As artificial intelligence transforms professional services, EY is putting significant money behind a different part of the workforce equation: human capabilities.
EY plans to invest $100 million in employee rewards and recognition, targeting professionals who demonstrate future-focused skills, leadership, innovation and measurable impact.
Technology adoption will also be rewarded. But the initiative highlights capabilities including business acumen, judgment, adaptability, collaboration and leadership — skills that could become increasingly valuable as AI takes over more routine professional work.
EY describes its workforce strategy as “tech-led, human-powered.”
What EY Is Rewarding
The program focuses on three broad areas: everyday leadership, transformation that delivers measurable results, and game-changing impact for the organisation.
The rewards will apply across professional ranks, with employees also able to recognize colleagues for meaningful contributions.
The initiative forms part of EY’s broader investment in developing a workforce capable of combining technology with human expertise.
What It Means for Professional Services
For tax, accounting and consulting professionals, the message is particularly relevant.
AI can increasingly support research, data analysis, compliance processes and drafting. As these capabilities expand, professional differentiation may shift toward areas that require judgment, commercial understanding, communication, leadership and accountability.
This could also change how younger professionals develop their careers. Tasks traditionally performed at junior levels are among those most exposed to AI-assisted automation, potentially increasing the importance of developing broader business and interpersonal skills earlier.
Humans and AI, Not Humans Versus AI
EY’s investment should not be interpreted as choosing humans over technology.
Technology adoption is explicitly part of the program. Instead, the strategy points toward a workforce where professionals are expected to use AI effectively while contributing capabilities technology cannot easily replicate.
For tax professionals, that distinction matters. AI may increasingly produce research, calculations and first drafts. Determining whether those outputs are technically defensible, commercially appropriate and suitable for a particular situation remains a different challenge.
The emerging career formula may be simple:
Learn AI. But double down on being human.
FAQ
How much is EY investing?
EY plans to invest $100 million in employee rewards and recognition linked to future-focused skills, leadership, innovation and impact.
What skills will EY reward?
The initiative highlights leadership, judgment, business acumen, collaboration and adaptability, alongside technology adoption.
Is EY moving away from AI?
No. Technology adoption remains part of the strategy. EY’s approach is based on combining technology with human capabilities.
Why does this matter for tax professionals?
As AI takes on more research, compliance, analysis and drafting tasks, skills such as professional judgment, commercial understanding, communication and leadership may become increasingly important for career progression.