From number crunchers to storytellers: Communication skills are becoming critical for the next generation of finance professionals, says ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) today released 'From number crunchers to storytellers' a new guide exploring how changing communication habits are evolving workplace expectations, and the rise of automation are reshaping the skills required for professional success.

Aimed at finance professionals, especially those in the early stages of their careers, the guide blends advice from employers with recommendations from some of India's leading stage actors and directors to help develop communication, confidence and storytelling capabilities that are increasingly essential in today's workplace. Crucially for finance professionals, employers increasingly treat storytelling as a differentiator between technically capable candidates, helping them identify candidates who stand out and will advance faster.

The guide finds that as automation and AI increasingly take over routine tasks, professionals are expected to communicate insights, influence decisions, and engage stakeholders much earlier in their careers. As a result, storytelling is emerging as a critical business skill, particularly for the next generation of finance and accounting professionals.

At the same time, the communication environment itself has changed. Social media, digital platforms, visual content, and new forms of interaction have transformed how Gen Z communicates, learns, and engages. The guide argues that employers can no longer rely on traditional approaches to talent development and must adapt to support a new generation entering the workforce.

ACCA's findings suggest that employers who recognise and build on Gen Z's strengths including digital fluency, adaptability, and fresh perspectives will be better positioned to develop confident communicators, stronger collaborators, and future leaders.

Md. Sajid Khan, Director - India at ACCA, said: 'The role of finance professionals is evolving rapidly. Technical expertise remains fundamental, but the ability to communicate insights, influence decisions, and connect with different audiences is becoming equally important. As AI transforms the workplace, uniquely human skills such as communication, storytelling, and relationship-building will become even more valuable. Employers have an important role to play in helping young professionals develop these capabilities through practice, mentorship, feedback, and real-world exposure.'

The guide also captures the perspectives of Gen Z professionals, who identified active advice from managers, confidence-building support, mentorship, and opportunities to practise audience-specific communication as critical to their development. Participants highlighted the importance of presentation rehearsals, constructive feedback, and learning how to tailor messages for different stakeholders.

Beyond communication techniques, the report emphasises that trust, curiosity, and psychological safety are essential for developing stronger storytellers. Leaders who encourage participation, create space for experimentation, and actively listen are more likely to help younger professionals build confidence and contribute effectively.

To strengthen storytelling capability across organisations, the guide recommends creating safe spaces for practice, embedding mentorship and feedback into development programmes, using role plays and simulations, and providing early-career professionals with greater exposure to real business conversations and presentations.

The guide forms part of ACCA's ongoing commitment to helping employers build future-ready talent in India equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Read the report.

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Notes for editors

This guide is for:

• early-career finance professionals
• professionals in audit, investment bank global capability centres (GCCs), advisory and consulting, and financial planning and analysis (FP&A) roles
• employers.

For media enquiries, contact:

ACCA News Room

E: [email protected]

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About ACCA

We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the only truly global professional accountancy body. Since we were founded in 1904, we've been breaking down barriers to the accountancy profession. Today we proudly support a diverse community of over 257,900 members and 530,100 future members in 180 countries.

We're redefining accountancy. Our cutting-edge qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to lead and drive sustainable value in organisations and economies worldwide.

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