ACCA guide highlights rising demand for storytelling in finance roles

NEW DELHI: Crunching numbers may get you in the room, but telling the story behind them could be what sets future finance leaders apart.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has released a new guide, From Number Crunchers to Storytellers, highlighting the growing importance of communication and storytelling skills in the finance profession as artificial intelligence and automation continue to reshape workplaces.

The guide explores how changing communication habits, evolving workplace expectations and the rise of automation are transforming the skills required for professional success. While technical expertise remains a cornerstone of the profession, finance professionals are increasingly expected to communicate insights, influence decisions and engage stakeholders much earlier in their careers.

Targeted particularly at early-career professionals, the report combines perspectives from employers, finance leaders, theatre professionals and young professionals to help develop communication, confidence and storytelling capabilities.

According to the findings, storytelling is emerging as a key differentiator in the workplace, helping professionals build credibility, stand out among peers and accelerate career progression. At the same time, social media, digital platforms and visual-first content are reshaping how Gen Z learns, communicates and collaborates in professional environments.

To help professionals strengthen these skills, the guide outlines an 11-step storytelling framework covering three stages: preparation, delivery and reflection. The framework focuses on understanding the audience, defining objectives, identifying the core message, using data effectively, communicating with confidence and continuously improving through feedback and practice.

Speaking about the role of data in storytelling, ACCA guide contributor and Aadyam Theatre artistic director Shernaz Patel said, “Identify the key data points around which you want to build your story. Facts are your strongest foundation; they provide credibility and cannot be disputed. Once you have those in place, you can craft a compelling narrative that brings the data to life.”

Explaining the purpose behind the guide, ACCA policy and insights lead for India Pooja Chaudhary said, “Becoming a good storyteller is a process. Building on insights from creative professionals who practise the craft of storytelling, finance experts and early-stage professionals, the guide brings together 11 steps, both technical and personal, as well as insights for employers to work as co-partners in this journey.”

The report also suggests that employers who recognise and nurture Gen Z strengths, including digital fluency, adaptability and fresh perspectives, will be better positioned to develop confident communicators, stronger collaborators and future leaders.

Commenting on the changing demands of the profession, ACCA director – India Md. Sajid Khan 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 views of Gen Z professionals, many of whom identified mentorship, confidence-building support, constructive feedback and opportunities to practise audience-specific communication as critical to their development. ACCA recommends that organisations create safe spaces for practice, embed coaching and feedback into talent development programmes and provide greater exposure to real-world business discussions and presentations.

As AI takes over more routine and repetitive tasks, ACCA believes the future of finance will belong not only to professionals who understand the numbers, but also to those who can communicate their meaning, influence decisions and inspire action through compelling storytelling.