Business

ACCA survey reveals rising entrepreneurial ambitions, salary dissatisfaction, and unmet demand for workplace flexibility among finance professionals in the region

The Middle East's finance sector is grappling with a significant talent crunch as a new wave of entrepreneurial ambition and demand for flexible work environments reshapes workforce expectations, according to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)'s latest Global Talent Trends 2025 report.

The survey — the largest of its kind globally — collected insights from over 10,000 accountancy and finance professionals across 175 countries. The findings point to growing restlessness in the regional finance workforce, with 83% of professionals in the Middle East expecting to switch jobs within two years — the highest rate worldwide.

A Surge in Entrepreneurial Spirit
A standout finding is that 68% of Middle East respondents aim to launch their own business ventures, a significant leap above the global average of 52%. The aspiration is especially prominent among those already in leadership roles (79%) and middle management (73%), highlighting a powerful entrepreneurial mindset within the sector.

Workplace Dissatisfaction Rising
The survey sheds light on several pressure points:

• 59% of professionals are dissatisfied with their current salaries — compared to a global average of 48%.

• 70% plan to request a pay raise within the year, and many see switching employers as the fastest route to higher income.

• While 75% prefer hybrid work models, 78% remain fully office-based — the highest percentage of any region surveyed.

Flexibility and Mental Well-being in Focus
Flexible working arrangements top the list of desired benefits, followed by support for workload management and improved leadership culture. Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents (47%) reported that work stress continues to impact their mental health — a slight improvement from 2024 but still a concerning trend.

AI Confidence vs. Organisational Readiness
Confidence in adopting AI-related skills is high, with 89% of finance professionals in the region expressing readiness. However, only 26% say their employers provide training or development in this area, underscoring a disconnect between individual ambition and organisational support.

Diversity and Inclusion Still Lagging
Just 49% of Middle East respondents believe their workplaces are truly inclusive — far below the global average of 62%. Calls for better representation of older professionals, racial and gender diversity, and socio-economic mobility remain strong.

Side Hustles Take a Back Seat
Unlike global trends, only 13% of professionals in the Middle East pursue secondary employment or "side hustles", indicating a stronger focus on core roles and career progression within their primary jobs.

Call to Action for Employers
Kush Ahuja, Head of Eurasia & Middle East at ACCA, commented, “Ambition is high, but so are frustrations. Organisations must evolve to retain future finance leaders by prioritising purpose, flexibility, and professional growth.”

Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors and Technology at ACCA, added: “Accountancy is proving to be a gateway for entrepreneurship, and employers that nurture this ambition will gain a competitive edge.”

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