Organisations are facing a shifting landscape. From the growing competition to recruit and retain talent to the accelerating pace of technological change, building teams with the right skills has never been more vital.

We recently ran a pulse survey through LinkedIn polls, drawing on our vast network of finance professionals. The results offer valuable insights into the challenges facing modern finance teams, including key themes across recruitment, retention, skills development and future readiness.

The ACA qualification helps employers address these challenges and build loyal, highly skilled professionals equipped with the strategic thinking, technical knowledge and breadth of skills the profession needs.

Recruitment and retention: building talent pipelines that last

For many employers, the competition for skilled finance professionals remains fierce. Finding the right candidate can be difficult and retaining them can be even harder, with 39% citing recruitment and retention as a key challenge for 2025.

39% of 246 respondents cited recruitment and retention as their organisation's key challenge for 2025

The ACA provides a practical solution. Instead of relying solely on a shrinking pool of experienced professionals, employers can train their own. Offering ACA training makes your organisation an attractive option for potential trainees, while allowing you to build a loyal workforce invested in their own development.

Trainees bring immediate value as they combine professional work experience with rigorous study. At the same time, organisations benefit from higher engagement and stronger retention rates, as ACA students see a clear path for growth within the business. Rather than competing endlessly for external talent, employers can secure their own pipeline of future leaders.

Developing strategic thinking: going beyond the numbers

Modern finance professionals are expected to do much more than balance the books. Employers increasingly need individuals who can interpret data, think critically and provide strategic insights that guide decision-making across the organisation.

45% of respondents identified strategic thinking as the essential quality for finance teams in 2030

The ACA is designed with this in mind. Strategic thinking is embedded throughout the qualification through real-world case studies, scenario-based learning and assessments that mirror the challenges businesses face today. Trainees learn to connect technical skills with commercial awareness, ensuring they can add value from multiple angles.

For employers, this means ACA students are not only technically competent, but also capable of contributing to big-picture decisions.

Adapting to new technology: future-proofing your team

Technology continues to reshape the finance profession, from automation and AI to advanced data analytics. Employers recognise that future-ready teams need to embrace these tools, but finding talent with both financial expertise and digital fluency can be a struggle.

36% of poll participants highlighted “adapting to new technology” as their main challenge for their financial team in the year ahead

The ACA addresses this head-on. Technology is woven throughout exams and Specialised Learning, ensuring trainees develop the digital confidence they’ll need in the workplace. From data analysis to the implications of automation, ACA students are trained to see technology as a key factor of smarter, faster decision-making. In addition, a new Technology Hub will launch in late 2025, providing ongoing opportunities for students to deepen digital skills and stay up to date with emerging technologies.

32% cited "Adapting to AI" as the key challenge facing their organisation in 2025

Building breadth as well as depth: the skills employers really need

One of the strongest messages from the research was that finance teams need more than just technical knowledge. Employers want professionals with a broad mix of skills: commercial awareness, leadership, communication, ethics and the ability to collaborate effectively across the business. Finding individuals with this balance is a common issue, with 58% agreeing it is increasingly hard to find this breadth of skills and experience.

58% of 346 respondents agreed it is increasingly difficult to find finance professionals with the breadth of skills and experience needed in today's market

The ACA is uniquely positioned to deliver that breadth. As well as building strong technical foundations, the qualification also emphasises softer skills that are just as critical to success. From teamwork and leadership to ethical decision-making, ACA training develops rounded professionals who can adapt to complex, real-world challenges.

The complete package

The challenges facing the finance profession are not going away. Recruitment pressures, the demand for strategic insight, rapid technological change and the need for well-rounded professionals will continue to define this changing landscape. The ACA equips employers to respond to these issues, investing in resilient, future-ready teams with the skills required to thrive in an evolving business environment.