Senior leaders from the UK's top accounting and consulting firms have identified a powerful new wave of artificial intelligence as a potential industry game-changer, with significant impact expected by 2026. This advanced technology, known as agentic AI, moves beyond simple task automation to handle complex, multi-step processes independently.
The Rise of Agentic AI in Professional Services
Discussions at a recent Financial News roundtable, featuring bosses from giants like PwC, KPMG, and BDO, revealed a strong consensus on the disruptive potential of this technology. Unlike current AI tools that assist with specific jobs, agentic AI systems can operate autonomously, making decisions and executing a series of actions to achieve a defined goal without constant human oversight.
Kevin Ellis, Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC UK, highlighted the scale of the shift, noting the firm is already training thousands of staff on AI fundamentals. He suggested that the true transformation will occur when AI agents can manage entire workflows. "The real game-changer," Ellis stated, "is when you can get an agent to do a process."
Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future
The imminent arrival of agentic AI is prompting a major strategic rethink within these professional service powerhouses. The focus is rapidly shifting from basic automation to large-scale workforce reskilling. Firms are investing heavily in training programmes to equip their employees with the skills needed to work alongside, and manage, these sophisticated AI agents.
Paul Eagland, Managing Partner at BDO, emphasised the urgency, pointing to a near-future where AI handles complex compliance work. "We will be using AI to do things like that by 2026," he predicted. This shift is not about replacing humans but about augmenting their capabilities and freeing them for higher-value advisory and strategic roles.
Strategic Implications and Competitive Advantage
The integration of agentic AI is set to redefine service delivery and competitive dynamics in the sector. Firms that successfully harness this technology could achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and speed in areas such as audit, tax, and consultancy. This promises not only cost savings but also the ability to offer deeper insights and more sophisticated solutions to clients.
However, this technological leap also brings challenges, including ethical considerations, the need for robust governance, and managing the transition for existing staff. The leaders agreed that the window for preparation is now, with 2026 seen as a critical horizon for having operational, agentic AI systems embedded within core service lines.
The message from the industry's top table is clear: the era of agentic AI is dawning, and the UK's accounting and consulting sector is on the cusp of a profound transformation that will reshape its workforce, services, and future.
