Singapore, November 21, 2025 – The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is transforming the global workforce, and one of the world’s biggest accountancy firms, PwC, says the impact will be especially visible in entry-level hiring. Speaking at a business summit in Singapore, PwC’s global chairman, Mohamed Kande, said that AI may eventually reduce the number of fresh graduates the company brings in each year.
However, he clarified that AI was not the cause of PwC’s recent job cuts. In fact, the firm now needs hundreds of skilled AI engineers but is finding it difficult to hire enough qualified talent. While many industry experts believe that AI threatens thousands of junior roles across professional services, PwC says it is adapting its strategy as technology evolves.
Why AI Is Changing Hiring Plans
PwC hires thousands of graduates every year for auditing, consulting, and tax roles. But the firm recently stepped back from its earlier goal of hiring 100,000 new employees over five years. According to Kande, the world has changed dramatically since that plan was created, especially with the arrival of advanced AI tools.
Tasks that once required teams of consultants sorting through documents for weeks can now be completed by AI models in minutes. This shift means the company will still hire new talent, but not at previous levels, and the skills needed will be different.
In the past year alone, PwC cut more than 5,600 jobs globally. Its UK leadership has already acknowledged that AI is reshaping job roles and influencing its graduate recruitment strategy. Still, Kande believes this is an exciting time, saying AI will also create new opportunities. The firm is actively searching for AI specialists but is facing a talent shortage.
Business Uncertainty Boosts Consulting Demand
Even as companies struggle to adjust to the AI era, global economic turbulence has benefited PwC’s consulting division. Kande said that President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs have created uncertainty, prompting many companies to turn to PwC for guidance.
He noted that the firm is receiving an increasing number of calls from businesses seeking help navigating the complex trade environment.
Recovering From the Evergrande Fallout
PwC also continues to address the reputational damage caused by its suspension in China last year. Authorities halted the firm’s operations for six months over its role in auditing the collapsed property giant Evergrande, which owed more than 300 billion dollars before going bankrupt.
China’s Securities Regulatory Commission found that PwC had overlooked major financial issues during its audit. Since then, Kande said the firm has replaced key personnel, strengthened its quality systems, and introduced new governance practices. PwC no longer faces restrictions in China, and Kande stressed that such mistakes will not be repeated.
Looking Ahead
PwC’s future strategy is clear: AI will play a central role. The firm plans to help clients integrate advanced technology into their operations while reshaping its own workforce to match the demands of the digital era. Even as AI transforms traditional roles, PwC sees new opportunities emerging for those with the right skills.
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