As featured in The Australian Financial Review: Accounting firms want grads with the personal skills AI can’t replace

We were honoured to be highlighted in The Australian Financial Review’s recent article for leading a shift in the accounting profession, one that places character and human connection ahead of technical expertise.  

This shift is changing how we recruit and hire graduates.

As the publication noted, while artificial intelligence is transforming how firms operate, it cannot replicate curiosity, empathy, or the ability to build trust.

This evolution of AI necessitates a rethink about recruitment across the industry. After years of prioritising coding and technical mastery, firms are now looking for qualities that technology cannot replace. At PKF, we believe these qualities are essential to delivering personal relationships and advisory our clients value most.

“Hiring for personality every day of the week”

As Lana Weldon, PKF’s National Chief Operating Officer, explained in her interview with The Australian Financial Review: “I really think we can teach technical skills more easily than we can fundamentally change somebody’s personality. So I’m hiring for personality every day of the week, if I can.”

For Lana, curiosity is the trait that stands out above all others. It signals a willingness to learn, adapt, and engage - qualities that matter more than perfect academic scores. She added: “I’m looking for people that are well balanced, because essentially that’s where we’re moving.”

This approach means we value experience that demonstrates resilience and collaboration, such as part-time retail work, team sports, and volunteering. These are indicators of how someone will interact with clients and colleagues, and whether they can thrive in a dynamic environment.

A graduate accountant’s perspective: Ella Skinstad’s journey with PKF

Joining the conversation from a graduate viewpoint, Ella Skinstad shared her experience with The Australian Financial Review. Ella began her career at PKF after completing her studies at the University of Notre Dame, where she combined academic achievement with leadership roles in student societies and part-time work.

Her insights reinforced the importance of balance and initiative. Ella noted that these experiences helped her develop confidence and build up her networks, qualities that matter just as much as technical ability in today’s accounting landscape.

PKF invests in AI, without losing the human touch

While we are investing in AI to enhance operations and support learning and development, we want to be clear that technology is not replacing our people. The way we value personal relationships with clients will always dictate the number of hires we make. AI is a tool, not a substitute for human connection.

This commitment is reflected in our graduate intake. Over the past year, PKF increased graduate hires by 34 per cent, bringing in 63 new starters. We’re looking for individuals who combine curiosity, adaptability, and interpersonal skills with a willingness to learn. These qualities ensure we can continue to deliver the strategic service and personal relationships our clients expect.

Read the full story and explore career opportunities at PKF

To explore the full discussion and industry insights, we encourage you to read the original article by The Australian Financial Review.

If you’re interested in shaping the future of accounting with us, learn more about graduate opportunities at PKF.