Jennifer Mantini, Office Managing Partner, PwC

In an interview with Invest:, Jennifer Mantini, office managing partner at PwC, said that the firm is doubling down on innovation, community engagement, and talent development to shape the future of the region’s business landscape. “We want PwC to be known in Philadelphia not just as a leading firm but as a company that truly cares about the community,” she said.

What changes over the past year have had the most significant impact on PwC in Philadelphia, and in what ways?

As a global firm, we’re proud that despite challenges in the macroeconomic environment, we managed to grow by about 4% globally, reaching $55 billion in revenue last year. This growth reflects how our clients view us, not just as experts in audit and tax compliance but increasingly as trusted advisors who help solve complex problems.

We’re bringing innovative solutions to the table, leveraging AI, addressing sustainability issues, and staying ahead of global trends such as tariffs. Our clients rely on us for these insights. While this success is global, it’s also very much reflected in what we’re doing here in Philadelphia. We’ve helped our clients take a more holistic look at their business models and how they can evolve given today’s rapidly changing environment.

What initiatives at the Philadelphia office demonstrate your strategic direction?

This year, we appointed 172 new partners across the U.S., six of whom are based here in Philadelphia. This marks the 74th consecutive year that a partner has been admitted in this office, which is something we’re very proud of. Among those six, two are transferring in — one from Boston and one from New York — which really reflects the firm’s recognition of Philadelphia’s growth and importance.

Beyond our day-to-day work, we’re deeply committed to giving back and staying engaged with the community. Our team has been actively participating in events that promote health, support vital research, and uplift those in need. These efforts reflect our shared values and the meaningful impact we strive to make together.

These activities span a range of causes and reflect the diverse interests of our team. We want PwC to be known in Philadelphia not just as a leading firm but as a company that truly cares about the community.

On June 26, we held our annual Day of Service, where over 500 people were out in Philadelphia volunteering — cleaning parks and waterways, working at food pantries, and preparing meals. Some also stayed in the office to write letters and participate in other service-oriented activities. Giving back is truly important to us.

What role does PwC aim to play in shaping the next chapter of Philadelphia’s business ecosystem?

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is in the demand for AI solutions. We’ve moved from experimenting with AI to actively developing and delivering AI-powered tools. For instance, we recently launched Agent OS, an operating system that helps companies integrate AI seamlessly across platforms.

Our clients in Philadelphia are increasingly asking how to adopt AI effectively, and that’s where we see a great opportunity. We’re also helping them navigate evolving ESG regulations, from the new SEC requirements to EU standards. These changes are complex, but they can create real business value when handled strategically.

Additionally, we’re helping clients respond to the impact of tariffs. Our approach spans short-term solutions, like identifying immediate risks, to long-term strategies, such as rethinking supply chains or even transforming business models.

Another key focus for us in Philadelphia is talent retention. This city is home to some of the country’s top universities, and we want students to not only study here but also stay and build their careers here. There’s a new campaign called “Come for Philadelphia, Stay for Philly,” and we truly believe in that sentiment. It’s a vibrant, affordable city with a lot to offer.

What are some of the key challenges you’re facing, both industry-wide and locally?

One significant challenge is the declining number of accounting students. That’s a trend we’re seeing nationwide, and it’s especially true in Philadelphia. So we’ve taken steps to spark interest in the profession.

We recently hosted around 90 college freshmen at our office to showcase PwC and highlight the opportunities available in accounting and tax. Earlier this year, we welcomed community college students to explore potential career paths post-graduation.

We also have our Destination CPA program for sophomores, which introduces them to the profession and the CPA license. It’s been very successful — 90% of participants accept full-time offers from us.

Internally, we’ve developed My Marketplace, an AI-powered tool that matches our people’s skills and interests with client needs. This allows for more personalized career growth and ensures we’re deploying the best talent to serve our clients effectively.

Can you tell me more about how you’re supporting regional economic development and engaging with local stakeholders?

I serve on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and on the CEO Council for Growth. These organizations bring together top business leaders to tackle regional issues and identify solutions.

One focus area is building stronger career pathways in Philadelphia. Everything I mentioned earlier — engaging students and fostering community involvement — is part of that effort. The Chamber also allows me to stay closely connected to our clients, almost all of whom are members. It’s a great platform to understand their challenges and how PwC can support them.

Each city’s Chamber works a bit differently, but in Philadelphia, it’s an incredibly effective way to pool our collective resources to drive regional growth.

As a global organization, how does PwC ensure alignment and coordination across all its offices?

We have a strong global network. My role is Office Managing Partner, and we hold monthly meetings with managing partners from all our U.S. offices. These meetings are essential for sharing insights and ensuring we’re all aligned with PwC’s national and global messaging.

Right now, our top topics include AI, tariffs, and ESG. We’re committed to making sure every client, across every market, gets consistent, high-quality support and information.

How is PwC integrating ESG principles into its own operations, and how are you guiding clients through their ESG journeys?

Internally, our environmental team has been active, leading clean-up events and promoting sustainable practices like recycling in our offices. Our staff is passionate about making a difference environmentally.

From a business perspective, we’re helping clients navigate evolving ESG regulations, both in the U.S. and globally. That includes compliance with new SEC rules and European regulations. Our workforce transformation team works with clients to build workplaces where everyone can thrive, guiding them on how to strengthen inclusion and opportunity across their talent strategies. So we’re supporting clients across all three pillars of ESG.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, what are PwC Philadelphia’s top strategic priorities, and how do they align with the national and global vision of the firm?

Our top priority is continuing to upskill our people, particularly in AI and other emerging technologies. Out of our 75,000 U.S. employees, 95% have already completed some form of AI training, and we’ve logged over 360,000 training hours. This will only grow, as AI is now a core competency for delivering client solutions.

We’re also focused on maintaining a strong workplace culture. While we don’t expect a return to five days a week in the office, we do want our people to be present for meaningful interactions — training, collaboration, and mentorship — so we maintain our culture and connection.

And of course, we’ll continue to help clients respond to changing regulations, especially around tariffs and ESG. In Philadelphia, we’re committed to being that trusted advisor our clients rely on and continuing to grow with the region.