61% of UK Gen Z accountants aim to be entrepreneurs, says ACCA
61% of UK Gen Z accountants aim to be entrepreneurs, says ACCA
Mental health, AI readiness and sustainability also rank high among UK finance professionals in ACCA’s latest Global Talent Trends survey
Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z accountants in the UK say they want to become their own boss, according to new research from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The figure — 61% — is nearly double the average across all other UK age groups surveyed (31%) and higher than the global average of 52%, suggesting a generational shift in long-term career ambition among UK-based early-career professionals.
The findings are part of the 2025 edition of ACCA’s Global Talent Trends report, based on responses from over 1,300 UK finance professionals and more than 10,000 globally.
“It’s an exciting time to be a young accountant in the industry, with so many aiming for the goal of being an entrepreneur,” said Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, Technology at ACCA.
“With almost three quarters also keen and confident to learn new AI skills, and more employers looking to prioritise mental health and wellbeing, our survey data shows a profession that is striving to do better for everyone.”
Skills gap in AI training
Despite widespread confidence in learning artificial intelligence tools — with 71% saying they feel ready to upskill — just 23% of respondents said their organisation currently offers AI-related training. Nearly half (46%) of UK accountants believe AI will be the most valuable skill in the future of work.
While 30% reported concerns over AI’s impact on their roles, this figure has dropped significantly — down 12% from the previous year — suggesting growing familiarity with the technology.
Mental health under pressure
Work-related stress remains a major concern in the profession. 50% of UK respondents said their mental health has been negatively affected by work pressures, and 30% have considered resigning as a result. At the same time, 57% believe their employer is now treating mental health as a priority.
“Our survey demonstrates that the UK offers some of the best working conditions for the profession,” said Glenn Collins, Head of Technical and Strategic Engagement at ACCA UK.
“Such as majority hybrid working arrangements, high pay satisfaction, and good learning and development opportunities — all of which are crucial to developing those entrepreneurship skills.”
Broader themes: pay satisfaction and hybrid work
UK accountants also reported relatively high levels of pay satisfaction. 55% said they were happy with their current remuneration — significantly higher than the global average of 41%.
Meanwhile, 64% of respondents said they work in a hybrid model, while 16% are fully remote.
Environmental impact also featured as a career motivator, with 51% saying they want to pursue sustainability-related roles within accountancy and finance. Among those with side jobs, 41% said their secondary work was driven by a desire to “give something back” or pursue work with greater meaning.
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