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The future of work
There’s never been a more exciting time to be an accountant. As the global workplace continues to evolve, accountants have greater career choices across more diverse and impactful projects. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 delivers a wide range of trends and insights on the evolution of the accounting profession. Explore some of the key findings of this report and see how they can inform your next career decision.
Trends in 2025 and beyond
- Technological advancements: The integration of AI, automation, and big data is transforming the accounting and finance sectors. With AI and big data leading the list of the fastest-growing skills, there will need to be a strong emphasis on training the workforce to capitalise on the introduction of these new technologies.
- Green transition: Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are becoming central to business strategies. For the first time in the Future of Jobs Report, environmental stewardship has entered the top 10 list of fastest growing skills.
- Global division and power struggles: Leading to increased demand for security roles, network and cyber security skills, as well as human-centred skills like resilience, flexibility, agility, leadership, and social influence. Geoeconomic tension poses obvious threats to international trade and supply chains, with trade restrictions already doubling between 2020 and 2024.
Skills needed
- Technological literacy: Skills in AI, big data, and cyber security are increasingly important.
- Creative thinking and problem-solving: These skills are essential to navigate the complexities of modern business environments.
- Environmental stewardship: It’s becoming more crucial to understand and implement sustainable practices.
Job outlook for top accounting and finance careers
- Positive growth: Roles such as financial analysts, accountants, and auditors are expected to see steady demand. Employers are expected to prioritise core skills such as analytical thinking, leadership, technological literacy, and lifelong learning.
- Specialised roles: Positions in forensic accounting, compliance, and risk management are growing due to increased regulatory scrutiny. In addition to those areas, a large portion of employers (86 per cent) expect advancements in AI and information processing to be transformative.
Roles currently in demand and into the future
- Data analysts and scientists: High demand due to the need for data-driven decision-making. These roles are expected to see net growth of just over 40 per cent in the next five years.
- Sustainability experts: Roles focused on ESG and sustainability are on the rise. The report shares data that indicates LinkedIn members with green skills are being hired at significantly higher rates than members without green skills.
- Cyber security specialists: Increasing importance due to the rise in digital threats. Amongst the employers that were surveyed, cyber security was ranked second highest on the scale of skills that are increasing in importance.
How to future-proof yourself
- Continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest technological advancements and industry trends.
- Adaptability: Develop a flexible mindset to adapt to changing job requirements.
- Networking: Build a strong professional network to stay informed about opportunities and industry shifts.
The future of work
- Hybrid work models: A mix of remote and in-office work is becoming the norm. The financial services industry offers more remote and hybrid work opportunities than the global average across all industries.
- Focus on wellbeing: Employers are increasingly prioritising employee wellbeing and mental health. Over half of the employers that were surveyed (64 per cent) identify employee wellbeing as a key strategy to increase talent in their workforce.
Career implications involving AI, ethics, social impact, and sustainability/ESG
- AI and automation: While AI can enhance efficiency, considerations need to be made about ethically implementing its use.
- Sustainability/ESG and ethical leadership: Companies are expected to contribute positively to society, influencing career roles focused on Corporate Social Responsibility.