Modern accounting career paths deemed ‘less linear’

A recent survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has unveiled immense change in the workforce as professional careers have transformed into more flexible, short-term arrangements.

The association has warned the accounting industry to be open-minded and versatile when it comes to flexibility, now the most prevalent feature and requirement for most workers in the workforce.

In the latest ACCA Career Paths Reimagined survey, it was found that future career paths were less linear than they once were and had become more personalised in nature, shorter-term in focus and more adaptive to circumstance and opportunity.

ACCA noted that, based on the “rapidly changing world of work” and evolving core principles, it was crucial to continually develop the right skills to navigate a flexible workplace.

However, despite career paths now being dubbed as “less linear”, this was noted as not entirely negative, as the opportunity to grow and thrive had never been greater for those ready to embrace change.

From the survey, it was found that there were eight drivers of change responsible for reshaping careers in professions, such as the role of professions, social expectations, personal expectations, sustainable world, technology, demographics, enforced changes, geopolitics and economics.

Heather Smith, Anise Consulting founder and Australian ACCA member, said her own experience in the accounting industry modelled one that was “less linear” based on her desire to travel the world while using her brain.

Smith told Accountants Daily this career trajectory changed when she became a mother, encouraging her to make the switch to a more flexible career where she discovered flexibility and pursued work/life balance.

“Long-term career stability seems to be a relic of the past. Everything seems to be moving faster, technology is changing rapidly, upskilling can happen on the job, but also there are lots of flexible study options.”

“My social feed is full of people tinkering with vibe coding and robotics in their spare time. Rather than going step by step up a ladder, I see people circulating through the accounting world, gaining exposure and skills in different areas.”

The ACCA survey consisted of responses from 2,600 ACCA members, affiliates and future members and found 54 per cent felt optimistic about their future careers, with 48 per cent feeling neutral about their preparedness for change.

ACCA said it was clear traditional linear progression was giving way to fluid, non-linear trajectories shaped by skills rather than titles.

With this change, it was added that organisation structures were shifting from pyramids to diamond-shaped models to emphasise mid-level specialists and agile teams.

Work/life balance was also said to have evolved into “work-life blend” to better accommodate and merge personal and professional boundaries.

Smith said she often spoke to many accountants overseas, which made it clear that Australian accountants prioritised lifestyle and the flexibility necessary to do so.

“There is a widely acknowledged talent pipeline issue in the industry, and rigid workplaces will lose the ability to attract the best talent,” she said.

“Rigid workplaces may have short-term control and predictability, but they may lose the ability to attract talent, diversity, and open themselves up to staff burnout. Getting the best out of people involves meeting them where they are.”

In terms of the accounting industry and career pathways becoming less linear, Smith said it really depended on people and differing personality types, as some personality types may pursue a stable, predictable career, while others won’t.

According to Smith, it was likely accountants pursuing skills were going to be more resilient to changes and she would always encourage people to continue upskilling and looking for new opportunities personally and professionally.

“Accounting roles can be found in all aspects of life and business. If you find you are in a soul-destroying role, figure out what you like, what interests you, and pursue a role in that area.”

“The benefit of being an accountant is the opportunity could be on the other side of the city, or the other side of the world, the skills are transferable. Pursuing flexibility provides us with a much more fulfilling and enjoyable life.”