Ernst & Young Bets $100 Million on Human Intuition Over AI

The firm’s new compensation structure marks a significant departure from traditional bonus caps. Individual awards start at small, one-off payments of $500, but high-impact projects can now net employees up to $25,000—a fivefold increase over previous limits. Because any staff member can nominate a colleague for recognition, the program creates an open internal market for human-centric value, with no theoretical ceiling on total earnings per person.

This shift reflects a broader trend among the 'Big Four' accounting firms. KPMG recently revamped its internship training to prioritize critical thinking, while PwC has integrated empathy and creativity into its core curriculum alongside technical AI proficiency. For EY, the move is a strategic hedge against the very technology fueling its current success; the firm reported a 30% year-over-year jump in AI-related revenue for 2025. Ginnie Carlier, EY Americas’ chief talent and culture officer, argues that superficial training programs are insufficient for this transition. Instead, the firm is banking on a radical, sustainable evolution of its corporate culture to ensure that human oversight remains the primary driver of its complex advisory work.