In a major restructuring move, global accounting and consulting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has announced the layoff of approximately 1,500 employees in the United States. This figure represents about 2% of the company’s 75,000-strong workforce in the country.
The decision, confirmed on Monday by a PwC spokesperson to our correspondent, comes amid what the firm describes as “historically low levels of attrition over consecutive years.” According to PwC, these low resignation rates, coupled with the need to recalibrate business priorities, necessitated the workforce reduction.
“This was a difficult decision, and we made it with care, thoughtfulness, and a deep awareness of its impact on our people,” the company said in a statement. “We remain committed to supporting those affected by this change.”
The layoffs are expected to impact non-client-facing roles, especially in departments such as human resources, marketing, and operations, as PwC seeks to realign its workforce with evolving client needs and operational efficiency.
This development is part of a broader global restructuring initiative by PwC, which includes a recently announced exit from nine Sub-Saharan African countries. In April, the firm discontinued operations in Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea.
The firm cited a strategic review as the basis for its withdrawal from these markets, identifying them as either high-risk or no longer viable due to reduced profitability and regulatory challenges. The move is one of the most significant withdrawals by a major global accounting firm from the region in recent years.
According to a report by the Financial Times, internal disagreements also played a role in the restructuring. Local partners in several African countries reportedly experienced declining revenues — in some cases over 30% — after being asked to cut ties with clients deemed high risk by global leadership. This has fueled tensions over the company’s push to “de-risk” its portfolio in volatile markets.
PwC’s downsizing mirrors a broader trend within the professional services industry. Firms like Deloitte, KPMG, and EY have also reevaluated headcounts and business strategies amid slowing global growth, increased automation, and rising client demands for cost-efficiency.
In the U.S., Big Four firms have faced a more competitive environment as clients seek digital-first solutions, putting pressure on traditional consulting and auditing services. While layoffs remain a sensitive issue, firms say strategic realignments are vital to remain agile in a rapidly changing business climate.
Despite the job cuts, PwC reiterated its long-term commitment to investing in growth areas, including technology, cybersecurity, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) consulting, and AI-driven solutions. The firm noted that it is actively hiring in other key areas, balancing reductions with fresh recruitment in digital and data analytics.
Affected employees in the U.S. are reportedly being offered severance packages, career transition support, and extended access to healthcare benefits to ease the impact of the layoffs.
As PwC reshapes its global footprint and organizational structure, industry analysts say more strategic changes are likely across regions, especially where regulatory, operational, or political risks pose barriers to sustained growth.