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Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Almost Two Thirds of UK Gen Z Accountants Reveal Entrepreneurial Ambitions
Entrepreneurial aspirations are high amongst the newest generation of accountants, as revealed by new data from leading global accountancy body ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). The 2025 edition of its Global Talent Trends survey surveyed over 1,300 accountants in the UK, and more than 10,000 worldwide, making it the largest survey looking at talent in the financial sector. 61% of UK Gen Z accountants have long-term goals to be their own bosses, double the sentiment of the rest of the UK (31%). This could also be good news for employers and for the employability of finance professionals – there's a growing need for accountants to use their entrepreneurial mindsets in many finance and business job roles where skills such as commerciality and innovation are prized attributes. Most UK respondents to the survey indicated they were drawn to roles that focused on environmental issues. This was echoed in the reasons behind a second job or 'side hustle', with 41% wanting to take on this type of work to give something back or do something meaningful with their work. AI skills, a theme identified in the 2024 survey, remained high on the agenda for 2025. Almost half (46%) of UK finance professionals believe AI proficiency is the most valuable skill to learn for the future of work. However, less than a quarter (23%) said they were provided with AI training opportunities at work, despite seven out of ten (71%) feeling confident in their ability to learn new AI skills. While 30% reported feeling concerned about how AI could impact their roles, this was down 12% from 2024, showing that there is increased knowledge and understanding of AI and less worry amongst professionals. Mental health and wellbeing also emerged as a key trend, with 57% of respondents saying their employer considers mental health a top priority. Given that half of UK financial professionals in the survey said their mental health suffers because of work pressures, and almost a third (30%) have considered resigning due to wellbeing issues, the feedback that mental health is being taken more seriously by employers will be welcomed. In terms of workplace practicalities, Wales is the leader among the UK nations for hybrid working, with three quarters (75%) reporting this as their working set up. Wales-based respondents also rated flexible working benefits as the most desirable benefit for work life balance at 32% – above hybrid working at 20%. UK respondents were also more satisfied with their pay (55%) than the global average (41%). Jamie Lyon FCCA, global head of skills, sectors, technology at ACCA, said: 'It's an exciting time to be a young accountant in the industry, with so many aiming for the goal of being an entrepreneur. With almost three quarters also keen and confident to learn new AI skills, and more employers looking to prioritise mental health and wellbeing, our survey data shows a profession that is striving to do better for everyone.' Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said: 'Seeing UK Gen Z accountants leading the way in their entrepreneurial ambitions is fantastic. Our survey demonstrates that the UK offers some of the best working conditions for the profession, with Wales leading the way on offering hybrid working arrangements. The UK also has high pay satisfaction and good learning and development opportunities – all of which are crucial to ensuring the profession remains attractive to talent in Wales.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Accountants reveal entrepreneurial ambitions and interest in sustainability in ACCA's 2025 Global Talent Trends Report
The world-wide talent survey of finance professionals found that more than half of North America respondents have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, and two-thirds are interested in pursuing a career focused on environmental issues TORONTO, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The third annual Global Talent Trends Survey from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) alerts employers to changing perspectives among accountancy and finance professionals. The 2025 report found that many respondents see accountancy as a gateway for entrepreneurial ambitions and skills, with over half of North America respondents (54%) indicating they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, including 78% of Gen Z respondents. Additionally, about two-thirds of respondents (66%) are interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues, and 79% agree that reputation on social and human rights issues would be a key factor in deciding whether to work at an organization. 'Our 2025 data continues to show a workplace in transition, but one of the exciting themes emerging this year is how accountancy training can be a brilliant early career pathway for building entrepreneurial skills,' said Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, Technology at ACCA. 'There's no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.' More than 10,000 individuals from 175 countries participated in the largest talent survey of accountancy and finance professionals, responding to issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working and inclusivity practices to upskilling, mental health and employability issues. 'The Talent Trends report offers valuable insights for sector employers on the concerns, aspirations, and preferences of finance professionals across roles and age demographics' said Jillian Couse, Head of ACCA North America. 'For example, with the majority of regional respondents interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues, organizations could consider aligning sustainability efforts with retention goals.' Topline takeaways from North America (Canada & USA) responses include: Entrepreneurial ambitions are highest among Gen Z — 78% of the youngest respondents hold aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur or business owner, though more than half of respondents overall (54%) have entrepreneurial ambitions. Demand for sustainability-related careers is flying high with 66% interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues, including 87% of Gen Z respondents. Employability confidence is high with 68% wanting to move roles in the next two years and 43% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organization. Hybrid work is ideal for employees – 71% respondents say that is their preferred working arrangement. Only 12% want to be in the office full time, compared to 35% who report their role is fully office-based (up from 23% in 2024). The cost of living tops workplace concerns for 41% of respondents, followed by effects of a potential economic downturn (35%). More than half (56%) are dissatisfied with their current wage. Barriers to social mobility are a growing concern with the number of respondents reporting concern over socioeconomic barriers doubling since our 2024 report (39%, up from 19%). AI upskilling is falling short — nearly half of respondents are concerned they're not developing the skills required for the future workplace. Mental health remains a challenge – 46% of respondents report their mental health suffers due to work pressures, and 56% want more support in this area. Professionals seek global career path – The proportion of respondents from North America (52%) wanting to move internationally has doubled since our 2024 report (28%). The interactive global report can be found here: the North America regional report can be found here: About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognized accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in 180 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at: ACCA is not affiliated with any Chartered Accountant (CA) organization or Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) organization. CONTACT: Media contact: jaime@
