This Month
PwC US boss says partners who resist AI have no place at the firm
Paul Griggs says the firm will start to offer alternatives to the traditional model of billing clients based on the number of hours worked by its army of staff.
Accountancy’s partnership pool at risk of running dry
The pool of senior staff in leading firms, particularly in the UK, is being drained by failures to attract – and retain – top graduate talent.
KPMG picks ex-Australia boss as next global chief
Gary Wingrove beat UK boss Jon Holt in a two-man race to lead the 276,000-person big four accounting firm internationally.
February
Accenture combats AI Luddites by linking promotions to use
Consulting firms are using “carrot and stick” tactics as some senior staff are less willing to use the new technology than junior colleagues.
KPMG demanded a discount from its auditor for AI cost savings
The big four accounting company’s move to cut fees for its own audit comes amid debate over pricing models now that artificial intelligence is being used.
January
BGH Capital-backed consulting venture raids Deloitte Private
Street Talk understands Horizon Nexus is negotiating to bring across three Deloitte partners.
December 2025
Top consultancies freeze starting salaries as AI threatens ‘pyramid’ model
Productivity gains from technology are spurring debate about reliance on large numbers of junior advisers.
November 2025
Top 100 accounting firms rush to adopt AI – with mixed results
The nation’s largest accounting companies want to cut costs and swap routine compliance for real-time financial advice.
How this accounting firm doubled female partner numbers in five years
Walker Wayland partner Kate Douglass says new parents can be those who want a full break or those who call in after a few months desperate for adult connection.
Accounting firms want grads with the social skills AI can’t replace
Accounting firms are seeking graduates with personality and grit, making part-time retail work, team sports and volunteering as valuable as good marks.
Consultants slash grad hiring by nearly half. But don’t blame AI
The number of graduates hired by the big four – Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC – has hit a five-year low. But it’s not due to the rapid advance in AI, at least not yet.
October 2025
Deloitte to pay $52m over audit work on US nuclear fiasco
Former shareholders in utility Scana said the big four firm failed to spot red flags and allowed management to hide mounting issues.
September 2025
The most powerful people in consulting in 2025
The glamour boys and girls of the firms’ consulting arms have been humbled, while the typically serious auditors have gained the upper hand.
August 2025
Estate agents and lawyers: AUSTRAC boss reveals new targets
AUSTRAC boss Brendan Thomas believes banks, law firms and real estate agents, are key to tackling scams, drug trafficking and organised crime.
Senators oppose PwC return to government work
Any decision to lift the ban is a formality because PwC will not provide services to any level of government until at least 2028.
July 2025
Macquarie defends ex-KPMG director over coveted audit contract
The bank refuses to say whether board director Michelle Hinchliffe has recused herself from deliberations around its prized audit contract.
KPMG, EY frontrunners to snatch coveted Macquarie audit role from PwC
Working on the investment and banking giant’s books is one of the most complex jobs for an accounting firm, but one that promises a significant windfall.
June 2025
PwC Australia’s profit slumps 17pc, inaugural audited accounts show
The firm is the first big four accounting group to publish an audited financial report, part of its reform process following the tax leaks scandal.
May 2025
Can MinRes’ cleanskin chairman tame the Chris Ellison show?
Malcolm Bundey will have one of the biggest governance mop-up jobs in years, with the heavily indebted miner facing investigation by the corporate regulator.
April 2025
EY Oceania to avoid merger in global restructure
The firm’s local division will continue to be led by chief executive David Larocca, but job cuts are expected amid a broader reorganisation of the business.
