A new global survey of accounting and finance professionals by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants reveals 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.
The ACCA’s third annual Global Talent Trends Survey—which asked more than 10,000 accounting and finance professionals from 175 countries their thoughts about issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working, and inclusivity practices to upskilling, mental health, and employability issues—found that 54% of respondents indicated they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, including 78% of Gen Z.
In addition, the 2025 report says about two-thirds of respondents (66%) are interested in pursuing accounting 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.
“The talent trends report offers valuable insights for sector employers on the concerns, aspirations, and preferences of finance professionals across roles and age demographics,” Jillian Couse, head of ACCA North America, said in a statement.
“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,” she added.
Key takeaways from North America (Canada and U.S.) survey 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: 66% are interested in pursuing accounting careers focused on environmental issues, including 87% of Gen Z respondents.
- Employability confidence is high: 68% of respondents want to change roles in the next two years, and 43% expect their next career role to be outside their current organization.
- Hybrid work is ideal for employees: 71% of respondents say that’s 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: This is true 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 ACCA’s 2024 report (39%, up from 19%).
- Artificial intelligence 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 ACCA’s 2024 report (28%).
“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, global head of skills, sectors, and technology at ACCA. “There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.”
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Tags: ACCA, accountants, Accounting, Firm Management, Staffing, trends
