20 KPMG Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the world’s leading professional services networks, KPMG is always in high demand. If you’re lucky enough to land an interview with this prestigious company, you’ll want to be prepared with answers to some common KPMG interview questions.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the interview process at KPMG, as well as some sample questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

KPMG Interview Process

The interview process at KPMG is quite lengthy, and can take up to two months to complete. It consists of four rounds: CV screening, a technical test, a group interview, and an individual interview. The difficulty level of the interviews increases with each round.

Overall, the experience is positive, and interviewers are friendly and professional. However, candidates should be prepared for a stress interview in the final round.

1. What do you think is the most important quality for a consultant to have?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the role and how you would perform it. You can use examples from your experience or discuss qualities that are important to you personally.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a consultant is being able to communicate effectively with clients. I have had many experiences where my communication skills helped me solve problems, clarify information and build rapport with clients. In my last position, I was working on a project for a client who was having trouble understanding some of our findings. I took time to explain the results in more detail and answer any questions they had until they understood everything.”

2. Describe a time when you had to deal with an angry and/or difficult client. How did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. It also shows the interviewer how you can handle conflict in the workplace.

Example: “I once had a client who was very upset about our audit findings. They were unhappy with some of our recommendations, but I explained that we only want what’s best for them. I tried to be as empathetic as possible while still remaining professional. In the end, they understood my reasoning and accepted our findings.”

3. What are your thoughts on the current state of the economy?

The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your knowledge of the current economic climate and how it affects businesses. Use examples from your personal experience or discuss what you’ve read in the news about the economy’s performance.

Example: “I believe that the economy is currently performing well, however, I do think there are some areas where we can improve. For example, I would like to see more jobs created for young people entering the workforce. In my last job, I noticed that many companies were having a hard time finding qualified employees. This led me to create an internship program at our firm so we could train new hires.”

4. KPMG has recently been focused on creating an inclusive environment, what are your thoughts on that initiative?

KPMG is a global network of independent member firms, and as such, each office has its own unique culture. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you are aware of KPMG’s diversity initiatives and how they apply to the specific office where you’re interviewing. In your answer, try to show that you understand the importance of creating an inclusive workplace and can relate it to your personal experiences.

Example: “I think it’s important for companies to create inclusive work environments because diverse teams lead to better business outcomes. I’ve seen firsthand how having a more diverse team at my previous job helped us attract new clients. For example, we had a client who was looking for a company with a diverse workforce, so when they saw our website, they knew we were the right fit for them.”

5. How much experience do you have working in a team environment?

Working in a team environment is an important part of the KPMG culture. The interviewer will want to know that you are comfortable working with others and can contribute to a group effort.

Example: “I have worked in a team setting for most of my career, starting as a junior accountant at my current firm. I enjoy collaborating with other professionals on projects because it allows me to learn from their experiences and expertise. In fact, I find that having multiple perspectives on a problem or opportunity often leads to more creative solutions.”

6. Tell me about a time when one of your projects did not turn out as expected.

This question can help the interviewer get a better understanding of how you respond to challenges and use them as opportunities for growth. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you faced a challenge but still managed to achieve your goals or objectives.

Example: “In my first year working at KPMG, I was assigned to work on a project that involved auditing a company’s financial records. The client had recently undergone some major changes in management, which made it difficult to find all of the information we needed to complete our audit. We were able to gather enough information to complete the audit, however, and found no discrepancies with their finances.”

7. What qualities should someone look for in choosing a career path?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the accounting industry and how you plan for your career. When answering, it can be helpful to mention qualities that are important to you personally or professionally.

Example: “I think someone should look for a career path that aligns with their interests and values. I chose my current career because I enjoy working with numbers and helping people understand complex financial information. I also value flexibility and independence, so I am excited about the opportunity to work as an accountant at KPMG.”

8. What would you say is your biggest weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know that you are self-aware and willing to work on your weaknesses. When answering this question, try to think of something that you have actively worked on improving or something that you would like to improve.

Example: “I am an extremely organized person, so I find it difficult to delegate tasks. In the past, I’ve been reluctant to give up control over projects because I wanted them done exactly how I envisioned. However, I’ve learned that delegating tasks can help me get more work done and allow my team members to develop their skills.”

9. Tell us some ways that you’ve worked with clients to help them improve their business.

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach your work and the value you add to clients. Use examples from previous experiences where you helped a client improve their business processes or financial management systems.

Example: “In my last role, I worked with a small nonprofit organization that was looking for ways to increase its revenue without taking on more fundraising projects. We analyzed the organization’s finances and found that they were spending too much money on administrative costs. After some discussion, we decided to hire an additional staff member who could take over some of the daily tasks so the executive director could focus on fundraising.”

10. Why do you want to work at KPMG?

This question is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and company. When answering, it can be helpful to mention something specific about KPMG that you admire or find interesting.

