Another Big 4 Ditches Their Executive Assistants For Offshore Ones Instead

Why It Matters

The shift reduces operating costs but raises labor‑market and reputational risks for professional services firms navigating declining advisory demand.

Key Takeaways

• KPMG to offshore 200 executive assistants
• Represents 75% of EA workforce, 2% staff cut
• Advisory revenue fell 18% year‑over‑year
• EY previously shifted US EAs to South America
• Offshoring may pressure remaining on‑shore staff

Pulse Analysis

The professional services sector is feeling the squeeze of slower advisory demand, prompting firms to re‑evaluate support functions that traditionally sit on‑shore. Offshoring executive assistants offers a quick cost lever, allowing firms like KPMG to tap lower‑wage talent pools while preserving senior staff focus on billable work. This strategy aligns with a broader industry pattern where firms outsource non‑core activities to maintain profitability amid margin pressure.

KPMG Australia’s plan targets roughly 200 of its 260 executive assistants, moving them to the Philippines—a location known for strong English proficiency and a mature BPO ecosystem. The decision follows EY’s earlier relocation of U.S. assistants to South America, signaling that the Big 4 view EA roles as interchangeable and ripe for offshore substitution. While the move trims about 2% of KPMG’s total headcount, it also reflects a strategic pivot: shifting resources from declining consulting segments to more scalable, cost‑effective operations.

The ripple effects extend beyond internal cost structures. Offshoring high‑visibility support roles can influence client perception of service quality and raise concerns about data security and cultural alignment. Moreover, it adds pressure on remaining on‑shore staff, who may face increased workloads or morale challenges. As the Big 4 continue to grapple with revenue headwinds, the balance between efficiency gains and talent retention will shape the next wave of restructuring across the professional services landscape.