By Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive, ACCA
The Passport to Possibility: Global Talent Mobility in a Changing World
In the great economic chessboard of the 21st century, it is talent, not oil or capital, that is the most valuable resource. And like any high-value asset, it must move across borders.
For finance professionals, the world is no longer a collection of silos. It’s a dynamic, digitised, and deeply interconnected marketplace, and mobility is a golden thread that binds it all together.
Whether it’s a Pakistani accountant supporting a tech firm in Dubai, or a sustainability expert in Karachi consulting for a social enterprise in London, one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who are agile and global in their mindset.
At ACCA, we’ve long understood this shift. In fact, we’ve designed our entire ecosystem to empower it.
Finance without Borders
ACCA’s Qualification has always been a passport to worldwide opportunity. With members in 180 countries and offices in all major economic centres, we’ve built a truly global profession. But a qualification alone is not enough – it’s the mindset, the network, and the continuous learning that makes mobility meaningful.
Our Global Talent Trends survey of almost 10,000 finance professionals in 2024 backs this up: 44% of professionals worldwide are planning a career move within 12 months, and 45% of them want to move internationally in their career at some point.
Pakistan boasts one of the largest youth populations in the world. It is digitally literate, globally aware, and (when given the right tools) eager to contribute to the world stage. ACCA’s mission is to equip young professionals not only for employment, but to thrive on the global stage. We prepare them to work anywhere, for anyone, and in ways that are both future-focused and ethically grounded.
The Business Case for Mobility
This isn’t just a win for individuals, it’s a game-changer for business. Companies that embrace mobile talent gain access to new markets, fresh ideas, and a richer blend of experiences. They benefit from professionals who understand international compliance frameworks, digital finance, and ESG imperatives – skills that are increasingly non-negotiable in a global economy.
That’s why ACCA works closely with employers to understand their evolving needs. Our qualifications are updated regularly, our Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with global bodies make transitions smoother, and our CPD (Continuing Professional Development) ensures our members stay relevant, regardless of geography.
But technical skills alone are not enough. In today’s landscape, finance professionals must also lead in embedding ESG, sustainability, and climate action best practices. These are no longer optional – they’re foundational to brand value, public trust, and long-term, inclusive growth.
ACCA has placed sustainability at the heart of our qualification and our thought leadership, preparing professionals to help organisations balance profit with purpose and comply with evolving global reporting standards.
Making Careers More Accessible
But here’s the real story: mobility must not be the privilege of a few. At ACCA, we’re deeply committed to levelling the playing field. That means reducing barriers to entry, offering flexible study options, and making our qualification accessible to those from all walks of life, including working mothers, first-generation students, and professionals in underserved regions.
When we talk about mobility, we don’t just mean flying across continents. We mean climbing up the ladder, crossing the digital divide, and bridging social gaps. That’s the kind of mobility that transforms economies from within.
Pakistan: The Emerging Global Talent Hub
If we’re serious about economic recovery, foreign investment, and inclusive growth, then talent mobility must be a national priority. Pakistan has what it takes to become a regional (and even global) talent hub. Its professionals are capable, its entrepreneurs are resilient, and its shared services and outsourcing (SSO) ecosystem is quietly booming.
International firms are increasingly tapping into Pakistan for finance and business services. This presents an extraordinary opportunity, not only to create jobs but to export knowledge and services to the world.
But to unlock this potential, we need stronger public-private collaboration, better support for upskilling, and policy frameworks that enable mobility, not restrict it.
Mobility also means moving with the times. At ACCA, we’re urging professionals and organisations alike to embrace the power of AI, understanding its potential to enhance decision-making and efficiency, while also managing its ethical risks. Our members are trained to be more than technicians; they are strategic thinkers who must navigate the complex intersection of innovation, governance, and trust. As automation transforms finance, it is the human judgment behind the algorithms that will set organisations apart.
At ACCA, we stand ready. We’ve seen what happens when countries invest in their people and trust them to take on the world. It’s transformative. It’s lasting. And it’s time Pakistan claimed its place in that story.
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