New York: KPMG has decided to reduce around 10 per cent of its audit partners in the United States after a voluntary early retirement programme failed to generate enough exits, according to reports.

Around 100 partners likely to exit

The move is expected to impact roughly 100 partners, although the firm has not officially disclosed exact figures. Some departures will come through previously agreed voluntary retirements, while others will be part of the latest round of cuts.

The decision affects senior audit leadership, with managing directors reportedly not included in the current restructuring.

Strategy to reshape audit business

In a statement, KPMG said the move is part of a multi-year strategy to “align the size, shape and skills” of its workforce with the firm’s evolving audit platform.

The company added that the restructuring aims to better serve clients and protect capital markets, even as it navigates changes in the global business environment.

Partners affected by the cuts are expected to receive financial compensation along with placement support.

Audit division scale and market share

According to its audit-quality report released earlier this year, KPMG’s US audit division has around 1,400 partners and managing directors.

The firm audits approximately 10 per cent of companies registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, placing it among the leading players in the sector.

Among competitors, Deloitte audits about 15 per cent of such companies, followed by Ernst & Young at 13 per cent and PricewaterhouseCoopers at 12 per cent.

Layoffs amid broader industry shifts

The move comes at a time when companies across sectors are reassessing workforce structures to manage costs and invest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Across the tech sector alone, more than 81,200 employees have been laid off by dozens of firms so far in 2026, reflecting ongoing restructuring trends.

Parallel moves by tech giants

Several major technology firms are also undertaking workforce adjustments.

Microsoft has offered voluntary buyouts to thousands of its US employees, with around 7 per cent of its workforce nearly 8,750 employees eligible for the programme.

Meanwhile, Meta has announced plans to cut about 10 per cent of its workforce and reduce hiring targets as it reallocates resources towards artificial intelligence initiatives.

Conclusion

The decision by KPMG underscores a broader trend of workforce optimisation across industries. As firms recalibrate their operations to align with technological shifts and market demands, similar restructuring measures are expected to continue in the near future.