ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2025 survey highlights shifting ambitions, AI anxieties, and sustainability surges among finance professionals
Singapore, 23 May 2025 – More than half (52%) of finance professionals in the Asia Pacific region and 37% in Singapore have ambitions to become entrepreneurs, according to ACCA’s latest Global Talent Trends (GTT) 2025 report. This annual study, the largest of its kind in the finance profession, reveals the evolving priorities and concerns of over 10,000 respondents across 175 countries, including significant insights from Singapore and the wider region.
In Singapore, 65% of respondents anticipate changing roles within the next two years, signalling a high level of mobility that poses potential retention challenges for employers. This development comes as 61% express keen interest in sustainability-related careers, aligning with the global shift towards environmental accountability.
“As we are learning to adopt AI-powered tools and meeting sustainability demands, the Singapore accountancy profession is redefining itself – not just in terms of technical skills but in how we create value as strategic partners. This is in alignment with the growing desire amongst professionals for purposeful work that solves high-value challenges that organisations face today. It is imperative for employers to challenge the status quo and invest in their talent pool to ensure long-term resilience for organisations,” said Daniel Leung, country manager at ACCA Singapore.
Daniel Leung is the country manager for ACCA Singapore, and he is responsible for leading ACCA’s external engagement with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and partners. Daniel attended the DCFO Symposium Singapore and became one of the moderators.
Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors and Technology at ACCA, echoed this sentiment, noting, “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.”
Key Findings: Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Sustainability in Focus
The GTT report underscores the growing trend of entrepreneurialism, with 52% globally and similar figures regionally viewing accountancy as a springboard for launching their businesses. This mindset is increasingly valued by employers who seek innovation, commerciality, and strategic agility from finance professionals.
Sustainability-related ambitions are also surging. In Singapore, 61% are interested in pursuing accounting careers with an environmental focus, closely mirroring the 71% across the Asia-Pacific. At the organisational level, 48% of non-board leadership roles and 35% of middle management finance positions worldwide already incorporate sustainability responsibilities.
Talent on the Move: Confidence and Concern
There is strong confidence in employability, with 65% in Singapore and 57% regionally expecting a role change within two years. Additionally, 53% of Singapore respondents and 60% in Asia Pacific anticipate their next job will be with a different employer, raising urgent questions about talent retention strategies.
Hybrid work remains a preference, with 79% of Singaporean professionals favouring such models. Yet 41% still work entirely from the office, a mismatch that could risk disengagement and hinder development unless addressed through clear and equitable hybrid work policies.
Diversity perceptions present another area for improvement. A majority (56%) in Singapore and the broader region feel their organisations prioritise some aspects of diversity over others, with older employees frequently cited as overlooked.
Future Skills Gap: AI and Wellbeing Under Pressure
Despite being one of the most digitally advanced economies, Singapore is facing an AI skills development gap. While 65% of professionals are concerned about their readiness for the future, only 27% report accessing AI-related learning opportunities within their organisations. This finding reveals a critical area for investment in talent upskilling.
Mental health remains a pressing concern. Although slightly improved, 53% of Singapore respondents still report work-induced stress affecting their mental wellbeing. This finding underscores the need for sustained organisational focus on wellbeing frameworks.
Additional Income and Global Mobility
The rise of “side hustles” reflects evolving work realities. In Singapore, 33% of respondents engage in additional employment alongside their main roles. While such behaviour highlights entrepreneurial flair, it also introduces new challenges for employer engagement.
Singapore professionals continue to see accountancy as a gateway to international careers, with 56% expressing a desire to work abroad. This international outlook reinforces the enduring global relevance of the profession.
To explore the interactive Global Talent Trends 2025 report and its full findings, visit: ACCA Global Talent Trends 2025
