Hong Kong accounting firms eye 2026 hiring rise amid AI adoption

Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong-based accounting firms are planning to expand their workforce in 2026 while increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support staff and attract new talent to the profession [1] Group 1: Workforce Expansion and AI Integration - KPMG China emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for human workers, and there has been no reduction in hiring; the firm plans to continue hiring in the future [2] - AI is seen as complementary to human staff, improving quality and efficiency while aiding in talent attraction and retention [2] - Deloitte China plans to hire approximately 1,000 people in Hong Kong and invest HK$500 million (approximately $64 million) over the next four years to enhance capabilities in fintech, capital markets operations, and AI [4] Group 2: Talent Attraction and Job Role Evolution - EY's senior partner highlights that young professionals are interested in careers in debt restructuring and liquidation, expecting employers to provide AI tools to enhance efficiency [5] - EY plans to expand its team from 80 to 130 by 2026, anticipating increased demand for debt restructuring and liquidations due to a weak economy [5] - AI is enabling accountants to take on new job roles, which aligns with the interests of younger professionals [3] Group 3: Efficiency and Document Management - AI is effective in analyzing large data sets, detecting anomalies, and summarizing documents, significantly improving efficiency in restructuring and liquidation processes [6] - The use of AI has accelerated paperwork analysis by over 10 times, making these roles more appealing to young talent [7] - Companies are increasingly open to preventive restructuring to adapt to uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and tariffs [6]