Skills-based progression is currently taking over finance careers in Singapore and Southeast Asia, reflecting the end of the era of the ‘linear career’.
This is the findings of the recent survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), revealing that by 2035, how finance professionals work, and the skills they need, will look very different.
The study found 42% of respondents in Southeast Asia believe flexible career paths will replace linear paths within the next ten years, as 46% expect the two approaches to coexist equally.
In Singapore, these shifts are being shaped by the city-state’s small domestic market, high cost environment and role as a regional and global business hub.
According to ACCA, in a roundtable, Singapore-based professionals typically build outward-looking careers from the outset, combining regional exposure, cross-border collaboration and international experience.
Because of this, career progression is increasingly defined by skills, adaptability and global awareness rather than time served or job titles alone. High salaries are also accelerating the adoption of automation and digital processes across finance functions and employers are under growing pressure to improve efficiency, driving demand for professionals who can deliver productivity gains through technology, data and process optimisation.
The report also identifies the skill sets finance professionals must develop to remain relevant and resilient for the future of the profession, naming technology as the most significant driver reshaping finance careers.
In Singapore, however, digital capability is already a baseline expectation rather than a future aspiration. Advanced digitalisation, including mandatory e-invoicing and digital compliance frameworks, means finance professionals are expected to operate confidently in technology-enabled environments from early in their careers.
ACCA says Singapore’s position as a magnet for regional talent further intensifies competition. Finance professionals are drawn by higher pay and international exposure, while employers recruit across borders to access scarce skills.
As a result, the ability to collaborate across jurisdictions and adapt to fast-changing business conditions is becoming central to career success, accelerating the move towards skills-first career development.
