Another Big 4 Ditches Their Executive Assistants For Offshore Ones Instead
•February 4, 2026
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Companies Mentioned
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.
Another Big 4 Ditches Their Executive Assistants For Offshore Ones Instead
KPMG Australia is following EY US’s lead and going heavy into offshoring executive assistant roles. While EY went the South America and Caribbean route, KPMG Australia has picked The Philippines.
KPMG Australia plans to outsource the work of three-quarters, or 200, of its 260 executive assistants to the Philippines as part of a cost-cutting push amid lower demand for its advisory services.
The firm held a series of briefings on Tuesday to outline the plan to partners and staff, noting that the move was still subject to consultation with the affected staff. The cuts represent about 2 per cent of its almost 9000-strong workforce.
How long are they going to use this “lower demand for advisory services” excuse?
In its last reported revenue, KPMG Australia said overall total revenue dropped about 3% from 2024 to 2025. Consulting did drop 18% so they’re not making it up but it just seems these firms should have figured something else out by now. Like mid-market Enterprise which jumped 13% for fiscal year 2025.
Related:
Layoff Watch ’25: EY Dumps US-Based Executive Assistants to Replace Them With Offshore Talent
The post Another Big 4 Ditches Their Executive Assistants For Offshore Ones Instead appeared first on Going Concern.
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