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Frequently Asked Questions
About KPMG
Career Opportunities at KPMG
The Application Process
The Interview and Hiring Process
On the Job
Total Rewards Package
Mobility at KPMG
Changes to CA Qualification Requirements
You and KPMG – Before You Start Your Career
About KPMG
What does the Perfect Fit mean to KPMG?
One of the most important decisions you will ever make is where to start your career. You want to find a place where you can grow and develop every day. That's why it makes sense to take a good hard look at your options and find an organization that fits your needs.
At KPMG, we believe a good fit between you and your employer is very important. Finding that Perfect Fit is all about determining where you will have opportunities to grow, develop, and be true to your own aspirations.
At KPMG, you’ll work with some of Canada’s leading professionals in top organizations across the country. We recognize that it is our ability to build relationships that sets us apart— relationships with our clients, future clients, communities, global network of firms, and, most importantly, with each other. Join our team today!
We want you to feel confident that you have chosen the Perfect Fit for your career, your future, your life. Take a moment to hear about why some of our people decided that KPMG was the Perfect Fit for them by clicking here to watch video clips of their stories.
What do the letters KPMG stand for?
Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler.
What services does KPMG offer?
KPMG offers services in three core areas: Audit, Tax, and Advisory. In addition, KPMG Enterprise is devoted exclusively to serving the needs of private companies in Canada. Our teams of experienced advisers offer their knowledge and skills to help companies enhance their performance.
Our Audit practice helps companies keep pace with today’s competitive and fast moving business environment by assessing their risk and ensuring transparency across their operations. Click here to read about A Day in the Life of an Audit Professional.
Our Tax professionals deliver long lasting value by helping clients understand the long-term impact of tax decisions while effectively managing their tax obligations, both in Canada and around the world. Click here to read about A Day in the Life of a Tax Professional.
Our Advisory practice helps clients who are focused on change in their markets and in their businesses—clients who are repositioning, driving new markets and products, acquiring new businesses, and seeking efficiencies. Click here to read about A Day in the Life of an Advisory Professional.
KPMG EnterpriseTM serves the needs of private companies in Canada and offers a variety of services to meet their ever-changing and diverse needs. Our KPMG Enterprise professionals understand the concerns and issues faced by private companies and can provide responsive and effective advice. Click here to read about A Day in the Life of an Enterprise Professional.
Does KPMG have a global presence?
KPMG is the Canadian member firm affiliated with KPMG International, a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. Member firms operate in 144 countries and have more than 137,000 professionals working around the world. While KPMG International is made up of independent member firms in each country, offices worldwide are linked together in many ways, from shared technology to shared values. We encourage our people to take full advantage of this global network through our Global Opportunities program, which allows our employees to work in member firms throughout the world.
To find out more about our Global Opportunities program, click here.
What industries does KPMG serve?
KPMG has the following industry focused lines of business:
- Financial Services
- Real Estate
- Industrial Markets
- Mining
- Energy
- Consumer Markets
- Information, Communication, and Entertainment
- Public Sector
- Private Equity.
Click here read more about KPMG's industry focused lines of business.
What is the firm's corporate culture like?
Our culture is friendly, respectful, and approachable. We allow people to develop strong, enduring, and independent working relationships with both their clients and their colleagues. Our offices are team-oriented and collaborative places to work. This means that everyone, from your teammates to the managing partner, is invested in your success.
Does KPMG provide its employees with opportunities to socialize outside the office?
Local office social committees, sports teams, and employee appreciation celebrations are just some of the ways we try to create a sense of community among our people. Participating in KPMG Volunteers, our firm-wide volunteer day, is also a great opportunity to get to know your co-workers outside of the office while making a difference in your community.
To find out more about KPMG Volunteers, click here.
Is KPMG committed to diversity?
At KPMG, we work hard to provide an inclusive workplace environment for all our people—one that values each individual's uniqueness and contribution. Our goal is to ensure we are leveraging, valuing, and encouraging diversity in thought, perspective, and approach to create an open and inclusive work environment where both business and personal growth can be accomplished.