Example: “I want to work at KPMG because I am passionate about accounting and finance. In my last job, I worked with small businesses on their financial statements, which was very rewarding. However, I also have an interest in working with larger companies and corporations. I think KPMG would be a great place to gain experience in both areas.”

11. Do you have any experience dealing with stakeholders or upper management?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you might interact with their team. Use examples from your experience to show that you’re a strong communicator and have good interpersonal skills.

Example: “In my current role, I’ve had to work with stakeholders on several occasions. For example, when working on a client’s annual report, I met with senior management to discuss our findings. They were very pleased with our progress and asked us to continue working on the project. This was an excellent opportunity for me to showcase my communication skills and ability to collaborate with others.”

12. Are you comfortable with public speaking?

Public speaking is a common requirement for many accounting positions. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the confidence and skills necessary to speak in front of large groups. In your answer, explain that you are willing to do public speaking if it’s required of you. Share an example of a time when you had to give a presentation or speech. Explain what steps you took to prepare yourself for the event.

Example: “I am comfortable with public speaking. I’ve given several presentations in my previous roles. My favorite part about public speaking is learning new things. When preparing for a presentation, I like to read up on the topic beforehand so I can share interesting facts with the audience. This helps me feel more confident while presenting.”

13. If hired, how will you contribute to our company culture?

KPMG is a global company with offices in many countries. The interviewer wants to know how you will fit into the team and contribute to the overall success of the organization. Show that you understand KPMG’s culture by describing what it means to you.

Example: “I’ve done my research on KPMG, and I can see that your company values innovation and teamwork. I’m an innovative thinker who always looks for new ways to improve processes and solve problems. In my last role, I was part of a team that developed a new software program that streamlined our client onboarding process. I would love to be part of another team that collaborates to create something great.”

14. What type of audit assignments have you worked on before?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how you can apply it to their company. When answering this question, be sure to include what type of audit you performed and any unique aspects of the assignment.

Example: “In my current role as an internal auditor at XYZ Company, I have worked on many different types of audits. Some of these assignments included financial statement audits, compliance audits and operational audits. In addition to these standard audits, I also completed some special projects that required me to use my critical thinking skills.”

15. What are your salary expectations?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re a good fit for their company. They want someone who is willing to work hard and be paid fairly. Before your interview, research the average salary for the position in that area. Use this information to give an answer that shows you understand what’s fair.

Example: “I’m looking for a salary of $50,000 per year. I know that this is slightly higher than the national average, but I feel my experience makes me worth it. I also have some ideas on how we can save money within the organization.”

16. Have you ever worked in a fast-paced job?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re ready for the fast-paced environment of a large accounting firm. They want to know that you can handle working in an environment where there’s a lot of pressure and deadlines are always looming. In your answer, explain how you’ve handled similar situations in the past.

Example: “In my last job, I was often under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines. However, I’m used to working in high-pressure environments. I find that if I stay organized and prioritize tasks, I can get everything done on time. I think I would be able to do well in a role like yours.”

17. Provide an example of a time you used data analytics to drive decisions.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your analytical skills and how you apply them in the workplace. Use examples from previous work experiences that highlight your ability to analyze data, interpret results and make recommendations based on those findings.

Example: “In my last role as a senior accountant, I was responsible for analyzing client financial statements and identifying areas of improvement. One of my clients had been experiencing declining sales over the past year, so I used data analytics software to examine their revenue streams and identify any discrepancies or errors. After reviewing several months’ worth of data, I discovered that one of our suppliers had not been delivering products to the company as scheduled. By discovering this issue early, we were able to find a new supplier before running out of inventory.”

18. What are your career goals?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are motivated and have a plan for your career. It’s important to be honest about what you want, but it can also be helpful to include some of the things you’re doing to achieve those goals.

Example: “I’m currently working toward my CPA certification, which I hope to complete by next year. In the meantime, I am looking for a position where I can use my skills in accounting and financial analysis. My ultimate goal is to work as an accountant or auditor at a large company like KPMG.”

19. What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your skills and accomplishments. It’s important to be honest, but you can also choose a professional achievement that relates to the job description or company values.

Example: “My greatest professional achievement was when I helped my client achieve their goal of becoming more environmentally friendly by reducing waste production by 20% in one year. This accomplishment required me to work with all departments within the organization to create a plan for implementing new recycling practices and reduce energy consumption. We were able to meet our goals ahead of schedule, which saved the company money.”

20. How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in consulting?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you are committed to your career and how much effort you put into staying current with industry news. To answer, think about the ways you stay informed on trends in consulting. Consider mentioning a few of the resources you use to learn more about the latest developments in the field.

Example: “I am passionate about my career, so I make it a point to read up on the latest news and research in the accounting world. In addition to reading trade publications, I also subscribe to several online newsletters that provide valuable insights into the latest technologies and techniques for improving client satisfaction.”