CONSULTING and accountancy firm PwC is making significant changes to its recruitment process as part of a commitment to foster diversity and inclusion.
The Big Four firm announced a strategic shift, expanding its talent pool to include non-university graduates through innovative programmes and work experiences.
This move is a departure from traditional hiring methods and reflects the evolving dynamics of the accountancy profession.
PwC’s revamped approach focuses on bolstering apprenticeships, school leaver programs, work experience placements, and degree partnerships.
Ian Elliott, Chief People Officer at PwC, underscored the importance of this shift in recruitment strategy.
“We’re proud of the strides we’ve made broadening access to the firm, focusing on potential not pedigree. But equally important is how we support people to settle in and develop once they get here,” he said.
“We wanted to better understand the experiences – warts and all of prospective and new joiners, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. By learning what’s working well and what isn’t, we’ve been able to identify changes that we hope will make a significant difference to their experience.”
Steps involved in this process include offering a salary advance for the upcoming intake of graduates and school leavers.
The changes are a direct outcome of a comprehensive research project conducted in collaboration with Thinks Insight & Strategy, an insight consultancy.
The research involved a cohort of new joiners from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who documented their experiences and insights over an eight-week period.
A related segment gathered input from potential future employees, and the findings were discussed in a collaborative workshop between new joiners and senior partners, resulting in a new report titled “Getting in and Getting Started”.
PwC’s new recruitment approach, which emphasises equitable chances for everyone regardless of educational background, sets the standard for a more diverse and inclusive accountancy profession, they believe.
The Big Four accountancy firms are Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and PwC.
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