(qlmbusinessnews.com . Fri 21st Nov, 2025) London, UK —
Navigating Challenges: PwC's Strategic Shift Amid AI Advancements and Global Economic Changes
The surge in artificial intelligence (AI) advancement could potentially reduce the number of entry-level positions available for graduates, according to the head of accountancy behemoth PwC.
Mohamed Kande, the global chairman, has made it clear that recent layoffs within the firm were not caused by AI. On the contrary, PwC faces challenges in recruiting sufficient AI engineers, despite needing hundreds more to enhance their capabilities.
However, the threat AI poses to tens of thousands of beginner roles within the professional services industry is a growing concern for some experts.
In a statement made at a business summit in Singapore, Mr Kande addressed the impact of significant global economic shifts, including the comprehensive tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which have apparently been beneficial for the company’s consulting segment.
Mr Kande also revisited the suspension PwC faced in China the previous year due to its handling of the Evergrande scandal, assuring that the company had learned from its mistakes and such incidents “would not happen again.”
PwC, headquartered in London and one of the prestigious Big Four accountancy firms, offers a wide range of services including financial audits, consultancy, and tax advice to global business clients.
Integrating AI into client operations stands at the forefront of PwC’s strategy for the future, despite the implications this rapidly evolving technology has on the firm's hiring practices. Businesses that would have traditionally engaged PwC consultants for data analysis might now turn to AI solutions, thereby significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Despite traditionally hiring thousands of new graduates annually, including 1,300 in the UK and 3,200 in the US last year, PwC has had to reconsider its long-term recruitment strategy due to advancements in AI.
Plans to expand the workforce by 100,000 over five years have been scaled back, as Mr Kande pointed out that the landscape has drastically changed since those targets were set. The advent of AI means “it will be a different set of people” that PwC is looking to hire.
This adjustment follows more than 5,600 job cuts worldwide by PwC last year.
While the local business head has commented on a possible reduction in graduate employment due to AI altering job roles, Mr Kande believes the surge in AI presents exciting new opportunities for job creation within the field.
Trade uncertainty, largely driven by President Trump's tariff strategies, has paradoxically worked in PwC’s favour, with many companies seeking advice on navigating these turbulent times.
Last year’s reputational damage from the Evergrande debacle, where PwC faced a six-month suspension in China for its audit work, remains a significant concern. The property giant's collapse under a debt of more than £230bn contributed to a severe housing crisis, with PwC accused of concealing financial fraud by Chinese regulators.
Nevertheless, Mr Kande assures that, under his leadership, substantial changes have been made within PwC to prevent such occurrences in the future, signalling a renewed commitment to integrity and quality in its operations.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel.
Visit QLM businessnews.com for more business news stories. Also follow us on Facebook, X, and Youtube.
To help QLM Business News bring you more news stories like this, please like, share, and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
