ACCA survey shows high employability for accountants
KARACHI: ACCA's Global Talent Trends Survey - 2025, now in its third year has drawn responses from over 10,000 finance professionals in 175 countries. It has revealed major shifts in career-ambitions, workplace-expectations, and professional priorities in the accountancy profession, around the world, including Pakistan.
A key finding is that 52% of finance professionals globally, including 63% in India and 80% in Africa, aspire to become entrepreneurs, highlighting accountancy's role as a gateway to business ownership. Around 62% expect to change roles within two years, with 58% planning to move outside their current organizations, posing a retention challenge for employers.
Jamie Lyon, FCCA, noted that 'The report highlights a 'workplace in transition' where accountancy builds strong foundations for entrepreneurship and evolving career paths.' Experts have noted that; Sustainability is another rising priority, with 67% showing interest in environmental-finance careers. Meanwhile, 76% of professionals prefer hybrid work, yet 51% still work entirely onsite.
Financial uncertainty persists; as 41% are expecting pay increases of over 11%, due to the cost-of-living crisis. At the same time, half of respondents worry they're not acquiring future-proof skills, and only 42% report their organizations provide AI learning opportunities. Diversity concerns also remain, particularly around age inclusivity, with 45% saying: certain diversity aspects are emphasized more than others.
Mental health pressures are easing slightly, but remain a concern, with 52% saying work affects their well-being.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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