The third edition of the world’s largest annual talent survey of accountancy and finance professionals has just been published – and the results are revealing, says ACCA’s Jamie Lyon.
ACCA’s latest annual Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 explores perspectives among accountancy and finance professionals, providing a unique view of how people feel about their life at work. Over 10,000 professional accountants from 175 countries responded to our survey on issues ranging from career ambitions, hybrid working and inclusivity to skills, mental health and employability.
In the UK, 1,360 individuals participated in the survey, and several key themes have emerged – with respondents seeing a pathway for entrepreneurial ambitions, especially among younger professionals. Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be regarded as a valuable future workplace skill, although there are concerns over training opportunities. And while EDI indicators score highly, social mobility still needs improving to meet talent and attraction challenges.
Here are our top 10 findings for the UK:
1. Accountancy is a gateway for Gen Z entrepreneurial ambitions
A key result reveals that many see accountancy as a gateway for entrepreneurial ambitions and skills. With 61% of Gen Z respondents in the UK indicating they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, it’s clear that many see accountancy as a natural springboard to eventually running their own businesses in the future.
2. Second jobs are motivated by purpose
Compared with other regions, UK respondents undertaking additional work are less motivated by money than they are by altruistic reasons, such as an opportunity to give back and seek ‘purpose’, but this is largely driven by older respondents.
3. Hybrid work patterns remain firmly established
While hybrid working preferences remain elusive for many, the UK continues to lead the way globally for its high level of hybrid and remote working. Around two-thirds of UK respondents (63%) indicate they work in a hybrid model in 2025, almost identical to the proportion of 64% recorded in both our 2023 and 2024 reports.
4. Room for improvement on equity, diversity and inclusivity
The UK scores highly on the indicators for equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) with 64% of respondents believing their organisation is inclusive, compared with a global average of 40%.
While the UK picture is more positive than that globally, our data suggests more effort is needed to address social mobility – with 27% believing it remains a barrier to progression.
5. Employers risk falling behind in AI
UK respondents cite proficiency in AI and technology/systems understanding as the two most valuable skills in the future workplace. While they are confident in their ability to learn and apply AI-related skills only a little over a quarter suggest their employer currently offers relevant training opportunities.
6. The cost-of-living crisis isn’t over yet
The impact of inflation tops the list of biggest work-related concerns for a third successive year – with 36% of UK respondents expressing concern. Despite inflation not expected to ease in the near term, there’s been a steady increase in salary satisfaction with fewer respondents (41% – 50% in 2024) expecting to ask for a pay rise in the next 12 months.
7. Employability confidence is high
Despite fewer respondents (34% – 41% in 2024) suggesting they want to move roles in the next 12 months, UK employers continue to face retention challenges. Levels of mobility remain high, with almost two-thirds (57%) expecting their next move to be external.
8. Mental health indicators improve but remain challenging
Half of UK respondents (50% – 55% in 2024) indicate their mental health as suffering due to work pressures, while almost a third (30%) say they’ve considered resigning as a result.
9. Demand for sustainability-related careers outstrips supply
This year’s findings confirm that UK respondents (51%) are generally interested in pursuing future roles focused on environmental issues. Some 49% of respondents agree an organisations stance on environmental issues would be a key factor in deciding to work at an organisation; 68% suggest similar for social and human rights issues.
10. Accountancy remains a gateway for global careers
While employers face retention challenges in the near term, career aspirations for employees are still confined to the UK. This is despite a small rise in UK respondents (22% – 15% in 2024) wanting to move internationally at some point.
Find out more in the full report on our website.
- Jamie Lyon, Global Head of Skills, Sectors & Technology at ACCA
