The era of the ‘linear career’ is over, says new ACCA report. Why 53% of Caribbean finance professionals believe flexible career paths will replace traditional roles by 2035

By 2035 how, when and where finance professionals work, as well as the nature of the work itself, will look very different. In a new survey by the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) 53 per cent of respondents in the Caribbean believed that flexible career paths will replace linear paths within the next decade. A further three in 10 (29 per cent) in the Caribbean expected the two approaches to coexist equally.

While, as elsewhere, technology represented the most significant driver of change within the region, more localised factors were also important in framing career paths in the next decade.

Career paths reimagined highlighted local concerns over regional mobility and the impact of the Caricom initiatives. Paula Marcelle-Irish, head of Caribbean, ACCA said: “Mobility within the Caribbean is a significant topic, particularly considering Caricom’s intention to enable the free movement of professionals. However, as of now, the accounting profession has not yet been included in the first phase of this.