A significant entrepreneurial wave is sweeping through India’s finance sector, with 63% of Indian Chartered Accountants and finance professionals expressing strong interest in launching their own ventures, according to the latest ACCA Global Talent Trends Survey 2025.
Conducted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), this annual survey – now in its third year—garnered responses from over 10,000 professionals across 175 countries.
Chartered Accountants View Profession as Launchpad
The India report highlights how local accountants are increasingly viewing their profession as a launchpad for entrepreneurship and leadership roles, both domestically and abroad.
Notably, 80% of respondent chartered accountants in India expect to make a career move within the next two years, with 67% looking beyond their current organizations. Moreover, a striking 85% of chartered accountants are open to working in international markets, showcasing the global ambitions of India’s financial workforce.
Key Findings from the India Talent Trends 2025 Report:
- Entrepreneurial Ambitions: 63% of Indian respondents see accountancy as a foundation for starting their own businesses, indicating a shift toward independent and innovation-driven career paths.
- Sustainability-Focused Careers: 74% are keen to explore finance roles with an environmental impact, significantly higher than the global average.
- Hybrid Work Expectations: Over 75% prefer hybrid work models, though 41% remain office-bound full-time.
- Upskilling Concerns: While employability confidence is high, only 37% say they have access to AI-related skill development.
- Mental Health & Workload: 51% report that work pressure impacts their mental health, though this is a slight improvement over previous years.
- Diversity Gaps: 55% feel their employers prioritize some aspects of diversity over others, with age-related biases being a top concern.
- Side Hustles on the Rise: 32% of respondents report secondary employment or income streams alongside their main job.
- Cost-of-Living Pressures: 67% expect a salary hike in the coming year due to rising living costs.
Md Sajid Khan, Director–India, ACCA, said: “The 2025 report reflects a pivotal shift in how India’s finance professionals are shaping their careers – balancing innovation, flexibility, and ambition. Organizations must rethink their workplace culture to meet these evolving needs if they wish to attract and retain top talent.”
Jamie Lyon FCCA, ACCA’s Global Head of Skills, Sectors, and Technology, added: “Accountancy continues to be a powerful career gateway – especially for those seeking entrepreneurial freedom and global opportunities. The future of finance lies in adaptability, purpose-driven work, and continuous learning.”
As Indian Chartered Accountants redefine career aspirations, employers are urged to respond with supportive, flexible environments that champion growth, innovation, and well-being.
