Getting a job at one of the Big Four accounting firms like KPMG is a goal for many business students and young professionals, but with their prestige comes great competition. While KPMG does hire thousands of new employees every year, the process is highly selective. In the end, it comes down to having the right qualifications, skills, and interview performance to beat out other qualified applicants and land a coveted spot.
What are the requirements to get a job at KPMG?
KPMG, like the other Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, and PwC), typically seeks candidates with the following qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related business field
- A strong academic record – minimum 3.0 GPA
- Relevant internship experience in accounting or consulting
- Involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Meeting the basic requirements is essential but not always enough, as KPMG receives many qualified applicants for limited positions. Standing out requires packing your resume with valuable experience, leadership roles, community service, strong academics, and networking.
How competitive is the recruiting process at KPMG?
KPMG’s recruiting process is extremely competitive, even among the Big Four firms. Here is an overview of key statistics:
- KPMG receives over 100,000 applications annually for 7,000 new positions.
- The firm has an acceptance rate around 3-5% for full-time auditing and consulting roles.
- Interns have a slightly higher offer acceptance rate of 30-40%.
- Competition is high for spots at top metro offices like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
With those numbers, it’s clear that standing out from the many qualified applicants is critical. A strong resume and polished interviewing ability are musts.
Tips to stand out and increase your chances
Here are some key tips to stand out and maximize your chances at KPMG:
- Aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher. KPMG focuses on strong academics.
- Complete multiple internships in accounting or related fields.
- Apply early! KPMG begins recruiting 12+ months in advance of start dates.
- Network extensively through career fairs, KPMG events, LinkedIn, and colleagues.
- Prepare thoroughly for the interview process. Expect situational and behavioral questions.
- Show passion for the job and company culture.
- Apply to less competitive locations and positions to improve chances.
What does the recruitment and interview process involve?
KPMG follows a lengthy and rigorous recruitment process. Understanding what to expect can help maximize success at each step:
1. Online application and video interview
The process kicks off with an online application and video interview focused on resume details, motivation, and basic qualifications. Standing out on the video is important since it initially screens applicants.
2. Networking events
KPMG arranges various networking events to interact with candidates. These provide opportunities to connect with recruiters and ask engaging questions.
3. First round interviews
The first round is 2-4 one-on-one behavioral interviews, often conducted on the same day. Questions will assess general qualifications, technical skills, fit for the role and firm culture. Come prepared with stories that highlight strengths.
4. Office visits
For students applying for full-time positions, the next step is an office visit. This will feature a case study, more interviews including technical questions, and an office tour. Use this to learn more about day-to-day life.
5. Superday
Those who make it to the final round will be invited back for a Superday. This intensive visit has 5-8 additional interviews, including with partners, a case study, and test of technical skills. This is the final chance to prove yourself as a top candidate before decisions are made.
How can you prepare for KPMG’s interview process?
Preparing thoroughly for KPMG’s demanding interviews can give candidates a leg up in the process. Here are some tips:
- Research the firm’s core values and be ready to demonstrate them like integrity and teamwork.
- Practice answering common behavioral and situational interview questions.
- Refresh technical skills. Expect accounting, Excel, PowerPoint, and business case questions.
- Review your resume and be ready to provide detailed examples of achievements.
- Plan for interviews with multiple people. Have plenty of stories and anecdotes ready.
- Dress professionally. First impressions are critical.
- Ask smart, engaging questions that show your interest in the firm.
Preparing for the KPMG interview process takes significant time and dedication. But it can maximize your chances of impressing recruiters and landing the competitive job offer.
What types of questions does KPMG ask?
KPMG interviews feature a mix of behavioral, situational, and technical questions. Some common examples include:
Behavioral interview questions
- Tell me about a time you exercised leadership.
- Describe a situation where you had to solve a difficult problem.
- When have you shown your ability to work as part of a team?
- Share an experience dealing with a conflict and how you responded.
Situational interview questions
- How would you handle a tight deadline on multiple project assignments?
- A client confronts you about a mistake you made. What do you do?
- You notice a team member struggling. How would you approach this?
Technical interview questions
- Walk me through the 3 financial statements.
- What are some common methods of valuing a company?
- Explain the difference between GAAP and IFRS accounting standards.
Come ready with specific stories and examples that highlight desired skills and fit with the firm’s values. This will impress interviewers rather than vague, hypothetical responses.
Conclusion
Getting a job at KPMG is very competitive, but definitely achievable with the right qualifications, interview preparation, and fit for the role and culture. While the process is challenging, it is highly regarded on a resume. Show passion and perseverance through each step, and focus on demonstrating the technical aptitude and leadership capabilities KPMG seeks in new hires. With thorough preparation and practice, you can stand out from the applicant pool and land your dream job at one of the Big Four.