A third of young finance professionals want to move abroad to seek new challenges, but two thirds rate working for an employer who share their values over earning more money, according to research from CIMA.

CIMA's global survey of over 4000 'Gen Y' finance professionals around the world including the UK, China, and South Africa found that 34% hope to be in a senior management role by their mid-30s, with 17% aspiring to be their own boss.

A third (36%) of respondents looking for a new job in the next two years intended to seek new opportunities abroad, with the UK topping the list of most popular destinations, followed by the US, Australia, Canada and UAE. The primary reason given for the change in location was the opportunity to experience a different culture, closely followed by a better work/life balance, rather than to increase their salary.

Over half (60%) of Gen Y respondents said they believed a major corporate or multinational corporation will provide the fastest career progression. Two thirds (67%) said they would choose working for an employer that shares their values over one which offers a high financial reward, while CIMA's analysis showed that respondents' open responses indicated they were attracted by the CSR values and company missions put forward by leading corporates and multinationals.

Andrew Harding, CIMA managing director, said: 'The CIMA survey shows an aspirational generation keen to climb the corporate ladder on their own terms. With the challenge of youth unemployment, it is encouraging to see tomorrow's generation aiming high and open to new experiences while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.'