Entrepreneurial Spirit Strong among Indian Accountants; Survey

MUMBAI:
ACCA’s (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) 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

Now in its third year, this is the largest annual talent survey of accountancy and finance professionals across the world. Over 10,000 individuals from 175 countries including India responded to our survey on issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working and inclusivity practices to upskilling, mental health and employability issues. The India Talent Trends 2025 report gives full details on findings from the country.

Many respondents see accountancy as a gateway for entrepreneurial ambitions and skills. With 63% saying they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, it’s clear that many see accountancy as a natural springboard to eventually their own businesses in the future. This could also be good news for employers – 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.

Sajid Khan, Director-India, ACCA said, ‘This year’s Global Talent Trends Report reveals a pivotal moment for the Indian finance profession. With a remarkable 63% of professionals aspiring to become entrepreneurs and 75% valuing hybrid work options, it’s clear that talent priorities are shifting rapidly. At the same time, a growing number, especially from emerging markets like India are looking beyond borders, with 85% of respondents intending to work in another country. These insights underline the urgent need for employers to reimagine workplace culture, one that encourages flexibility, nurtures ambition and builds clear paths for internal growth. Those who listen, adapt, and invest in the evolving needs of their people will be best positioned to lead in a competitive and increasingly global talent landscape.’

This year’s emerging key themes from India are as follows:

1. 63% 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 74% interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues. Globally 48% of wider leadership roles below board level and 35% of middle management roles in finance currently include sustainability responsibilities.
3. Employability confidence is high with 80% expecting to move roles in the next two years and 67% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organisation – a retention challenge for employers.
4. Over 75% want hybrid working arrangements, yet 41% of respondents are still working in the office full time.
5. The recognition of older employees tops the list of diversity concerns, with 55% 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 67% of respondents expecting a pay rise in the next year.
7. 54% of respondents are concerned they’re not developing the skills required for the future workplace and only 37% 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 51% of respondents agreeing their mental health suffers due to work pressures.
9. The ‘side hustle’ is on the rise. 32% 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 85% of India respondents citing a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad at some point in their career.

Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, Technology at ACCA said: ‘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. There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.’