We have numerous programs in place to help ensure that everyone is made to feel a part of our team. Another way we encourage diversity in a meaningful way is by sponsoring networks that support our team members.
Through our “Your Network. Your Way.” program, there are opportunities for anyone at KPMG to create a new network supporting their interests. All it takes is the initiative of one person to get a new network started at the firm. Some of our established networks include:
- WIN@KPMG (Women's Interchange Network)
- pride@KPMG
- The International Club
- The Parents of Special Needs Children Network.
To find out more about our commitment to diversity, click here.
Career Opportunities at KPMG
What are the different ways I can obtain my CA designation at KPMG?
The majority of our incoming new recruits will work directly for our Audit practice. In select offices, KPMG also hires new recruits directly into our Tax or Advisory practices through either our Tax or Advisory Direct-Entry Training Programs or our Rotational Training Programs. To learn about these new and exciting opportunities, click here for more information.
How do I find out more information about the CA Training Programs available in the location I am interested in?
To learn more about the CA Training Programs that are available in your local market, please contact your local KPMG recruiter.
Are summer students and co-ops eligible to apply for a position in any of KPMG’s CA Training Programs?
It is a local office decision as to whether they will offer these opportunities to Summer Interns and Co-ops. Please contact your local KPMG recruiter.
Do you hire people who have other designations such as their CGA, CMA, MBA, etc.?
Some of our locations hire individuals interested in pursuing their CGA/CMA designations while working at KPMG. These positions are primarily for our Enterprise practice, which works exclusively with privately-owned businesses. We provide time off for exams and pay your exam and membership fees through
KPMG's Accreditation Awards. Those who successfully complete either the CGA/CMA designation will receive $2,000. Click here to learn more.
If you are a university student interested in working at KPMG and pursuing either your CGA or CMA designation, please refer to the appropriate career posting on our Opportunities page by clicking here.
If you have already attained your CGA/CMA designation or have an MBA and are interested in a position at KPMG that requires one of the above designations, please refer to our main Web site at www.kpmg.ca/careers and select Experienced Professionals.
How do can I find information on opportunities available within KPMG's National Shared Services Group (e.g. Information Technology Services, Sales and Marketing, Finance and Administration, and Human Resources)?
For more information on these types of careers at KPMG and for the most current list of available positions in Canada, check our Web site at "http://www.kpmg.ca/careers" under the Experienced Professionals Section. For positions outside of Canada, visit http://www.kpmg.com/Global/JoinUs/Pages/default.aspx.
Within the Experienced Professionals site in Canada, you will find descriptions of our business practices, the most current job postings, and a section where you can apply to future postings.
Please apply to positions on-line as it is the most efficient way for our recruiters to view your resume.
The Application Process
What is the process for applying to KPMG as a new graduate?
The majority of our campus recruitment for full-time, summer, and co-op positions takes place in the fall across the country. Check with your local career centre to determine when KPMG will be at your campus.
Please apply directly to KPMG using our online application system, which you may access at www.kpmg.ca/careers. Select Campus Recruiting, click the Apply Now button, and select Search Openings or Featured Jobs to view job postings for all KPMG locations.
You will be able to upload your attachments, including a copy of your CACEE form, resume, cover letter, and transcript, without losing the formatting of your documents.
Please refer to the corresponding job posting for the required documents to be included and have these ready before completing the application form. Apply to only ONE posting at your preferred office location. You will be given the opportunity to rank other locations of interest using the pre-screening questions. These rankings will be used to direct your application to the most appropriate office.
How do I apply for a summer internship/ co-op position with KPMG?
Recruitment for the majority of our summer and co-op positions takes place in the fall at the same time as our full-time recruitment. Please check with your local career centre to determine when KPMG will be at your campus. The application process for summer and co-op candidates is identical to the full-time process described above.
How do I apply to one of the new CA training programs that are available at KPMG, including the Rotational CA Training Programs or the Direct-toTax or Direct-toAdvisory CA Training Programs?
All candidates should apply directly to KPMG using our on-line application system, which can be accessed via our webpage at www.kpmg.ca/careers. Here, candidates will be able to view Career Postings for all KPMG Canada locations and should apply to the location that they are most interested in.
