women
Across industries, women have steadily been reshaping what ambition looks like, moving beyond traditional roles and pushing towards leadership, ownership and independence. In finance and accountancy, this shift has become particularly visible, with more women beginning to see their careers not as endpoints, but as starting points.
New survey data shows that 88 per cent of women working in finance and accountancy in Pakistan now aspire to become entrepreneurs, up from 74 per cent last year. The findings are drawn from early insights from ACCA’s global survey of over 11,000 finance professionals across 175 countries.
The increase signals growing confidence among women in using accountancy and finance training as a springboard for business ownership. While entrepreneurial ambitions remain higher among men overall, the narrowing gap reflects a clear shift in how women view their long-term career paths.
This momentum is particularly strong among younger professionals. The data indicates that entrepreneurial ambition is most pronounced among Gen Z and Millennials, with half suggesting they want to be entrepreneurs in the future. The trend points to a generational preference for autonomy, financial independence and meaningful impact, rather than conventional career ladders.
Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said, “Entrepreneurship represents economic empowerment in action. The number of women aspiring to business ownership is an encouraging signal that finance and accountancy skills are equipping women not only to lead within organisations, but to build enterprises of their own. Accountancy provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurial success. Supporting women to translate ambition into enterprise is essential not just for equality, but for economic growth.”
The Global Talent Trends 2026 data further reinforces that accountancy continues to serve as a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, with over half of respondents viewing their finance background as beneficial for starting a business. This is especially relevant in emerging markets, where entrepreneurship is often tied to upward mobility and broader societal change.
At the same time, the findings reflect a wider rethinking of the profession itself. Many finance professionals are now seeking roles that align with purpose, sustainability and personal agency, indicating that accountancy is no longer confined to traditional corporate pathways.
ACCA country head for Pakistan, Assad Hameed Khan, said, “The drive towards entrepreneurship is especially evident among younger finance professionals. They see accountancy as more than a technical discipline, it is a launchpad for innovation, independence and impact. While there remains more progress to be made to achieve parity, the direction of travel is clear. The profession is helping to unlock entrepreneurial potential at scale.”
Taken together, the data points to a clear evolution, not just in numbers, but in mindset. As more women move towards entrepreneurship, the profession is transforming into a gateway for ownership, influence and long-term economic participation.
- You! desk
