Landing a job at PwC straight out of college is set to become significantly more challenging.
According to an internal presentation shared with alumni of a major U.S. university, the Big Four accounting and consulting firm plans to reduce entry-level hiring by nearly one-third over the next three years.
The presentation, first reported by Business Insider, outlines a sharp decline in hiring targets for associate-level roles—positions traditionally filled by recent graduates.
In the financial year ending June 2025, PwC hired 3,242 tax and assurance associates in the U.S. By 2028, that number is projected to fall to 2,197, marking a 32% reduction.
The audit division is expected to see an even steeper drop, with entry-level hires falling by 39%, from 1,676 this year to just 1,015 in 2028.
AI and Offshoring Reshape Entry-Level Roles at PwC
The hiring slowdown is attributed to three key factors: rapid technological transformation, increased reliance on offshoring hubs, and historically low attrition rates.
PwC’s Acceleration Centers (ACs)—located in countries like India, the Philippines, and Argentina—are now handling many tasks that were previously assigned to U.S.-based associates.
This shift has reduced the need for domestic entry-level roles.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a central role. “AI is functioning at more of the staff and routine task level,” said Jenn Kosar, PwC’s AI assurance leader.”
She anticipates that new hires will be performing manager-level responsibilities within three years, as automation takes over repetitive work.
Advisory Division to Follow Similar Trend
While specific figures for PwC’s advisory division were not disclosed, the internal presentation notes that a “similar trend is anticipated.”
This suggests that consulting roles, often a key target for business and tech graduates, may also see reduced intake.
The firm is reportedly restructuring its traditional talent pyramid, leaning more on AI tools and offshore teams to handle basic functions once assigned to junior consultants.
Industry experts believe this reflects a broader shift across the Big Four.
“Labor cost is the key here,” said Tom Rodenhauser, managing director at Kennedy Intelligence. “Offshore was cheaper, but AI dramatically changes the labor equation”.
Response from PwC: “Prudent and Adaptive”
In a statement to Business Insider, PwC confirmed the reduction in campus hiring goals, citing the need to adapt to evolving client demands and internal transformation.
“We are being prudent… and leaving space for us to reevaluate our needs,” the firm said. It emphasized that talent strategy will continue to evolve across all levels.
Despite the slowdown in traditional associate hiring, PwC is increasing investment in higher-value roles.
These include data scientists, AI specialists, and industry-focused consultants with expertise in healthcare, financial services, and digital transformation.
The firm is looking for candidates who can step into strategic, client-facing roles more quickly than in the past.
Implications for Fresh Graduates
For students and early-career professionals, the message is clear: breaking into PwC is about to get tougher.
The firm’s evolving expectations mean that candidates will need to demonstrate advanced skills, adaptability, and readiness for higher-level responsibilities from day one.
PwC is redefining traditional pathways into the firm, including campus placements and entry-level analyst roles.
Career advisors and university placement cells may need to recalibrate their guidance to align with evolving industry expectations.
Emphasizing specialized skills and real-world experience will be key to helping graduates stay competitive in today’s shifting recruitment landscape.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