Those locations who are offering positions in Tax or Advisory will ask candidates to identify their preferred function as part of the application process. Candidates will be given the opportunity to indicate if they would also like to be considered for employment in the Audit practice in addition to either Tax or Advisory and will be asked to answer the question “Why is a career in Tax / Advisory a perfect fit for you?”
What can I do if I have problems accessing the job postings on the Web site and/or submitting my application?
A contact name and phone number is provided on each electronic posting if you have any questions during the application process.
I'm an international student interested in a co-op/summer internship with your firm. How do I apply?
Foreign students enrolled in selected publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in certain provinces and territories are now eligible to work off campus while completing their studies if they hold a student work permit in conjunction with their study permit. However, students are required to meet specific eligibility criteria.
We recommend that you check with your university career centre to determine if you are eligible to work off campus during your co-op terms. If you are eligible, please apply directly to KPMG using our online application system at www.kpmg.ca/careers. You must present the appropriate work permit before you will be allowed to start work.
I'm an international student interested in a full-time position with your firm. How do I apply?
If you are an international student interested in becoming a Canadian Chartered Accountant , you will need to check with the provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants for the province in which you will be residing to determine what courses you will need, as there are certain courses that you must take in Canada in order to pursue this designation.
You can visit the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Web site at http://www.cica.ca for links to all of the provincial institutes. Before applying to any firm, you should ensure that you will be legally eligible to work in Canada for the specified period of time required to complete the requirements of a Canadian CA designation.
Consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site at www.cic.gc.ca for more information about work permits. You must present a valid work permit before you will be allowed to start work.
The Interview and Hiring Process
What criteria do you use to choose successful candidates?
KPMG continues to look to hire individuals with a wide-ranging and diverse skill set who are enthusiastic to take on the variety of challenges and opportunities regardless of the career path that they choose.
We are looking for candidates who possess the following:
- A balance of a strong academic background together with active extra-curricular involvement
- Strong client service skills and excellent written and oral communication ability
- Diverse experience in team building and leadership scenarios
- A conscientious work ethic and an enthusiastic drive and motivation to succeed
- Previous experience in Tax or Advisory is a plus for Direct-Entry Tax, Direct-Entry Advisory and Rotational CA Training Program candidates but is not required.
How many students do you hire from each university?
The mix of students we recruit from the various campuses varies from year to year and depends on the quality of the students that apply in the current year.
Do I have to be in my third year to apply for an internship with KPMG?
We hire both second- and third-year students for our summer internship and co-op programs.
Do you hire people who have other designations, such as their CGA, CMA, MBA, etc.?
If you have already attained your CGA/CMA designation or have an MBA and are interested in a position at KPMG that requires one of the above designations, please refer to our main Web site at www.kpmg.ca/careers and select Experienced Professionals.
Some of our locations also hire students interested in pursuing the CGA/CMA designations while working at KPMG.
How should I prepare for my interview?
Click here to read our many interview tips for getting the job.
On the Job
What training and mentoring can I expect in my first year at KPMG?
Within the first few weeks, new hires are sent to our Audit Fundamentals course, designed to help you understand what is expected of a first year staff accountant.
Our new hires in our Direct-to-Tax and Direct-to-Advisory CA Training Programs also participate in Audit Fundamentals. This helps to ensure these candidates have an understanding of one of our firm’s core services. It also aids all candidates with the development of core Audit competencies and technical knowledge which are critical for success on CA professional exams, including the UFE.
During your first 3 months with the firm, additional learning will take place through a series of self-study and local office programs, as well as e-Learning sessions, in order to provide you with all of the tools that you need during your first year. Click here to learn more about KPMG's formal Learning Programs.
However, the best education you will receive at KPMG is on-the-job training, where you will learn about auditing, accounting, tax and advisory services and how we run our business. Our senior staff members are very committed to mentoring and developing their team members and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
We also select a number of new hires to attend Global Audit I Training, where new hires from member firms across the world gather for 1 week to learn the basics of auditing in a truly unique experience.
To find out more about Global Audit I Training, click here.
What program(s) do you offer for UFE preparation?
