IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) has released a report about talent pipeline challenges in the accounting and finance profession in the Asia Pacific region in collaboration with the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), the umbrella organization for the recognized national Professional Accountancy Organizations of the ASEAN Member States.
The report, “Talent Retention in the Asia-Pacific Accounting and Finance Profession,” provides an overview of the key factors contributing to turnover in the region, as well as actionable recommendations for organizations to attract and retain top talent.
More than 1,700 current and former accounting and finance professionals across the Asia-Pacific region were surveyed and the results highlight elevated turnover rates, especially among young professionals, with 90% of the surveyed respondents hailing from countries including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The study delves into the reasons behind this turnover, with a specific emphasis on the younger workforce.
Key influences of job retention include factors like job satisfaction, opportunities for career advancement, work flexibility, employee engagement, and a sense of belonging.
“Talent retention is the cornerstone of a resilient and thriving accounting and finance profession,” said Dr. Josh Heniro, managing director of IMA Asia Pacific. “Our research, conducted in collaboration with AFA, as well as our esteemed research partners, highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by an evolving workforce landscape.
“Their support and contribution have enabled us to recognize the importance of creating a nurturing environment, offering growth opportunities, and maintaining a work-life balance to keep our professionals engaged. By prioritizing talent retention, organizations can ensure that they have the skilled and experienced workforce essential for future success.”
The report outlines practical strategies that organizations can adopt to address these challenges:
- Providing competitive compensation and benefits.
- Fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Recognizing outstanding performance.
- Offering career growth and development opportunities.
- Promoting a healthy work-life balance.
“In the ever-evolving accounting and finance landscape of the Asia-Pacific region, it is imperative that organizations prioritize talent retention,” said Aucky Pratama, executive director of AFA. “By collectively addressing these challenges and reinforcing talent retention, our profession can maintain its resilience and adaptability, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for accounting and finance.”
