A decade of opportunity ahead for the accountancy profession predicted by ACCA

A decade of opportunity for Generation Z accountancy professionals and their employers is predicted by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants) in a new report published today Groundbreakers: Gen Z and the future of accountancy.

Gathering the views of 9,000 18 to 25-year olds globally – including 490 across Central and Eastern Europe – the report throws fresh light on the aspirations and fears of this up-and-coming generation of young professionals, while also offering employment advice for them and employers alike.

62% of respondents across Central and Eastern Europe see accountancy as an attractive career, providing long term prospects and portability with access to jobs that span internationally and across industries. But this is a generation concerned about the future – 60% are concerned about their wellbeing and mental health; 42% are concerned about lack of job opportunities and job security, and 30% about the state of the global economy.

The report also reveals that as employers, the profession is missing opportunities to attract more young people to its ranks.

Gen Z across Central and Eastern Europe also question the motives of the business world – just 31% agree businesses are fighting climate change; 30% agree business leaders have integrity and do what they say and 39% say business prioritise and take good care of employees. However 59% also believe that business has as a positive impact on wider society.

Andreia Stanciu, Head of ACCA South Eastern Europe says: ‘Our findings present both challenges and opportunities for the accountancy profession and business globally and across the wide and diverse CEE region. That’s because Gen Z will demand more accountability from the leaders of the organisations in which they work, and they’ll also have high expectations of their work–life balance and how employee welfare is managed.’

Generation Z based in Central and Eastern Europe is determined: looking at their own peer group, 83% say they are ambitious to progress quickly; and 86% value higher pay and a prestigious job title.
As expected, they’re also tech savvy – 87% say they’re very comfortable with technology and pick up new tech fast, and the same amount say technology will enable finance professionals to focus on high-value-added activity.
For those already working as accountants, 47% were drawn to it because of long term career prospects, and 43% for the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills. These perceptions are broadly the same for those respondents who are looking to become accountants with 43% attracted to the profession for the skills it offers and 42% because it is a portable career allowing people to take up finance roles across industries.

Stanciu concludes: ‘The world now demands more accountability and transparency – the mantra is simple: stakeholders, not just shareholders. For the accountancy profession, this represents a potential turning point and these young people will help create a workforce which is more diverse, more inclusive, and which will make businesses more cognisant of their broader role in society.’

‘Our report explains how Gen Z will bring their talent and tech know-how to the profession and change it, pursuing careers with purpose and doing jobs that make a difference. It’s a message of opportunity and positivity as we work towards to achievement in 2030 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.’

To help Gen Z navigate the future, ACCA’s report recommends ways they can future proof their own careers, and realise their career dreams as work changes:

Bring your tech know-how to the organisation: you’ll be greatly prized for doing this.
Work your brand internally: make work engagements more personal to build deeper relationships in the workplace.
Care for your health and build resilience
Remember, it’s a team game: tech helps to build connections, and there are brilliant opportunities ahead to learn from others in the workplace.
Disrupt yourself: think ‘sideways’ moves and be adaptable.
Seek mentors and find sponsors: actively seeking mentors and colleagues from different generations to provide you with essential support to help ‘fill in the blanks’ and give you vital knowledge and wisdom from years of experience is very valuable.
Continuously learn: this is about being future proofed, about learning new knowledge, but about being adaptable and proactive and having an open mindset to get new skills, to future proof your competence.
Recognise the importance of the “early years”: The only person ultimately accountable for your career is yourself, and as a young person entering the workforce, it’s critical to recognise the importance of the ‘early years’ in work.
Build life-long networks: keep connected and build a strong external network to expand learning opportunities and new career opportunities. Time invested in important personal relationships over the long term will always pay dividends.
Pursue your dreams: the pandemic’s making many rethink careers and jobs in accountancy are changing, offering fantastic opportunities to contribute and make a difference. Pursue things that interest you, that provide purpose and career fulfilment. And even if you haven’t decided yet, finding something that interests you and at which you can become good at will reap benefits longer term.