Although entrepreneurial aspirations remain higher among men overall, the gap is gradually narrowing. Researchers say this reflects a shift in career ambitions as more women gain confidence in their ability to launch and manage enterprises
A growing number of women working in finance and accountancy in India are aspiring to become entrepreneurs, signalling rising confidence in turning financial expertise into successful business ventures, according to a new industry report.
A survey released by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) revealed that 64 per cent of women professionals in the sector in India now want to start their own businesses. The figure marks a notable increase from 56 per cent recorded last year.
The report suggests that women in finance are increasingly viewing their professional training as a strong foundation for entrepreneurship. Skills in financial planning, governance, risk management and strategic decision-making are helping them see accountancy not just as a career path but also as a gateway to business leadership.
Although entrepreneurial aspirations remain higher among men overall, the gap is gradually narrowing. Researchers say this reflects a shift in career ambitions as more women gain confidence in their ability to launch and manage enterprises.
The trend is particularly pronounced among younger professionals. According to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2026 data, entrepreneurial ambition is strongest among women from Generation Z and Millennial cohorts, with around half indicating they intend to start their own ventures in the future.
“This points to a generational drive towards autonomy, impact and financial independence,” the organisation noted.
ACCA chief executive Helen Brand said the findings highlight how financial expertise can empower women to take leadership roles in the business world.
“Entrepreneurship represents economic empowerment in action. Accountancy provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurial success, combining financial expertise, governance, risk management, technology and strategic insight,” she said.
Meanwhile, a separate study by DBS Bank highlighted growing financial confidence among women across different backgrounds in India.
The report found that 76 per cent of rural women earners feel confident managing finances, compared with 67 per cent of high-net-worth women and 58 per cent of female entrepreneurs.
Among entrepreneurs, 69 per cent said they are the primary financial decision-makers, while many also emphasised the importance of mentorship, peer advisory and investor networks to help scale their businesses.
Experts say the findings reflect a broader shift, with financial knowledge increasingly empowering women to take greater control of their careers, investments and long-term economic goals.
