Top Accounting Firms Cut Graduate Roles as AI Takes Over
Graduate opportunities at the four leading accounting firms, Deloitte, PwC, Ernst and Young, and KPMG, are shrinking. Artificial intelligence is transforming the professional services industry. These firms once offered a reliable career path for business and accounting graduates. Now, they are reducing entry-level roles due to automation. Offshoring and changing strategic priorities are also contributing factors.
Four Firms Reduce Graduate Intake in the United Kingdom
Hiring figures in the United Kingdom have declined sharply. KPMG cut its 2023 graduate intake from 1,399 to 942, a 29% reduction. Deloitte reduced its intake by 18%. Ernst and Young trimmed its numbers by 11 percent, and PwC made a 6% cut. Overall, job postings for graduate-level accounting roles in the United Kingdom have decreased significantly. They have fallen by about 44% compared with the previous year.
Such steep cuts reflect the automation of routine tasks that formed the foundation of most graduate programmes. Advanced software systems now handle basic audit work and compliance checks. They also manage report drafting and data preparation. These systems operate faster and more reliably than entry-level staff.
Advanced Software Takes Over Routine Accounting Tasks
Generative artificial intelligence platforms and large language models now manage many tasks that once belonged to first-year analysts. Automated document reviews flag discrepancies in financial statements. Machine learning algorithms process large data sets to identify trends and anomalies. Natural language processing tools draft client reports and audit summaries. As a result, firms can redeploy junior staff into more strategic roles or offshore centres where they support automated processes.
A partner at one of these firms spoke anonymously. They said firms are not abandoning investment in young talent. However, they are shifting hiring criteria. “We still need graduates. We want those who can work with code. They should understand data pipelines. They must also manage advanced software tools,” the partner said. “Those who can work alongside machines are in demand.”
Shift to Model Assurance and Data Analytics
As routine work disappears, new service lines are emerging. Model assurance teams audit and validate software models to ensure compliance with regulation and ethical standards. Data analytics groups build machine learning pipelines and dashboards that help clients gain real-time insights. Technology advisory units guide clients on integrating advanced software, deploying cloud infrastructure, and driving digital transformation.
Ernst and Young has announced a one-billion-pound investment. They are focusing on generative artificial intelligence projects. They will also focus on workforce upskilling over the next three years. Deloitte is expanding its model assurance practice and recruiting graduates with Python and TensorFlow experience. PwC is integrating automation into tax and risk advisory services and hiring data engineers and ethics specialists. KPMG has opened new innovation labs in London and Manchester, focusing on language processing and predictive analytics.
Offshoring and Skills Realignment
Besides automation, these firms continue to shift many junior roles to delivery centres in India, the Philippines, and Malaysia. These teams handle client support, data processing, and preliminary analysis at lower cost points. In the United Kingdom, the leading firms are concentrating on higher-value projects and consulting services.
Graduates with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics now have an edge. A traditional accounting degree alone may no longer be sufficient to secure a spot in audit or tax divisions. Instead, candidates who pair financial knowledge with coding skills, data science credentials, or certifications in advanced software are most competitive. Universities and professional bodies are responding by offering interdisciplinary programmes that blend accounting with programming and statistics.
Consulting Sector Recovery and Growth in Artificial Intelligence Services
The broader consulting sector in the United Kingdom is on track to grow by approximately 5% in 2025. This is happening despite reductions in graduate hiring for traditional roles. Demand for software integration, cybersecurity, cloud services, and digital transformation is driving revenue gains. However, the rebound is focused on mid and senior level advisory engagements rather than entry-level audit work.
For graduates, the implication is clear. Volume hiring for routine audit and compliance tasks is declining. Volume hiring for technology-focused roles that require specialised skills is growing. Positions in software model governance, algorithm risk management, data engineering, and technology advisory are expanding rapidly.
Advice for Aspiring Graduates
- Develop programming skills. Learn Python, R, or JavaScript. Build a portfolio of machine learning and data analysis projects.
- Gain data experience. Become proficient with data visualisation tools, structured query language for databases, and cloud computing platforms.
- Study model governance. Understand principles of ethical software design, bias mitigation techniques, and relevant regulation.
- Network in finance and technology. Attend industry conferences, hackathons, and professional meet-ups on advanced software applications in accounting.
- Tailor applications. Highlight technology projects, interdisciplinary coursework, and any certifications when applying to graduate schemes.
Modern Career Pathways in Accounting
The era when a graduate learned the ropes by performing repetitive audit tasks is fading. The new path combines accounting fundamentals with technology fluency. Graduates who adapt quickly will find roles at the intersection of finance and software. They will work on projects that shape the next generation of professional services.
In summary, the leading accounting firms remain committed to hiring graduates. However, they now expect far more from new joiners than in previous years. Mastery of advanced software tools, data analytics, and programming is essential. It is the ticket to a successful career in accounting and consulting.
