Pruning branch ends in fall would remove flower buds, which are set on the tips during the growing season, to overwinter and then open the following year.

bboy is absolutely correct. Only prune immediately after they finish blooming. Pruning later removes the following seasons flower buds. The same is true with forsythia and most other spring blooming plants.

tifbee, I'm wondering why your friend is pruning every year. Not only is Fall the wrong time as pointed out above, but most azaleas require little pruning - other than to remove winter damaged wood or trimming occasionally to keep the plant a pleasing shape.