TLDR: Samil Accounting Corporation, a leading Korean firm, has launched a groundbreaking digital evaluation system for new certified public accountants. This initiative aims to recruit ‘programmable accountants’ proficient in programming, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the firm’s belief that digital literacy is paramount for future accounting professionals. This marks the first dedicated digital hiring pathway among major accounting firms in Korea.
Samil Accounting Corporation, a prominent accounting firm in Korea, has unveiled a significant shift in its recruitment strategy for certified public accountants, introducing a new separate examination system focused on digital capabilities. This move, announced on July 8, 2025, is drawing considerable attention as the first official instance of a major accounting firm establishing a dedicated pathway for hiring professionals with specialized digital skills.
The firm’s new digital evaluation aims to identify and recruit talent across three critical fields: programming, data, and artificial intelligence (AI). Candidates aspiring to join Samil through this digital track must demonstrate proficiency in digital product development through programming. For those specializing in programming, expertise in languages such as Python and VBA is required, along with practical experience in automation, including web scraping and macro development. Samil has also highlighted web front-end or back-end implementation experience as preferred qualifications.
This strategic pivot underscores Samil’s vision for the future of the accounting profession. A representative from Samil explained the rationale behind the digital evaluation’s establishment, stating, ‘We believe that the ability to utilize AI and digital tools will become the most important skill for accounting professionals in the future, and accordingly, we aim to verify and prefer this expertise not only in improving our internal staff capabilities but also in the hiring process for new accountants.’
While Samil previously favored candidates with data processing and analysis skills, alongside those proficient in foreign languages and science/engineering majors, this year marks the first time a separate, dedicated evaluation has been created. Last year, over 50 of the 300-plus new accountants recruited possessed relevant digital skills and received additional consideration.
Applications for the digital evaluation are open until July 28. Candidates who do not pass this specialized assessment still have the option to apply for the traditional assurance evaluation, which remains open until August 11.
Also Read:
- GS Caltex Unveils ‘AIU’ Generative AI Platform to Accelerate Digital Transformation
- Goldman Sachs Accelerates Generative AI Adoption, Fostering ‘AI Native’ Talent for Future Financial Landscape
The introduction of this digital hiring process comes amidst a tightening job market for accountants. The estimated recruitment scale for the Big Four accounting firms this year is around 700 individuals, with the total for all accounting firms projected to be between 800 and 900. This represents a decrease compared to last year’s recruitment of 1,000 new accountants. With over 1,400 job seekers expected this year, employment challenges for accountants are anticipated to intensify, making specialized skills like those sought by Samil increasingly valuable.
