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Since a number of European firms merged to form KPMG Europe LLP, they have become the largest fully-integrated accountancy firm in Europe, offering Audit, Tax and Advisory services to everyone from oil companies to music gurus advising on risk and helping to improve their financial performance.

KMPG can boast over 556 partners and employ more 10 000 people working in the UK and a global network of member firms operating in 144 countries around the world.

Off the Record

Since the integration over several European firms merged to form KPMG Europe LLP there has been a strong focus on their three main practice areas; Audit, Tax and Advisory.

There is a strong emphasis on the people that work for KPMG and an outstanding training programme. However, due to the nature of the work you must expect to work long hours at certain times, but often the rewards outweigh these demands.

Work Focus

KPMG provide services for their clients in Audit, Tax and Advisory. Graduates have the opportunity to do undertake accounting work, transactions, proposals or regulatory work and depending on the focus of the graduate, working based activities range from mergers & acquisitions, financing, treasury management, internal audit, business security and continuity, restructuring and outsourcing, intellectual property, fraud investigations and external reporting. Furthermore, there are also secondment opportunities to other audit practices in the UK, to different sectors and, occasionally, to their clients.

They also provide graduates with numerous opportunities to advance themselves through professional training such the tax graduate training contract and the chance to train in other specialised areas like the Japanese Tax Practice.

What they want

KPMG looks for candidates with a strong academic history, both in law and non-law disciplines. The basic requirement is for a 2:1 degree in any category. Candidates should be able to display ability in four key areas: academic results, work experience, skills and abilities, and career motivation. Despite the focus on qualifications, it’s not all work and no play.

In addition, candidates fort KPMG should combine the above with good technical skills, problem-solving abilities and commercial focus. They are also interested in people with a lot of integrity – good team workers who can build effective relationships, learn from experience and bring out the best in others.

Recruitment goes on all year round and new graduates begin annually in autumn. They are currently recruiting for 2009 and 2010.

Internships

KPMG offers a one year business placement for anyone doing a sandwich course and have positions all over the country, although competition is hot. The work will often be demanding and, like any job, can have some mundane aspects. At other times, it will stretch candidates’ energies and capabilities to the limit. In addition to the long hours there are plenty of opportunities for a good social life with colleagues when the job is done.

Sponsorship/Rewards

The benefits at KPMG include flexible working opportunities, CSR days, sabbatical opportunities and free lunches to their employees as well as high competitive rates of pay as you would expect from a leading accountancy firm.

Applying

You can apply for both graduate positions and the one year business placement online www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/. Further information can be sought on the website where you can participate in virtual chat with people who are currently working for KPMG. There are also lots of interactive features from other graduates with videos, interactive mind games and to give you a better understanding of what you can expect at KPMG.

There is no deadline for applications and KPMG take applications all year round.

Helen Bobbitt

KPMG Marketing Executive

Recruitment and Resourcing Marketing

01-10-2009