The evolution of finance roles beyond compliance and reporting now requires new capabilities—ones that go beyond technical accuracy and transactional work.
"Finance professionals used to be scorekeepers who prepared budgets, financial reports, and ensured compliance," notes Dr. Voon Yuen Hoong, Executive Director of Tax at Crowe KL.
"In recent years, their input has become essential for decision-making and long-term planning within organisations. They also help assess financial risks and advise on business models that align with the organisation’s financial goals and overall strategy. In addition, finance professionals play a key role in costing and budgeting, which are critical for organisational sustainability and addressing going concern issues."
ACCA’s syllabus is designed to support this shift by helping professionals build skills in:
- Business strategy and leadership: enabling finance professionals to drive business growth and influence organisational direction.
- Digital finance and analytics: preparing professionals to work with automation, AI, and data-driven insights.
- Ethics and risk management: equipping professionals to manage governance, crisis response, and sustainable decision-making.
- Sustainability reporting: providing the tools to measure and communicate environmental and social impact aligned with ESG standards.
How ACCA Also Prepares Professionals for Cross-Border Leadership
As businesses operate more globally, finance professionals are increasingly expected to navigate international standards, work across regions, and contribute to leadership in a cross-border context.
ACCA’s training helps professionals prepare for these demands through:
- Alignment with global standards, such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for financial reporting and ESG frameworks for sustainability.
- Preparing professionals for leadership roles in multinational companies, NGOs, and public sector organisations across regions.
- Offering a globally recognised qualification, supporting career mobility and credibility in international contexts.
This global readiness is increasingly relevant, as many finance professionals today contribute to cross-border teams or projects as part of their regular work.