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Accenture cut over 11,000 jobs in three months as part of major restructuring.The overhaul is aimed at preparing the firm for an era where AI replaces some human consultant roles.
The company announced an $865 million (₹7,669 crore) program for transformation and reskilling. CEO Julie Sweet emphasized retraining staff as a priority to adapt to AI changes.
Accenture warns that if reskilling fails, further job reductions are inevitable.
During a call with investors, Sweet stated, "We are moving on a compressed timeline." According to the reports, she stated, "Where reskilling simply isn't a viable path, we are making the difficult choice to exit people."
By August’s end, Accenture’s global workforce dropped to 779,000 from 791,000 three months earlier, reflecting around 12,000 job cuts. The company spent $615 million on severance last quarter and expects an additional $250 million this quarter, aiming to save over $1 billion through its restructuring. Layoffs are likely to continue until November 2025, impacting offices worldwide.
AI: The Next Big Bet
As Accenture trims its workforce, it is simultaneously accelerating its investment in artificial intelligence. The firm revealed that generative AI projects accounted for $5.1 billion in new bookings last year, up from $3 billion previously. To support this shift, Accenture has nearly doubled its AI and data workforce to 77,000 “reinventors” in just two years. CEO Julie Sweet emphasises reskilling as the first priority, with layoffs as a last resort. This strategy mirrors a wider industry shift, as budget-conscious clients increasingly turn to AI-driven solutions over traditional consulting services.
Accenture’s Bold Bet: Leaner Workforce, Heavier AI Focus
Accenture’s message to staff is clear: adapt or face redundancy. For clients, the focus is on transformation, with the company positioning itself as a partner for digital futures through workforce streamlining and heavy AI adoption. This shift raises questions about preserving human expertise in an increasingly automated world. Accenture is betting that a smaller, digitally skilled workforce can sustain its operations, reflecting a broader industry trend where AI is reshaping consulting. Leaders like Sam Altman warn AI could replace many jobs, and Accenture’s move may be an early sign of that future.