Senior company executives around the world are worried that key finance professionals lack the necessary skills to adapt to a changing global environment, according to a survey from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

While 90 per cent of respondents believe that traditional financial skills will remain the foundation of strategic financial management, a similar number expect finance personnel to take on an involvement well beyond number crunching.

Ms Anthea Rose, ACCA chief executive said: "The recurring theme which emerges is a pressing need for broader attitudes and abilities on the part of finance professionals."

The ACCA commissioned the MORI survey ahead of the launch of its new syllabus in an attempt to better understand the needs of employers and students in a rapidly changing environment.