KPMG offers one of the most thorough and effective UFE preparation courses available today, combining hands-on learning, practice exams, and electronic marking.
We are invested in the success of our people, and we work hard to make sure our CA students feel supported throughout the process. Each of our students is paired up with a recent successful UFE writer who acts as their learning coach and is there to answer questions and provide encouragement from start to finish.
All of our CA students, in all of our CA Training Programs receive the same UFE training as they are all required to write the UFE
To learn more about KPMG's UFE preparation course, click here.
What is the dress code at KPMG?
Professionalism is a cornerstone of KPMG's reputation and an important part of how we present ourselves to our clients. The dress code at KPMG is "dress for the occasion," which means our employees consider where they are going and who they will be meeting, and dress accordingly. Business casual is generally appropriate, unless you are at a client location that requires professional attire.
How much responsibility do first year staff accountants, summer interns, and co-op students have?
The training and practical experience provided to first year staff accountants focuses on developing their business advisory skills. Our diverse client portfolio provides opportunities for you to gain experience with audits and review engagements, compilation assignments, and corporate and personal income tax.
As a staff accountant, you will work under close supervision. As your skills develop, you are given increased responsibility and autonomy. Practical on-the-job experience is augmented by timely in-house training programs designed to equip you with the skills you need to succeed and take on additional responsibilities.
One of the advantages of becoming a summer intern at KPMG is that we provide you with choices. Our unique program allows you to work in Audit and explore other areas, such as Tax, Advisory, or one of our many other specialty groups, during your summer term. Please check with your local office for the specifics of the summer intern program in your area.
How will my progress at KPMG be measured?
At KPMG, we believe in providing continuous evaluation and feedback so our people know what they are doing well and how they can improve. This is why each and every employee has a performance manager who provides feedback and coaching.
Specifically, your performance manager will help with the following:
- Goal Setting – At the beginning of each fiscal year (October 1), your performance manager will help you develop a list of personal goals, which are aligned with the firm as a whole. To help you with this process, KPMG has developed Learning Paths to explain development expectations and professional practices.
- Engagement Review – At the end of each client engagement of 35 hours or more, you will complete a self-evaluation of your progress to be submitted to your Engagement and Performance Manager.
- Mid-Year and Year-End Reviews – These reviews will help you to stay on track and ensure that you are on your way to achieving your goals.
In addition to working with your performance manager, you will also have the opportunity to use Dialogue, KPMG's Web-enabled performance management process, to map you career aspirations, track your progress, and maximize your potential.
What is Dialogue?
Dialogue is the Web-enabled global performance management process used by KPMG people in member firms around the world to support both performance and personal development goals.
Each year, Dialogue aligns the goals of every individual with our overall business objectives and strategies, helping us to increase our potential as individuals and as a firm.
Dialogue aligns staff development with personal goals, career aspirations, performance reviews, and ratings, and generally helps communication between managers and direct reports.
Total Rewards Package
By what percentage do salaries increase each year?
At KPMG, we have a performance-based culture. Salary increases are based on a number of factors, including whether your business unit achieved its objectives, and whether you achieved your personal objectives. We also consider other factors, such as market demand and competitive pressures. We regularly compare our salaries with those of other professional services firms, as well as other industries.
Are there any additional salary components beyond base pay?
KPMG is pleased to offer the Profit $haring and Performance plan (P$P) that recognizes and rewards eligible employees for their contributions to the firm's success.
The P$P is designed to:
- Share a portion of the growth in net income with those who helped create it
- Support the firm's vision and strategy, and emphasize the importance of a one team, one firm approach
- Reinforce our reward philosophy of delivering competitive pay and encouraging performance.
Are there any other incentive components in KPMG’s Total Rewards package?
At KPMG, your Total Rewards include much more than just salary. When comparing compensation by firms, it is necessary to evaluate all compensation components. In addition to our basic salary, KPMG offers:
- Profit $haring and Performance plan (P$P) – our annual performance bonus program
- enCORE – our employee recognition program
- Fitness membership and equipment reimbursements
- Accreditation Awards for completing certain types of designations, including the CA designation
- Re-imbursement of certain educational costs under our Learning For All program (e.g., qualified tuition costs, books)
- Personal care time of up to 50 hours, in addition to health and vacation time
- One of the best flexible benefits programs in the industry
- Paid UFE training and exam study days
- Staff pension plan.
