Growing businesses need to look to bring finance professionals on board to drive the enterprise to the next level. But hiring an accountant in the current complex work environment is challenging. Success will be greater if the business owner knows what their next finance guru really wants.
Small businesses are often praised for their agility, tight-knit teams, and community focus, but when it comes to hiring, they can find it a challenging process in understanding what top talent is looking for. A new survey from the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) makes it clear: the next generation of finance professionals, particularly Gen Z, are looking for more than just a steady paycheck and a desk in an office.
In the UK, 61% of Gen Z accountants say their long-term goal is to be their own boss, according to ACCA’s 2025 Global Talent Trends survey. That’s nearly double the sentiment expressed by other UK age groups, and significantly above the global average of 52%.
Embrace the entrepreneurial mindset
At first glance, a desire to “be your own boss” may sound like a flight risk for employers. But small businesses shouldn’t see this as a threat – in fact, it should be considered an opportunity in the right environment. Young professionals aren’t rejecting work altogether; they’re rejecting rigid hierarchies and stagnant environments. Gen Z wants ownership, creativity, and autonomy. And working for a smaller organisation is a perfect opportunity for this.
Small business leaders can tap into this mindset by rethinking job design. Can junior hires take ownership of client relationships sooner? Are there opportunities to innovate within the company, whether through automating workflows, exploring new markets, or launching sustainability initiatives? Framing roles around growth, purpose, and leadership potential can go a long way in attracting entrepreneurial talent.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword
Another major finding from the ACCA report is that 51% of UK accountants want to pursue sustainability or environmentally focused roles. This is no longer a niche interest; it’s becoming a mainstream career driver.
Job seekers are looking to align their values with their work. Small firms that are transparent about their environmental footprint – or even better, that offer staff opportunities to work on sustainability-related initiatives – can attract a wider pool of talent.
AI skills are in demand but under supported
Nearly half (46%) of UK finance professionals say AI proficiency is the most valuable future skill, yet only 23% say their organisations offer training. That’s a massive gap and one where small businesses can get ahead of larger competitors.
While big firms may be tied down by internal procedures, smaller employers can offer more agile upskilling opportunities. Consider partnering with online platforms or local colleges to offer AI, data analytics, or automation workshops. Better yet, build a culture where experimentation is encouraged, albeit with compliance and data security at the forefront.
This is especially important as 71% of respondents feel confident in their ability to learn AI-related skills. Accountancy professionals are keen to master the new world of AI, and this confident and willing attitude should not be missed out on by employers.
Wellbeing matters more than ever
Perhaps the most sobering insight from ACCA’s report is that half of UK finance professionals say their mental health suffers due to work pressure, and 30% have considered resigning because of it. This was a trend also seen in the 2024 ACCA Global Talent Trends Report, however, figures have reduced slightly in 2025.
Small firms can have an advantage when it comes to supporting employee wellbeing. Smaller teams may offer the chance to build closer relationships or implement cultural changes faster, thanks to a shorter chain of command or independent ownership. Small businesses may be able to implement better hybrid or flexible working accommodations, using more informal agreements rather than following a defined nationwide policy. 63% of UK respondents noted that they work in hybrid models already, and 16% are fully remote, so whatever the business size, this way of working is something that needs to be considered, along with the role it can play in staff wellbeing.
But mental health isn’t just about offering remote work—it’s about how work is managed.
Are workloads realistic? Do employees feel heard? Are burnout signs recognised and addressed early? Embedding these considerations into day to day operations will not only improve retention but also build a good reputation.
The talent of tomorrow
The future of accountancy talent is bright. Our survey indicates that we have a sector filled with aspirations, entrepreneurship and one that is willing to learn and embrace new skills and technologies. Small businesses now have a great opportunity to engage with talent in a way that best fits the needs of both workers and employers, offering value-aligned work with progression and development.
Gen Z wants careers that align with their ambitions and values. They want space to grow, tools to innovate, and employers who invest in their mental health. Small businesses that understand and adapt to these trends won’t just survive the coming talent shifts – they will thrive.
