ACCA identifies opportunities to enhance EU skills portability

The accounting profession has a vital role to play in advancing the European Union's (EU) green and digital transitions. Yet longstanding skills and talent shortages risk undermining the profession's ability to do so. This is confirmed by the European Commission's (EC) own research which highlights the declining number of statutory auditors, who help provide assurance of sustainability disclosures. Under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, professional accountants also have an integral role to play in validating artificial intelligence (AI) outputs and setting internal guard rails. This is echoed in recent research by ACCA that explores the role of accountants in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises' (SME) digital transformation. While 74% of finance professionals surveyed already experiment with AI tools, the research reveals how most do so without any external guidance.

Barriers to the portability of qualifications across EU member states further compound these challenges. Those barriers include varying documentation requirements, recognition processes, and differences in permissible work. This makes it difficult for businesses to access the talent they need in a timely manner, and it restricts potential opportunities for accountants with appropriate skills. While in strong support of greater mobility, ACCA is similarly clear on improvements needing to go hand in hand with safeguards that maintain integrity and trust in the profession. ACCA recently set out recommendations in response to the EC consultation on a Skills Portability Initiative (SPI), in February 2026.

ACCA has long advocated for the use of global frameworks that support international alignment and interoperability. In a similar vein, ACCA supported the intent of the initiative’s three action areas. These broadly covered digital platforms, enhanced recognition processes, and simplified rules for recognising third-country nationals’ qualifications. These reflect ACCA’s global policy calls to action on the theme of bridging the skills gap, building capacity in a way that promotes fair mobility and inclusive labour markets.

The attraction and retention of talent is particularly important in the accountancy profession, which plays a pivotal role in helping businesses compliance with fast evolving EU rules. The same applies to facilitating transparency and trust in capital markets. In responding to the SPI, ACCA called on the EC to use sector standards, such as the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) International Education Standards (IESs), to support qualification recognition tools and processes.

ACCA also identified in-country examples that could help inform the EC’s wider thinking. Those include Slovakia’s 2024 EU Blue Card revisions, which introduced lower, profession-specific thresholds—made in view of salary requirements often exceeding market rates for entry-and mid-level accountants. ACCA also identified Ireland’s ‘stay-back’ regime model and how it supports retention of international talent. Under Ireland’s scheme, graduate students can receive an extension of their permission to remain. The condition is that they must hold a bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or PhD from a recognised Irish awarding body. The end benefit is providing a pathway to securing employment, with the option of applying for either a General Employment or Critical Skills Employment Permit.

ACCA, via its public affairs colleagues in Brussels, works with national and EU policymakers to monitor and influence policies affecting ACCA members and the profession. This includes providing position papers to key stakeholders, holding roundtable discussions, and (as members of these bodies) providing feedback on the work of Accountancy Europe, the European Federation of Accountants, and Auditors (EFAA), and SME United.

Significantly, ACCA supported a roundtable discussion at the European Parliament in February which explored the impact of AI on the accounting profession – with a special focus on what it means for Europe's SMEs and small and medium-sized practices. Attendees included business representatives, members of the European Parliament, national bodies, and policymakers. This included the head of unit for Professional Qualifications and Skills for Competitiveness within the directorate-general for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion. The resulting policy document and call to action corresponded to the points outlined in ACCA's comments on the Skills Portability Initiative.