In a striking shift that underscores the evolving ambitions of India’s finance professionals, 63% of Indian accountants say they aspire to launch their own startups, according to the Global Talent Trends Survey 2025 by ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). This rising entrepreneurial drive signals a growing desire for independence, innovation, and purpose-led careers within the finance industry.
Now in its third edition, the survey is the world’s largest annual talent study in the accounting and finance sector, with over 10,000 professionals from 175 countries—including a significant representation from India—sharing insights on work-life, aspirations, mental health, and future readiness.
From Balance Sheets to Boardrooms
Accountancy, long considered a traditional and secure profession, is now emerging as a strategic launchpad for startup dreams. The ACCA report highlights how finance training is increasingly viewed as a gateway to innovation-driven ventures. “This year’s report reveals a pivotal moment for the Indian finance profession,” said Md. Sajid Khan, Director-India, ACCA. “A remarkable 63% of professionals aspire to become entrepreneurs, reflecting a powerful shift in mindset.”
Interestingly, this entrepreneurial ambition isn't just about quitting jobs. It reflects a broader demand for commercial acumen and innovation—traits now highly valued even within corporate finance roles. For employers, this signals a dual challenge: to retain talent while nurturing the entrepreneurial spark within their teams.
Ambition isn’t confined by borders either. A staggering 85% of Indian respondents expressed a desire to work abroad at some point in their careers, underlining a global outlook that aligns with India’s rapidly expanding finance and tech diaspora.
And while hybrid work remains a top priority—with 75% of professionals favouring flexible work models—many (41%) still find themselves confined to traditional full-time office setups, revealing a clear gap between employee expectations and organisational practices.
The survey also spotlights several transformative themes:
- Sustainability is a new magnet, with 74% of respondents expressing interest in roles focused on environmental impact.
- Skill anxiety is real: More than half (54%) feel unprepared for the future workplace, and only 37% report having access to AI-related learning at work.
- The side hustle trend is booming: 32% of professionals are supplementing their main job with additional work, highlighting both rising financial pressures and the desire for diversified careers.
- Mental health remains a concern, with 51% acknowledging that job stress is taking a toll, though this marks a slight improvement from previous years.
The report sends a strong message to employers: the future workforce seeks more than paychecks. They want purpose, flexibility, global exposure, and room to grow—within or beyond the organisation.
Jamie Lyon, Global Head of Skills at ACCA, notes, “Our 2025 data shows a workplace in transition. One of the most exciting findings is how accountancy is becoming a powerful pathway for developing entrepreneurial skills—something that will shape the future of both startups and corporate finance alike.”
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