TechnologyKPMG AustraliaPrint articleFeb 12, 2026 – 10.34amGraduates joining professional services firms are doing so at a time of significant workforce change, with artificial intelligence (AI) transforming how tasks are completed. It means their careers are accelerating faster than any cohort before them, as they take on higher-value work earlier.By using AI for repetitive tasks, such as detecting anomalies or automating compliance, graduates can focus on developing problem-solving capability and commercial insight, such as forecasting or tailored tax advice.KPMG Australia has embedded AI into its graduate program, so trainees can gain the skills, judgment and ethical grounding to apply AI confidently and responsibly and drive improved outcomes for clients.Dorothy Hisgrove, head of people and inclusion, KPMG Australia.  Head of people and inclusion Dorothy Hisgrove says graduates who build strong AI fluency gain an edge in how quickly they learn, adapt and contribute. For example, its research finds graduates currently save an average of 38 minutes a day by using AI, as they shift their efforts from drafting to analysis.“Over time, this compounds, opening pathways into new roles, emerging services and leadership opportunities that didn’t exist a few years ago,” she says.AdvertisementHisgrove says today’s graduates are already comfortable experimenting with new technologies, so KPMG’s onboarding program builds on this strong foundation. “It’s expected that every graduate learns to work confidently alongside AI to remain relevant and adaptable as roles and technologies evolve,” she says.“Being upskilled in AI improves how teams approach and solve complex problems and contribute to innovative projects and new service offerings.“This helps the firm to evolve and meet changing client needs while, at the same time, supporting our graduates’ career growth, preparing them for advanced roles and responsibilities.”Hisgrove says this integration of technology, ethics and human capability sets KPMG’s 12-month graduate program apart from others. Graduates can study courses through KPMG’s Eclipse AI Learning Academy from day one, accessing content from partners such as Microsoft, Pluralsight, the UTS Human Technology Institute and LinkedIn Learning.The in-person and digital learning includes insights from global KPMG experts and is supported by virtual assistants to help employees personalise learning and gain skills most relevant to their role.“The impact is evident: over 70 per cent of employees have completed AI courses through the academy, earning thousands of badges and certifications that showcase skills across the firm and capability in the market,” Hisgrove says.“[Graduates] tend to favour chat-based workflows that integrate seamlessly with their daily tasks, supported by [Microsoft’s AI-supported assistant] Copilot.“Our mid-markets and private division reports high demand from graduates for learning sessions on Copilot because the value is clear and it’s recognised that if you’re not using it, you’re missing out. They love it! AI becomes part of how they work – not separate to, or experimental, but in the flow of work.”KPMG also fosters an accessible work culture that aids learning. Graduates work alongside senior leaders, for example, accessing mentorship and career guidance. “With the right tools, learning and culture, graduates fast become powerful contributors to client outcomes and to building the firm’s long-term capability,” Hisgrove says.“Investing in our graduate talent is a priority, as it fosters loyalty and contributes to our firm’s long-term success as graduates are the leaders of tomorrow.“They bring a wealth of new ideas and innovative thinking and tend to be more adaptable and open to new experiences, making them well-suited to navigate the evolving landscape of work and client expectations.“They also bring diverse perspectives, strong digital confidence and a genuine appetite to learn, and embrace new technologies and ways of working, helping accelerate innovation across the firm.“Importantly, they challenge established practices, prompting us to continually change and improve how we serve clients.”How AI is accelerating careersKPMG’s AI tools do not just save Jordan Cant time and streamline his workflow – they also help him get up to speed more quickly and approach tasks with greater confidence.The 32-year-old is a Corporate Tax Advisory consultant in KPMG’s Brisbane’s office, having joined the graduate program in 2024 after completing a bachelor of music and master of finance.KPMG graduate employee Jordan Cant.  He says working in various tax teams during the program allowed him to observe different working and management styles among partners and senior leaders. It also helped broaden his technical foundation in tax, which will be invaluable to his progression.The AI tools, ranging from KPMG’s internal generative-AI KymChat and tax AI tool KymTax to Microsoft’s Copilot, have made a real difference to his work.“They streamline workflows, save time and help break down complex problems,” he says. “Copilot, for example, can help get you up to speed quickly and even act as a second set of eyes to bounce ideas off.”Cant uses Copilot daily for tasks such as summarising transaction documents or email chains and creating drafts for client advice. “KPMG is now rolling out a new tool, Digital Gateway GenAI (DG GenAI), which uses more advanced personas, which are kind of like master prompts,” he says.“DG GenAI has a powerful research mode that can generate more comprehensive outputs than you would typically expect from tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot.“Given how essential these tools are becoming, I think it’s really important to be an early adopter. The sooner you get comfortable with them, the more value you can add in your role.“They can really provide reassurance and confidence when tackling new challenges.”Still, he says one of the best parts of KPMG’s program has been working alongside smart and talented people.“Being surrounded by tax experts really does rub off on you,” he says. “I’ve picked up a surprising amount of technical knowledge so far.”For more information, visit here. Sponsored by KPMG AustraliaThis content has been funded by an advertiser and written by the Nine commercial editorial team.SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreKPMG AustraliaFetching latest articles