Starting a career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) fresher with KPMG is a tempting opportunity to enter a vibrant world of professional development and meaningful contributions.
KPMG is a globally recognized professional services network known for its excellence, innovation, and client-centric solutions. For prospective CAs, KPMG provides an opportunity to leverage your financial abilities and make a significant difference from the start.
You'll have the opportunity to learn and contribute to the firm's recognized work standards, interact directly with clients, and sharpen your skills through continuous learning and improvement efforts. KPMG's commitment to growth extends to its employees, who have access to training, coaching, and the opportunity to participate in strategic initiatives.
About KPMG
KPMG International Limited (or simply KPMG) is a multinational professional services network and one of the Big Four accounting organizations, along with Ernst & Young (EY), Deloitte, and PwC. The name "KPMG" stands for "Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler." The initialism was chosen when KMG (Klynveld Main Goerdeler) merged with Peat Marwick in 1987
KPMG in India is one of the leading providers of risk, financial and business advisory, tax and regulatory services, internal audits, and corporate governance. KPMG in India is one of the leading providers of risk, financial and business advisory, tax and regulatory services, internal audits, and corporate governance.
Educational and professional credentials
- Applicants must have a valid CA qualification as well as a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting.
- Candidates should ideally have 0 to 1 year of post-qualification experience, supplemented by strong articleship exposure in a mid-size or prominent Big 4 firm.
- Experience in the shared service center or with noteworthy audit companies, particularly Big 4 firms, is a valued benefit.
Technical Skills
- Audit and accounting principles knowledge
- MS Office tool proficiency, with a specific emphasis on MS Excel
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
Role and Responsibilities
- Work with the Audit Department to provide assurance services that involve Indian GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP accounting.
- During audit projects, the candidate will work as a team member to ensure adherence to our audit manual, auditing norms, and legal demands.
How do I apply?
Here are the avenues through which you can submit your job application at KPMG:
1. Direct Online Application:
Navigate to KPMG's official career portal. Explore the array of job opportunities available and submit your application directly through the website. Ensure that you tailor your application to match your skills and the specific requirements of the positions you are interested in.
2. Campus Recruitment Events/Drives:
Stay tuned for KPMG's on-campus recruitment events and drives. These initiatives are designed to engage with students enrolled in various institutions. Participate actively in these events to increase your chances of being shortlisted for relevant job postings within KPMG.
3. Off-Campus Drives:
KPMG organizes off-campus events and drives to attract applicants for various job openings. These opportunities are open to both students and professionals, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the job descriptions. Keep an eye on announcements and participate in off-campus drives to broaden your prospects.
4. Job Portals:
Explore various job portals (Jobaaj.com, Naukri.com), where KPMG regularly updates details of available job openings. These portals serve as additional platforms for job seekers to discover and apply for positions that align with their expertise. Take advantage of these portals to maximize your visibility and apply for relevant roles at KPMG.
By leveraging these channels, you can enhance your chances of securing a position at KPMG, a globally renowned professional services firm. Each avenue offers unique opportunities to connect with KPMG's recruitment processes, providing you with a comprehensive approach to exploring and applying for suitable roles within the organization.
Selection process
1. Online Assessment Test:
Shortlisted applicants are invited to participate in an online proctored assessment test. This test, accessed through an exclusive link, typically lasts for 60–90 minutes. It includes a range of questions to evaluate comprehension, interpretation, logical and verbal reasoning skills, as well as psychometric abilities. Some assessments may also gauge proficiency in areas like quantitative math and data analytics.
2. Group Discussion:
Successful candidates from the assessment test proceed to the group discussion round. This interactive activity serves to assess soft skills such as oral communication, structured thinking, articulation, teamwork, and leadership qualities. The discussion provides insights into attributes like proactiveness, presence of mind, and the ability to work effectively in a team setting.
3. Case Study Round:
Those who excel in the group discussion phase move on to the case study round. This stage involves analyzing real-world scenarios to assess subject-matter expertise, written and verbal communication skills, pragmatic thinking, general knowledge, and business acumen.
