ACCA report shows accounting is considered a gateway to entrepreneurship

Over half of accountants see the profession as a gateway for entrepreneurship, according to a new study.

The latest edition of an annual report by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants found that 54% of North American respondents say they have career ambitions to be entrepreneurs, including 78% of Gen Z respondents. The ACCA surveyed over 10,000 accounting and finance professionals from 175 countries on topics including career ambitions, hybrid working, inclusivity practices, upskilling, mental health and employability issues. 

“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,” Jamie Lyon, global head of skills, sectors and technology at the ACCA, said in a statement. “There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.”

Two-thirds of respondents are interested in pursuing accounting careers focused on environmental issues, and 79% agree that reputation on social and humans rights issues would be a key factor in deciding whether to work at an organization.

Employability confidence is high among respondents, with 68% wanting to move roles in the next two years, and 43% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organization. Respondents also favor hybrid work (71%), while only 12% say they want to be in the office full time. Thirty-five percent report their office is fully office-based, up from 23% in 2024. 

Cost of living is the top concern for 41% of respondents — with 56% being dissatisfied with their current wages — followed by the effects of a potential economic downturn (35%). And 39% of respondents reported concern over rising socioeconomic barriers, doubled from 19% in 2024.

Additionally, 46% of respondents say their mental health suffers due to work pressures, and 56% want more support in this area. And the proportion of respondents from North America (52%) who want to move internationally has doubled since 2024 (28%).