EY offers up to $25,000 bonuses to staff who master human skills alongside AI
Ernst & Young plans to spend $100 million to reward U.S. employees who develop future-focused human skills like judgment and adaptability, with individual spot awards up to $500 and larger cash awards up to $25,000 for material impact. The initiative aims to emphasize the value of human expertise as AI transforms accounting, according to EY Americas Chief Talent and Culture Officer Ginnie Carlier. A KPMG survey of summer interns found 76% believe career success requires both strong human skills and AI proficiency, while 43% worry that overreliance on technology could limit critical thinking.
EY's $100 million program targets U.S. employees who demonstrate business acumen, judgment, and adaptability while experimenting with technology. Individual spot awards reach $500, while larger cash awards up to $25,000 go to individuals or teams creating material impact. The initiative reflects broader industry pressure as AI transforms traditional accounting tasks and firms seek to justify the value of human expertise to clients.
The shift is reshaping entry-level work. A BambooHR survey found one-third of new accounting and finance hires quit within their first year, as AI eliminates routine tasks that once provided learning opportunities. KPMG's intern research shows 76% believe career success requires both human skills and AI proficiency, while 43% worry about technology limiting critical thinking.
This initiative could influence how other professional services firms structure compensation and training as AI adoption accelerates. Younger workers entering accounting may face pressure to balance technical fluency with distinctly human capabilities like judgment and adaptability. The industry's ability to preserve meaningful entry-level development opportunities could determine whether talent pipelines remain sustainable, particularly as routine tasks become automated and early-career employees seek roles that still offer growth and learning.