What it does: KPMG provides services such as assurance, tax consultancy, accounting, auditing, strategy consulting, and management consulting to its clients. This company also carries out surveys on commercial and merchant banks.
Mission: KPMG's mission is to leverage its expertise and comprehension of industries and business trends, and information to provide value for its clientele, the general society, and the capital markets.
Size and presence: KPMG employs around 14,000 staff members to man its 22 offices across the UK.
Best known for: KPMG is part of an elite circle known as the Big Four, which also includes Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and PwC. This professional service firm is also known for servicing some biggest clients in the world, including some top banks. The firm has several awards, such as "Times Top 50 Employer for Women", which it has won 12 times, and it's the 10th-ranked company among top UK companies on LinkedIn, among many others.
The good bits: KPMG offers some of the best career opportunities in the industry. There are numerous perks and benefits to enjoy as an employee. The firm is innovation-friendly. The pay is good
The not so good bits: There is high work pressure because employees have to meet tight deadlines.
The rich and lengthy history of KPMG dates back to the late 19th century, in 1870. This was the year William Barclay Peat began working at the firm he eventually took control of. Twenty-one years later, after the death of Roderick Mackay, the firm adopted Peat's name and was rebranded to W B Peat & Co. In 1886, James Marwick became a chartered accountant and started his accounting practice in Glasgow. In 1895, he opened another office in New York. In 1910, during his journey to his new office in Paris via the RMS Lusitania, Marwick crossed paths with Peat, and a merger deal was born. The merged company was initially named Marwick, Mitchell, Peat & Co, but later rebranded to Marwick, Mitchell & Co.
In 1953, Dr Reinhard Goerdeler joined Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft. Twenty-two years later, the company merged with Piet Klynveld's company to become Klynveld Main Goerdeler. In 1985, this firm merged with Marwick, Mitchell & Co to become KPMG Peat Marwick. Later, it rebranded to KPMG, which it uses today. Fast forward to the 21st century, KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler) becomes the first UK company to pay its employees living wages. Today, the firm is one of the most prominent accounting and advisory firms in the world.
KPMG's culture is premised on five core values: Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, and For Better. The company has an inclusive work environment that welcomes everyone and treats them equally so that every staff member feels like they belong in the KPMG family. There's mutual respect between co-workers. The company's management is honest and invested in the improvement and well-being of the employees. A healthy working environment is a good place for fresh graduates and interns to begin their professional careers.
KPMG adopts a thorough hiring process to select the most qualified applicants for job vacancies. After reviewing submitted applications, selected applicants are subjected to a written assessment, group discussion on industry-related topics, technical interview, and HR interview.
KPMG has proven over time that they are the company to work with. They provide opportunities for interns, fresh graduates, and experienced professionals so no one is left out. Their apprenticeship programme is designed to give undergraduates practical employment experience that can come in handy when they complete their studies. They also offer a 12-month business placement programme providing personal development opportunities and technical training to undergraduates. There are also graduate programmes on which fresh graduates can enrol to enhance their chances of having a career at KPMG.
The average annual pay of a fresher at KPMG UK is £35,408.
Through the KPMG foundation, this company collaborates with other agencies to provide care and support to vulnerable kids and youths in the UK.
According to several credible news sources, KPMG faced disciplinary action for the Carillion Audit.