with professionals who see training as a route to founding their own businesses, roles driven by sustainability and travel around the world.
The signs are clear that a significant shift is under way. As the report says: ‘The transition in the workplace, and fluidity in how career paths and job roles are evolving, demands a rethink on career planning.’
More information
See the global report plus regional versions, key questions for leaders and a focus for employers on supporting hybrid working
