Hybrid working for accountants in Europe are increasingly common and significantly above global averages, according to data from leading global accountancy body ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). The 2025 edition of its Global Talent Trends survey surveyed over 1,000 accountants in Europe, and more than 10,000 worldwide, making it the largest survey looking at talent in the financial sector.

In Europe 60% of respondents say they are split their working lives between the office and home; in 2024 the figure was 52%. As well as a rise on last year the statistic is markedly higher than the global figure of 40%.

However this rise has not been matched by structured hybrid work policies, where employees are in the office a certain number of days a week. Over half (54%) report that their workplace either lacks a clear policy or does not enforce it. The survey also revealed a 11% drop among European finance professional who are fully -office based (51% globally) .

Across the globe 57% of Gen Z accountants hold ambitions of becoming an entrepreneur or a business s owner and Europe closely reflects that at 54%. That ambition declines with age.

A clear majority (63%) of European finance professionals believe their workplace is inclusive, a rise compared to 58% in 2024. And while satisfied with the status quo recognising the value of older employers, gender representation, and social mobility are all identified as requiring greater attention. Ageism, which manifests in different ways, is ranked highest and  identified by 19% of respondents as needing more work.

While inflation may be falling it still tops the list of work-related concerns (41%).  The repercussions of a global downturn on job opportunities (32%) and having the relevant future skills (30%) are second and third, respectively. Respondents salary satisfaction has lifted, which is a welcome development for employers. The same holds true for attrition rates – with fewer (43% – 49% in 2024) believing that moving organisations is the best way to achieve a pay increase. Yet wage demands are still sizeable – with respondents expecting a mean salary increase of 10%.

Proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) is seen as the most valuable future-based skill (20%). There is also less apprehension about the emergence of AI in accountancy – with 76% confident in learning and applying the technology. Yet, despite this positivity, over half (54%) are concerned by a lack of AI-related learning opportunities.

Mental health remains a concern: despite overall improvements, most Europe respondents still see mental health as an issue – with half (50%) reporting their mental health suffers due to pressures at work.

While our findings broadly align with global trends, European employers appear to have improved their support in managing mental health issues – with fewer respondents (44%) calling for more support, compared to 55% in 2024.

Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, Technology at ACCA said: ‘It’s an exciting time to be a young accountant in the industry, with so many aiming for the goal of being an entrepreneur. With almost three quarters also keen and confident to learn new AI skills, and more employers looking to prioritise mental health and wellbeing, our survey data shows a profession that is striving to do better for everyone.’

Jakub Wojnarowski, Head of Western & Central Europe, ACCA, said: ‘Our survey demonstrates that Europe offers great and improving working conditions for the profession: these include majority hybrid working arrangements, high pay satisfaction, and good learning and development opportunities - all of which are crucial to developing those entrepreneurship skills. Seeing European Gen Z accountants leading the way in their entrepreneurial ambitions is fantastic for the profession and the European economy as a whole. ACCA is helping accountants prepare for the future at every step, and our members are keen to follow their passions.’

Other key elements from the report:

• Demand for sustainability-related careers is gaining traction with 54% in Europe 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
• Employability confidence is high with 64% in Europe expecting to move roles in the next two years and in Europe 49% expecting their next career role to be outside their current organisation – a retention challenge for employers.
• Accountancy remains a valued passport to global careers: in Europe  60% of Gen Z and 35% of Gen Y respondents citing a desire to pursue career opportunities abroad.

Read the Europe 2025 Talent Trends report here