Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Azets has taken on 384 graduates and school leavers across its UK business, a rise of 15% compared with September 2024, as the firm expands early-career recruitment despite wider sector cutbacks.
The international accountancy and business advisory group said its approach contrasts with global professional services firms that have reduced entry-level hiring while increasing the use of artificial intelligence. Azets said it is using AI to automate routine work and free junior staff to develop advisory skills.
Peter Gallanagh, UK and Ireland chief executive, said the strategy reflects changes in client expectations and the firm’s plans to develop talent. He said business owners want advisers who can understand their operations, identify risks and opportunities, and work with them at an early stage.
He said: “Business owners want advisors who can embed themselves in their businesses, help them spot challenges, threats and opportunities and come up with a plan to address or capitalise on them as early as possible. We’ve always worked like this, and the acceleration of AI has allowed us to evolve this approach by combining talent and technology to provide that service at a greater scale and a greater level of depth.”
Gallanagh added that the firm intends to use automation in audit and tax to support, rather than replace, junior colleagues.
He added: “Many firms are replacing graduates and junior staff with AI, and while there’s no question technology is playing a bigger role in the work we do, for us it’s a case of using technology to enhance the work our junior staff do rather than replacing them.
“By automating some of the routine compliance work in areas like audit and tax, our newer staff can learn the advisory aspect of the job – the area where we provide real value to clients – alongside learning the technical aspects of accounting and progress more quickly into a role where they can work closely with our clients and add greater value to their businesses. This approach also benefits our early career employees as they progress further faster – and us because we retain the people that ultimately are the future of our business by allowing them to grow, develop and progress quicker.”
