by HRHQ Editorial Team
Major firms in Ireland’s accountancy and finance sectors are scaling back graduate recruitment, citing the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key factor. According to the latest Employment Monitor from Morgan McKinley Ireland, there have been “notable reductions” in graduate-level hiring, particularly in roles traditionally filled by entry-level professionals.
The shift is driven by automation of routine tasks—such as accounts payable, credit control, and payroll—which were once considered essential training grounds for new hires. With AI tools now capable of performing these functions efficiently, companies are rethinking the value of onboarding large cohorts of graduates.
Trayc Keevans, Global Director at Morgan McKinley, warns that this trend could have long-term consequences. “Reducing graduate hiring may lead to shortages of experienced mid-level professionals in the future,” she said, referencing lessons learned from the post-2008 crash, when similar hiring freezes created talent gaps years later.
While AI is streamlining operations, it’s also reshaping the skills required in the workplace. Graduates are now expected to understand and supervise AI systems, rather than compete with them. This evolution demands a new kind of training—one that blends technical fluency with ethical oversight.
Interestingly, while graduate hiring is down, demand for data engineers and AI-related roles is rising. Firms are investing in infrastructure to support broader AI integration, creating opportunities in areas like analytics and compliance.
The current hiring landscape reflects a cautious but transformative moment. As companies embrace AI, they must also ensure they’re cultivating the next generation of talent—not just replacing it. The challenge lies in balancing innovation with sustainable workforce development.
