Worldwide, over half (52 per cent) of finance professionals surveyed in ACCA’s annual global talent trends survey have aspirations to become entrepreneurs, with 62 per cent expecting to change roles within the next two years.
In the Caribbean, nearly seven in ten accountants (68 per cent) aspire to become entrepreneurs, a figure significantly higher than the global average of 52 per cent.
This insight comes from ACCA’s latest Global Talent Trends Survey 2025, which highlights shifting perspectives among accountancy and finance professionals.
The survey offers a unique window into how people feel about their working lives and future career ambitions, serving as a timely reminder for employers to stay attuned to these evolving expectations.
Caribbean employers are likely to see continued movement, with 66 per cent of professionals indicating they plan to switch roles within the next two years – the second highest figure globally, just behind India at 80 per cent.
Now in its third year, this is the largest annual talent survey of accountancy and finance professionals globally.
Over 10,000 individuals across 175 countries – including 251 from the Caribbean – responded to our survey on issues ranging from career ambitions and hybrid working to upskilling, mental health and inclusivity in the workplace.
Many respondents see accountancy as a gateway to entrepreneurship. With so many Caribbean accountants expressing ambitions to eventually run their own businesses, it’s clear that the profession is seen as a natural springboard to entrepreneurship.
Paula Marcelle-Irish, head of ACCA Caribbean, said: "It’s encouraging to see that accountants in our region are leading the world in entrepreneurial ambition.
"This reflects the drive and innovation that Caribbean professionals bring to the table.
"At ACCA, we are committed to supporting this ambition through targeted programmes, training and resources that not only help our members excel in their careers but also empower them to take bold steps toward building their own businesses and shaping the future. However, the survey also highlights some concerning trends – AI-related training is not gaining the traction it should, and the fact that we’re falling behind in this area is a red flag.
"We remain committed to addressing this and will be placing renewed focus on driving the AI agenda across the Caribbean."
The entrepreneurial spirit emerging among accountants in the region could also be good news for employers.
As the demand for accountants with an entrepreneurial mindset grows, many finance and business job roles are increasingly valuing skills such as commerciality and innovation.
[caption id="attachment_1155149" align="alignnone" width="932"] Paula Marcelle-Irish, head of ACCA Caribbean. -[/caption]
This shift presents an exciting opportunity for employers to tap into a pool of professionals who bring fresh ideas and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
This year’s emerging key themes are as follows:
1. Sixty-eight per cent of account
