Middle East finance professionals seek purpose-driven careers as workplace priorities evolve: ACCA survey
Finance professionals across the Middle East are increasingly looking for careers that combine professional success, social impact, and innovation, according to the latest Global Talent Trends Survey released by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The annual survey, now in its fourth year, gathered responses from more than 11,000 finance and accounting professionals across 160 countries, including 570 respondents from the Middle East. The findings reveal a significant shift in career expectations, with many professionals seeking roles that contribute to environmental sustainability, social progress, and long-term business resilience.
According to the report, 67% of Middle East respondents want future finance roles that help address environmental and climate challenges, while 74% expressed a desire to work in positions that create a positive social impact. More than one-third said their current role already supports environmental initiatives, while 38% are helping their organizations address wider social issues.
The survey also highlighted strong entrepreneurial ambitions among finance professionals in the region. Around 72% of respondents said they aspire to start a business or pursue entrepreneurial career paths. Among women, the figure reached 62%, placing the region among the highest globally for female entrepreneurial aspirations.
As businesses continue to adopt emerging technologies, confidence in artificial intelligence (AI) remains high. Approximately 79% of respondents believe they can develop AI-related skills needed for the future. However, concerns remain, with 50% worried about AI's potential impact on their jobs.
The increasing use of AI in recruitment also generated mixed reactions. More than half of respondents (51%) expressed concerns about AI-driven hiring decisions, while 53% of board-level leaders shared reservations about relying heavily on algorithms for talent selection.
The survey found that employer values are becoming a major factor in career decisions. Around 79% of respondents said an organization's reputation regarding social responsibility and human rights influences their employment choices. Among Generation Z, this figure rises to 90%.
Workplace demographics are also changing, with as many as six generations potentially working together within organizations. However, 48% of respondents identified cross-generational collaboration as a challenge.
Economic pressures continue to affect employee sentiment, with 64% reporting dissatisfaction with their current compensation packages. Meanwhile, 58% said workplace pressures negatively impact their mental wellbeing.
Despite ongoing discussions around remote work, the survey indicates that hybrid working models remain the preferred option for most professionals, while younger employees are increasingly supporting a return to office environments.
Talent mobility also remains high, with 55% expecting their next career move to take place outside their current organization.
Commenting on the findings, Kush Ahuja, Head of Middle East and Eurasia at ACCA, said the results reflect a profession undergoing significant transformation, with professionals seeking careers that balance commercial objectives with social impact, innovation, and sustainability.
Jamie Lyon, Global Head of Skills, Sectors and Technology at ACCA, added that finance professionals increasingly want to make a meaningful contribution to society through their work, highlighting how career paths in accountancy continue to expand beyond traditional financial responsibilities.
