PwC is making a significant push into AI with a $11.5 million investment to create a new AI Centre of Excellence in Australia. This initiative aims to help businesses navigate AI complexities and enhance their global competitiveness.
This investment will generate up to 30 new jobs, enhancing AI adoption and strategy for PwC’s Australian staff and clients. These roles will complement PwC’s current team of 320 specialists in data, analytics, and AI.
The new positions will cover various fields, including AI business analysis, software engineering, machine learning, data science, transformation, upskilling, change management, AI model validation, and risk management.
PWC Australia’s CEO, Kevin Burrowes, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI transformation and building trust in the technology. He highlighted that this investment will consolidate PwC’s AI skills to offer businesses comprehensive solutions for AI-driven changes.
According to PwC’s CEO survey, less than a quarter of Australian CEOs have started integrating AI, despite 60% believing in its potential to significantly impact their companies. PwC Australia’s AI leader, Tom Pagram, stressed the importance of AI transformation and the existing gap between AI adoption and ambition.
Pagram also mentioned PwC’s dedication to addressing AI adoption challenges through a range of services, including strategy, technology, workforce development, legal, data management, and risk management.
This initiative follows PwC US’s $1 billion investment to expand AI capabilities, in partnership with Microsoft, leading to tools like the PwC AI assistant and ChatPwC.
Additionally, PwC has signed a global deal with OpenAI and ChatGPT Enterprise. Pagram noted that PwC Australia acts as a “client zero,” testing AI solutions internally to ensure optimal client outcomes. He also highlighted Australia’s role as a key hub for AI talent and innovation within the PwC network.