What types of benefits coverage does KPMG provide to its employees?
KPMG's Flexible Benefits program ranks among the very best in the industry. Our program offers a variety of benefit options to choose from and allows you to manage your health, dental, and insurance needs in a way that works best for you.
Using flex dollars, you can create a customized benefits program specifically suited to your needs; this way, you can get the benefits you need and will use.
Mobility at KPMG
Do you encourage employees to move around within the firm?
One of the advantages of KPMG is that we provide you with choices. At KPMG, you have great flexibility to move throughout the organization. Begin in Audit and then explore other avenues, such as Tax, Advisory, or any of our industry teams. You also have the opportunity to move within Canada to another office. We offer a diverse range of opportunities whenever you're ready for a new challenge.
Will I be able to do an international transfer through KPMG?
Yes! KPMG International’s member firms operate in 144 countries worldwide and our Global Opportunities program gives you opportunities to broaden your career through cross-border and international transfers.
To learn more about opportunities to work internationally, visit the Global Opportunities page section of this site.
What are the expectations for travel once I join the firm—within Canada and throughout North America?
As a KPMG employee, your skills may be needed down the street, across the country, or even across the border. You may be asked to work on assignments either within your own office or throughout North America, so the opportunity to travel is definitely there. Exactly where and how often you travel will depend on your practice area, your industry focus, and also your desire to travel.
Changes to CA Qualification Requirements
What changes have been made to the CA qualification requirements and how is KPMG responding?
All CA students starting employment with KPMG after September 2009, and registering with their provincial institute or region professional programs after this date, will be required to qualify under the new CA qualification requirements. The primary change involves CA students tracking, reflecting upon, and assessing CA competency development in the workplace in conjunction with regular performance reviews. KPMG has worked closely with the CA profession to develop a leading process to support our students. To learn more about the specific requirements, you can also visit the CICA Web site at www.cica.ca.
By expanding the experience requirements, training offices like KPMG will now be able to create non-licensable CA training positions in taxation and business advisory in addition to audit and assurance. To learn more about the CA Training Programs available at KPMG, click here.
What is the difference between a “licensable CA Training Program” and a “non-licensable CA Training Program” at KPMG? And what are the implications for CA Candidates?
At KPMG, our Audit Training Program and Rotational Programs are licensable, as they require CA candidates to obtain prescribed hours, mandated by the CA profession, in audit, assurance and taxation engagement work which meet the licensing requirements.
Our Direct-to-Tax and Direct-to-Advisory programs are non-licensable. CA candidates working in these programs are still required to obtain prescribed chargeable hours through on-the-job engagement work, but not the same hours as the Audit program. As a result, when you complete these programs, you will not have the hours required to apply for a license to practice public accounting from the CA profession. You can go on to obtain these hours later in your career, if required or desired.
To learn more about the CA profession’s rules for licensing or public accounting, visit the CICA Web site.
You and KPMG – Before You Start Your Career
Does KPMG offer any programs for students who are not yet finished university?
KPMG has several programs designed for university students who are not yet ready to begin work with the firm but who are eager to get a glimpse into the life of one of our employees. Speak to your career centre to get more information on these events and other opportunities to learn more about a career with KPMG.
Fast Forward
The Fast Forward Leadership Conference takes place over 3 days in July in Hollywood, California, and is an opportunity for selected first and second year university students to get an in-depth look at a career in accounting, as well as a chance to improve their leadership skills with sessions provided by the Ken Blanchard Companies.
Click here for more information on Fast Forward and how to apply.
Ace the Case
Ace the Case is a KPMG-designed and delivered workshop available to first and second year university students as an opportunity to improve their case-writing and analysis capabilities, as well as their presentation skills. Along with a chance to meet both KPMG employees and fellow university students, Ace the Case provides some early exposure to some of KPMG's proven UFE training methods and gives you an early start on the path to UFE success! You can click here for more information on Ace the Case or to see how you can apply to take part.
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