PwC outlines next steps for AI transformation program in annual report

There was also a reduction in the number of partners at the firm, with PwC reporting a total of 575 partners at the end of last year, down from 628 in the previous year. Average partner income increased to $814,000 for 2025, up from $767,000 in the previous year.

PwC's AI transformation program was a major focus for the firm during 2025, with the firm planning to further scale its AI tools and services over 2026.

The transformation program involved material investment in building technologies and equipping partners and staff with the skills to use AI responsibly.

PwC Australia chief executive Kevin Burrows said PwC was already seeing results from its investment in new tools and training.

"Clients are benefitting from the transformative tools we’re able to provide as we draw on leading solutions from across our global network, including agentic AI and end‑to‑end tax automation tools," said Burrows.

"We’re piloting AI‑powered managed services, developing our leading next generation audit platform, and upskilling leaders to use AI with confidence."

The annual report said the firm's extensive investment in AI had already produced a range of AI tools and solutions including its AI-native audit platform, seven new agentic professional services solutions and a tax advice AI tool.

The $1 billion AI‑native audit platform is part of a global pilot being rolled out across PwC. The system's AI agents can execute full population analysis faster, automate evidence matching and documentation and produce a more efficient and higher quality audit, according to the firm.

The platform is currently being piloted with five Australian audit clients and will be rolled out in waves across all PwC's audit teams this year.

"With each component able to be individually upgraded and enhanced without disruption, our platform has been built to allow for continuous innovation. This means that as AI capability evolves, so will the platform."

While AI has taken over managing workflow, initial analyses and data-driven tasks, the firm said human auditors will still be needed for judgement, review and decision making.

"To support our auditors navigate this change, we are running a comprehensive upskilling program—which includes mandatory training for all people in the Assurance business," the annual report said.

The seven new agentic AI-powered professional services solutions developed by PwC are designed to give businesses a faster, safer and more scalable path to adopt enterprise AI.

"These aim to address critical challenges from data management and cybersecurity to customer experience and operational efficiency," the annual report said.

The firm also plans to further leverage its AI tools across across its tax function this year to increase value and innovation.

Across its Tax and Legal business, PwC said it has seen rapid adoption from staff following comprehensive AI bootcamps and other forms of training.

PwC said it was also investing in training for staff across the firm more broadly. This includes a new firmwide AI Foundations course, ongoing executive AI training for all partners and managing directors, and an AI immersion program for graduates which will launch later this year.

PwC Australia's independent Governance Board Chair, John M. Green said PwC was moving into "a new chapter of sustainable growth, anchored in a culture of curiosity, collaboration and challenge".

"As AI accelerates, we’re keeping up the pace by investing even more in our people and technology. Our industry expertise, combined with responsible AI use, is making PwC Australia a partner of choice for clients navigating their own AI transformation journeys," said Green.

"With the many opportunities ahead, we’re focused on staying at the forefront not only in 2026 but beyond.”