Accountants in Ireland are considerably less likely than their international counterparts to see the profession as a pathway to entrepreneurship, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has found.

Globally, 52% of accountancy and finance professionals see the profession as a pathway to starting their own business, but Irish accounts are less than half as likely (24%) to believe so.

Ireland was among the countries in the world where accountants least consider their profession as a path to owning their own business.

ACCA's annual Global Talent Trends Survey credits Ireland's economic strength and robust jobs market with reducing the pressure to pursue independent ventures, which is something of a continuing theme in mature economies.

Almost 10,000 professional accountants from 157 countries were asked about the concerns they held around work in the future as well as aspirations for their careers for the survey.

The main themes highlighted hybrid working and inclusivity practices as issues, as well as upskilling, mental health, and employability.

Irish accountants were also less likely than average globally to have a 'side hustle', ie a job or business that they conduct alongside their main job, often preferring to "give back or do something with more purpose".

While 39% of professionals globally have a side hustle, Irish accountants prioritise job security and work-life balance, with 31% conducting additional work outside their current role.

Hybrid working is now the norm in Ireland, with 67% splitting time between home and the office, which far exceeds the global average of 40%. Over 76% want hybrid working arrangements, yet only 20% are still working in the office full time.

In terms of skills retention for businesses, 56% of Irish financial professionals expect to move roles over the next two years, which is lower than the global average of 62%, with 56% also expecting to move to another organisation.  

There was less optimism in regard to remuneration compared with their counterparts in other countries, with most Irish respondents expecting a 5% pay increase over the next year compared to the global mean of 10%. Only 9% of respondents expect a pay rise of at least 11%

In Ireland, there is high demand for sustainability-related careers, with 53% interested in pursuing accountancy careers focused on environmental issues.

Globally, 48% of wider leadership roles below board level and 35% of middle management roles in finance currently include sustainability responsibilities.

The survey also found that just under half (46%) of respondents are concerned they’re not developing the skills required for the future workplace and less than a quarter (23%) say their organisation is providing opportunities to learn AI-related skills.

Mental health indicators are improving slightly compared to previous years data but remain challenging. About 40% of respondents agreed their mental health suffers due to work pressures.

Finally, 76% of Gen Z and 26% of Gen Y respondents cited a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad, showing accountancy remains a valued passport to global careers.

"While our professionals value the stable and purpose-driven careers offered by accountancy, the finding of the report show a clear need for employers to adapt to meet the needs of their workforce—whether through flexible work policies or accelerated AI upskilling," said Stephen Noonan, head of ACCA in Ireland.

"Ireland’s position as a global talent hub is a strength, but retaining homegrown skills requires addressing the gaps in hybrid work equity and future-proof training."

Photo: Stephen Noonan. (Pic: Supplied)