The latest annual Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 alerts employers to changing perspectives among accountancy and finance professionals, providing a unique view of how people feel about their life at work and future career aspirations.

Over 10,000 individuals from 175 countries responded to ACCA's survey on issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working and inclusivity practices to upskilling, mental health and employability issues.

Findings

Key themes that have emerged this year are:

1. 52% see accountancy as a springboard to running their own businesses. This entrepreneurial mindset is highly valued by employers.

2. Demand for sustainability-related careers is flying high with 67% interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues. Currently 48% of wider leadership roles below board level and 35% of middle management roles in finance include sustainability responsibilities.

3. Employability confidence is high with 62% expecting to move roles in the next two years and 58% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organisation – a retention challenge for employers.

4. Over 76% want hybrid working arrangements, yet over half of respondents (51%) are still working in the office full time.

5. The recognition of older employees tops the list of diversity concerns, with 45% saying their organisation focuses more on certain aspects of diversity than others.

6. The cost-of-living crisis continues to top our ‘workplace fear’ index, with 41% of respondents expecting a pay rise of at least 11% over the next 12 months.

7. Half of respondents are concerned they’re not developing the skills required for the future workplace, and fewer than a third (32%) say their organisation is providing opportunities to learn AI-related skills.

8. Mental health indicators are improving slightly compared to previous years' data, but remain challenging, with 52% of respondents agreeing their mental health suffers due to work pressures.

9. The ‘side hustle’ is on the rise. 43% of Gen Z respondents and 39% across all generations suggest they’re now engaged in additional employment to their main jobs – another challenge for employers in terms of engagement and retention.

10. Accountancy remains a valued passport to global careers, with 72% of Gen Z and 52% of Gen Y respondents citing a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad.

Click here to view the ACCA Global Talent Trends Survey 2025.