7 Key Insights from ACCA: What Indian Accountants Need to Know in 2025

In 2025, Indian accountants are operating in a fast-changing environment shaped by technology, evolving work cultures, rising economic pressures, and shifting career aspirations. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) conducted a global talent survey, including over 660 participants from India, to help professionals understand and prepare for these changes.

The India Talent Trends 2025 report offers a comprehensive view into what matters most to accountants today. Here are the seven key insights from the report, along with detailed explanations.

1. Artificial Intelligence is the Top Skill for the Future

More than 43 percent of Indian respondents identified artificial intelligence (AI) as the most important skill for the future, a figure that surpasses the global average. Only 27 percent of professionals currently feel confident in their AI knowledge and application.

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This indicates a growing urgency for upskilling, especially in digital tools that are increasingly influencing finance functions such as audit, tax, compliance, and business reporting.

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Actionable advice:

• Learn AI-related tools like Power BI, data analytics platforms, and financial modeling applications.
• Take part in AI training programs offered by ACCA or your employer.
• Volunteer for data-focused or technology-enhanced projects within your organisation.

“To thrive in the future workplace, a thorough understanding of technology is non-negotiable. I feel very excited to see that finance professionals are getting more comfortable with technology” – Emma Jindal, CFO of Accenture India

2. Mental Health is a Significant Career Obstacle

Around 35 percent of finance professionals in India report that stress and mental health challenges are major barriers to their career growth. Although there has been some improvement since earlier surveys, more than half still feel their mental well-being suffers due to work pressure.

Gen Y professionals, aged 29 to 44, appear to be the most affected group, with higher levels of reported stress, lack of support, and even considerations of resignation due to mental health concerns.

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Actionable advice:

• Seek mental health support if available, including counselling and wellness programs.
• Communicate openly with your manager about workload and expectations.
• Advocate for a work culture that promotes empathy, understanding, and work-life balance.

“Managing mental health comes down to trust. If people feel like they can be open about what they’re going through, they’re more likely to speak up. And when they do, it’s on the organisation to listen and make a real effort to help” – Jaywardhan Semwal, Vice President, HPE

3. Demand for Hybrid Working Remains Unmet

According to the report, 75 percent of Indian respondents would prefer hybrid working arrangements. However, only 45 percent currently enjoy this flexibility, while 41 percent are still fully office-based.

This discrepancy points to a misalignment between employee preferences and organisational policies. Hybrid work not only supports flexibility and productivity but also contributes positively to mental health and job satisfaction.

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Actionable advice:

• When applying for new roles or negotiating terms, inquire about flexible working policies.
• Build digital communication and collaboration skills to thrive in remote or hybrid setups.
• Use office days strategically for networking, mentorship, and team building.

Sandhya Sriram, Group CFO at Narayana Health, suggests that hybrid working can succeed with structured policies and behavioural adjustments on both sides.

4. Cost of Living is Driving Career Decisions

The rising cost of living continues to be the number one concern for Indian finance professionals, with 65 percent expressing dissatisfaction with their current pay. Nearly half believe that changing jobs is the best way to improve their salary.

And, 45 percent of respondents expect a pay rise of 11 to 20 percent in the next 12 months. This shows both high expectations and increasing pressure on employers to retain talent through competitive compensation.

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Actionable advice:

• Regularly benchmark your salary using industry data and market insights.
• Have structured conversations with your employer about compensation and growth plans.
• Explore internal opportunities for lateral movement that might offer better remuneration or responsibilities.

Sandeep Shukla, Chief People Officer at AcoBloom, says that retaining employees requires not just competitive pay, but transparency around career growth.

5. Diversity and Inclusion Need to Broaden in Scope

65 percent of respondents believe their organisations are inclusive, but only 55 percent feel that diversity efforts are focused mostly on gender, often ignoring other important aspects such as age, neurodiversity, and physical ability.

This limited approach to inclusion could lead to disengagement, particularly among older professionals and those from underrepresented communities.

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Actionable advice:

• Encourage dialogue about different forms of diversity within your workplace.
• Support training or awareness programs that address inclusion beyond gender.
• If you are in a leadership role, ensure that hiring, promotion, and mentoring practices reflect inclusive values.

Rakesh Almal from ZF Group highlights the need for an end-to-end approach to inclusion, from hiring to retention and leadership development.

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6. Growing Interest in Sustainability Careers, But Limited Opportunities

A significant 74 percent of Indian accountants are interested in roles related to environmental and sustainability issues, but only 33 percent are currently in such roles. These roles are more commonly found at senior levels, where regulatory and strategic influence is higher.

As India moves towards a green economy and environmental reporting becomes mandatory, the demand for climate finance, ESG auditing, and sustainable investing skills will rise sharply.

Actionable advice:

• Take ESG-related certifications or courses to position yourself for future opportunities.
• Seek projects or responsibilities within your organisation that align with sustainability or CSR initiatives.
• Stay updated on regulatory trends in sustainability reporting and assurance.

With India expected to create up to 35 million green jobs by 2047, this is a space worth exploring for finance professionals seeking meaningful work.

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7. Entrepreneurial Ambitions Are High Among Accountants

An impressive 63 percent of respondents in India aspire to become entrepreneurs or business owners in the future, the second highest rate globally. However, few have actually made the leap, due to risk aversion, lack of exposure, or traditional mindsets shaped by structured finance roles.

The report recommends starting with intrapreneurship, taking ownership of projects within existing organisations, as a way to build the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship.

Actionable advice:

• Lead or co-lead strategic initiatives within your current firm.
• Develop business acumen in areas like product development, marketing, or client service.
• Network with entrepreneurs or join communities focused on finance-led startups.

Sandhya Sriram points out that finance professionals often hold back from entrepreneurship due to their training in risk management and compliance, which makes them more cautious than creative.

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