The case study assessment can take the form of a written test or an interactive discussion, allowing candidates to showcase their problem-solving abilities.
4. Evaluation by the recruiter:
Candidates who perform well in the case study round are evaluated by a recruiter. This evaluation occurs through in-person, telephonic, or virtual interactions. The recruiter assesses the overall fit of the applicant for the designated role and the broader organization. This assessment includes evaluating the candidate's personality, business awareness, skills, ability, and resilience.
5. Evaluation by the Technical Panel:
Moving forward, candidates undergo direct interactions with hiring team personnel. These interviews, conducted in-person, over the phone, or virtually, assess the candidate's technical competency, which is essential for the role.
The technical panel evaluates the candidate's subject matter knowledge, technical skills, and attributes mentioned earlier. This phase can involve one-on-one interviews or a panel of interviewers, depending on the specific role.
6. Multiple Interactions with the Hiring Team:
This stage often entails multiple rounds of interactions with the hiring team. These interactions may include meetings with the hiring manager, team lead, business leader or partner, and even function heads.
These discussions provide a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's fit within the team, alignment with the organization's goals, and ability to contribute effectively to the company's success.
The recruitment process at KPMG for CA freshmen involves a thorough assessment of candidates' skills, knowledge, and attributes, ensuring that they are well-suited for the roles within the organization.
Employee Reviews about KPMG
1. What do your coworkers need to improve, and how could you work together better?
- Again, manager effectiveness and senior associates tend to get priority.
- Biases are all across the board.
- Avoid aggression in discussions, which are very common, and delegate their mandatory responsibilities to other colleagues. (Review from Finance Dept.)
- E grades are very weak (Review from Finance Dept.)
- Co-workers can stop discriminating against people who have a different background than the majority
2. What is most positive about the culture and environment at your company?
- The collaborative and continual learning cultural foundation is what I find most appealing to me.
- Our common commitment to our values.
- Work from home and flexible working arrangements are respected.
- KPMG has a focus on community. Volunteer hours and groups you are encouraged to join that are about topics you are interested in. Positivity is a choice they make all the time, and it is built into the structure and culture at KPMG.
- Very toxic from leadership, but other employees are fine. Leadership doesn't set clear expectations and use them consistently across the board.
3. What did you like most about the interview process?
- The people who will interview you are knowledgeable and very polite.
- I like that I interviewed directly with a manager.
- It is very easy and straightforward.
- doesn't vet people and give you a good picture of what consulting is like.
- The interview is easy, as long as you have firm experience.
If you're looking for a job opportunity with the Big 4, click the link to apply!
FAQs
To apply for a CA fresher role at KPMG, you can submit your application directly on KPMG’s official career portal, attend campus recruitment events, participate in off-campus drives, or use job portals like jobaaj.com. Tailor your application to highlight your qualifications, articleship experience, and technical skills, such as knowledge of Indian GAAP, IFRS, and proficiency in MS Excel.
The KPMG selection process for CA freshers typically includes the following steps:
- Online Assessment Test: This evaluates logical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and subject knowledge.
- Group Discussion: Assessing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.
- Case Study Round: Candidates analyze real-world business scenarios.
- Interviews: Multiple rounds to evaluate technical competency, personality, and overall fit for KPMG. Preparing thoroughly for each stage is key to standing out.
As a CA fresher at KPMG, you should have:
- Strong knowledge of audit and accounting principles (Indian GAAP, IFRS, US GAAP).
- Proficiency in MS Excel and other MS Office tools.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with clients and team members.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to excel in case studies and real-time projects.
The interview process at KPMG involves multiple stages, including a technical interview where you will be assessed on your subject knowledge. You may be asked questions related to audit procedures, financial regulations, and your approach to client interaction. The interview also evaluates your ability to handle real-world challenges, communication skills, and teamwork capabilities.
As a CA fresher at KPMG, you can expect substantial career growth opportunities. KPMG offers structured learning and development programs, including training, mentoring, and access to global resources. You will have opportunities to work on diverse client projects, which will help you gain expertise in areas like audit, taxation, and advisory services. Over time, this exposure can lead to managerial roles and specialization in high-demand fields.
