Gen Z accountants are tired of being called lazy

KPMG interns reject the stereotype that Gen Zers are lazy.

The Big Four firm surveyed 433 of its U.S. interns across the firm’s tax, audit and advisory practices, and found that 90% believe the notion that Gen Z — those younger than age 27 — are lazy and do not want to work hard is the biggest misconception about their generation. The opposite appears to be true: Gen Z wants stability amid a tight labor market, and they’re willing to work hard for it.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they value working toward and dedicating time toward their long-term career goals over spending time with family friends in their early careers. Roughly one-third said the same about traveling and experiences. Meanwhile, 34% say they plan to stay with their first employer or first job for over five years, and 24% plan to stay for two to five years.

“Gen Z really finds it important to dispel that notion that they are a lazy generation,” Derek Thomas, national partner-in-charge of university talent acquisition at KPMG, told Accounting Today. “They have a focus on what their priorities are, and they want folks to understand the difference between being lazy and trying to balance out what their priorities are with work.” 

Work-life balance can be especially challenging to come by in the accounting profession, especially during the busy months of tax season, but it’s one of Gen Z’s must-haves when choosing an employer. The top factors valued most in a future employer by respondents are salary (25%), positive work culture and working environment (20%) and scheduling flexibility (15%). In the same vein, 82% believe a hybrid work model provides the most opportunities for early career growth.

Seventy-two percent of respondents listed the availability of artificial intelligence-related training as an important factor when considering future employers. Gen Z is already integrating the use of generative AI in their professional and personal lives — 39% of respondents use ChatGPT frequently, if not every day. Nearly half of respondents believe 20% of their future full-time job as it exists today will be automated by AI; nearly a quarter believe 30-40% of their first job will be automated by AI.

Employers “need to make sure they’re helping them understand how to use the tools and the generative AI that’s available responsibly,” particularly in such a way that both employees and clients can trust the way the firm is utilizing the developing technology, Thomas said.

“Generations obviously change over time, and I think it’s important that we don’t jump to conclusions about each generation,” he added. “It’s to understand what are their priorities. How do we help them get the most out of their careers and help develop them? That takes time to listen and understand. It’s important to make sure we understand where they are, and meet them where they are.”