It has become difficult to work at PWC after graduating from university.
The Big Four company told Business Insider that it is “reducing its employment targets on campus” after getting some internal presentations that it plans to cut entry-level employment in the US by almost a third over the next three years.
The company did not comment on the specific numbers, but said the cuts were reflected. “The rapid pace of technological change is reshaping the way we work,” and “historically low” decline.
According to a source from PWC, the presentation was shared on Tuesday with an alum group of employees from major U.S. universities and was shared to prepare for recruitment season. Those confirmed by Employment Business Insider were asked to remain anonymous as they were not permitted to speak publicly.
The presentation slide contains a line graph that outlines Assiontes' annual employment goals (the most junior full-time role in PWC). This is usually recruited after graduating from university, but up to two of the three core business lines, two in the guarantee and tax departments, until mid-2028.
In the most recent fiscal year ending in June 2025, PWC US has hired 3,242 tax and guarantee associates. That's an increase of 92 compared to the previous year, says Slide.
Slide adds that it expects to hire 2,197 tax and guarantee associates for the fiscal year 2028. A 32% decrease from fiscal year 2025.
The graph also shows that the audit plans to welcome 661 entry-level employment for the 2028 fiscal year.
The slide bullet points state that data for employment in the advisory department is not available, but that “similar trends are expected.”
Mohamed Kande, PWC Global Chairman. Europa Press News via Getty Images
“We recognize that the rapid pace of technological change is reshaping the way we work, what our clients need, and the skills our people need to thrive,” PWC told Business Insider in a statement.
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“Given the historically low levels of attrition, our business has faced over the past few years. We are wise to reduce campus employment targets in certain parts of the company and leave space to reassess our needs as needed to meet the evolving demands of our business and clients,” the company added.
The PWC added that it will continue to adapt its talent strategy at all levels.
Bullets on the internal presentation slide say there is a leadership decision to slow down the sub-level employment related to “change efforts, AI impacts, and further AC integration.”
AC integration refers to the acceleration center of PWCs, more commonly known as offshoring hubs. These are countries in countries with low labor costs, including India, the Philippines and Argentina.
A PWC source at Business Insider said there will be a “continuous shift” to allow ACS to take on more associate jobs, and “there will be less of a need for people in their core US teams.”
The company declined to comment on the reasons for the job cuts beyond the statement.
Broader trends in the Big Four
PWC's forecasts for entry-level recruitment are consistent with trends seen in professional services companies, managing director of industry research firm Kennedy Intelligence.
“Companies are trying to rebuild their pyramids and have AI tools implement more basic functions that will be the realm of analysts and junior consultants,” Rodenhauser said, adding that the changes are coming “very quickly.”
At the same time, they are focusing their talent on more experienced data scientists and AI professionals to enhance their capabilities, he said.
AI is modifying entry-level jobs
Rodenhauser said AI has a greater impact on employment than offshoring.
“Human costs are important here. Offshore was cheap, but AI dramatically changes the labor equation for many knowledge functions,” he said.
In a recent interview with PWC's AI Assurance Leader Jenn Kosar, she said she hopes new recruits will be able to play the role their manager is currently in the role they are doing within three years.
“AI works at a more staff and a daily task level, and that's what we're building,” says Kosar. The change will free junior employees to focus on “more advanced and value-added jobs,” she added.
AI is also driving Big Four to rethink its business model, redirect its service lines and compete with lighter, tech-heavy startups towards more industry-focused services.
In May, the PWC said it was cutting 1,500 jobs from the US sector, citing “historically low levels of attrition.” Cuts have impacted the audit and tax business.
In June, the company announced a major restructuring of its advisory arm, expanding eight platforms from four platforms with industry-specific solutions.
Another four big companies, Ey, has overhauled its structure and refocused its functionality.
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