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Global technology consultancy Accenture is making a definitive statement about the future of its workforce: proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional. As the firm reaps significant financial rewards from its AI consulting services, it is simultaneously implementing a rigorous strategy that priorit prioritizes employee upskilling while signaling an exit for staff unable to adapt to AI-centric roles.
Transforming the Workforce for the AI Era
In its financial results for the 2025 fiscal year, concluding August 31, Accenture detailed substantial investments in training initiatives aimed at equipping its global workforce with essential AI competencies. However, the company also clarified that employees in roles resistant to AI augmentation, or those unable to acquire new skills, will find themselves at a crossroads. This move is part of a broader business reoptimization strategy, expected to incur one-time charges totaling $865 million over two quarters.
CEO Julie Sweet emphasized this two-pronged approach during an analyst call, stating, “Our primary strategy is investing in upskilling our reinventors.” She further elaborated on a compressed timeline for parting ways with individuals for whom reskilling is not deemed a viable path, given the specific skills Accenture requires. This strategic adjustment aims to streamline the workforce, ensuring a higher concentration of AI-proficient talent.
Sweet reiterated that upskilling remains the paramount focus. “Our number-one strategy is upskilling,” she confirmed, acknowledging the firm’s extensive experience in employee development. The expedited timeline for workforce adjustments is designed to quickly onboard personnel with the necessary future-ready skills.
Accenture is actively recruiting new talent globally to fill specialized roles. The firm reported a significant increase in its AI expertise, now boasting 77,000 trained AI professionals, a substantial jump from 40,000 in 2023. Additionally, 550,000 workers across the company possess a foundational understanding of AI technologies, reflecting a widespread commitment to AI literacy.
Accenture’s AI Consulting Services Drive Revenue Growth
The urgency behind Accenture’s internal AI transformation is mirrored by its booming success in AI consulting. Following a major investment in AI capabilities in 2023, the company has seen impressive returns from its generative AI and agentic AI offerings. Revenue from these cutting-edge services tripled from the previous fiscal year, reaching $2.7 billion in FY25. Bookings nearly doubled, surging to $5.9 billion, underscoring strong client demand for Accenture’s AI expertise.
Navigating External Factors: Government Contracts and H-1B Visas
While AI services are flourishing, Accenture did note challenges in its US government contracts segment. Procurement from federal agencies experienced a downturn due to new administration-led cost-cutting measures, impacting the company’s bottom line. However, Sweet expressed optimism about a rebound in contracts and highlighted a promising partnership with Palantir.
Regarding anticipated changes to the H-1B tech visa program, Accenture appears well-positioned. With approximately five percent of its US staff holding H-1B visas, the company anticipates minimal disruption, assuming no drastic shifts in government policy.
Strong Financial Performance Caps a Transformative Year
Despite strategic workforce adjustments and some external pressures, Accenture concluded its fiscal year with robust financial results. Total revenue for the year climbed seven percent to $69.7 billion. Net income also saw a healthy increase of over five percent, reaching $7.8 billion, showcasing the firm’s resilience and successful pivot towards AI-driven growth.