KPMG Interview Questions: What You Could Be Asked and How to Answer

The KPMG Interview Process

1. Application and Resume Submission

Before the interview process begins, the first step is submitting your application. You’ll need to apply through KPMG’s online portal, where you will be asked to upload your resume and fill out personal details. In some cases, you might also need to submit a cover letter, particularly if you are applying for a specialized role or a graduate program.

Key Tips:

• Tailor your resume: Make sure your resume highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and academic qualifications. Use keywords from the job description to match your background with the role’s requirements.
• Write a strong cover letter: Your cover letter should showcase your motivation for applying to KPMG, as well as demonstrate your understanding of the company’s values and culture.
• Research the role: Understand the job description thoroughly to ensure you address the specific skills and experiences required.

2. Online Assessments (If Applicable)

After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete online assessments. These assessments are typically used to evaluate your aptitude, personality, and sometimes technical skills.

Types of Assessments:

• Aptitude Tests: These can include numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning tests. Numerical tests often involve interpreting data from charts and graphs, whereas verbal reasoning tests assess your ability to understand and interpret written information.
• Personality and Situational Judgment Tests: KPMG uses these tests to assess how well you fit into their company culture and how you would respond to certain work situations. These tests usually measure traits like teamwork, communication, and decision-making.

Key Tips:

• Practice beforehand: Take time to practice aptitude and personality tests. There are many free practice tests available online that can help you prepare.
• Stay calm and focused: These tests are designed to evaluate how you think under pressure. Take your time, but don’t dwell too long on any one question.

3. Phone/Video Screening Interview

If you perform well on the online assessments, you may be contacted by a recruiter for an initial phone or video screening interview. This is often the first opportunity to speak directly with a KPMG representative and discuss your background in more detail.

What to Expect:

• Overview of the Role: The interviewer will typically explain the role in more detail, including the responsibilities and expectations.
• Your Background and Motivation: You will likely be asked about your qualifications, experiences, and why you’re interested in working at KPMG.
• General Fit and Personality Questions: The recruiter will assess your cultural fit for the company and the specific team you’re applying to.

Key Tips:

• Be clear and concise: Recruiters appreciate candidates who can clearly explain their experience and why they’re interested in the role.
• Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the company and the position, and demonstrate that you’ve researched KPMG’s values and culture.
• Prepare for competency-based questions: You may be asked to provide examples of past experiences where you’ve demonstrated key competencies, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.

4. Assessment Center (For Graduate and Internship Roles)

For graduate programs and some internship positions, KPMG hosts an assessment center, where multiple candidates are invited to participate in group exercises, case studies, and individual interviews. The assessment center is designed to assess how you work in a group and your ability to solve complex problems under time constraints.

What to Expect:

• Group Exercises: You will be placed in a group with other candidates and asked to work together to solve a business-related task. You will need to demonstrate leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Case Study: You may be given a case study to analyze and discuss with your group or present individually. This will test your problem-solving and analytical abilities, as well as your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Interviews: In some cases, you may have an individual interview during the assessment center to further evaluate your background, motivations, and fit for the role.

Key Tips:

• Work well in teams: Focus on collaborating with your peers during group exercises. Listen to others’ ideas, share your thoughts, and work toward a solution together.
• Manage your time: Many exercises are time-sensitive, so make sure you stay on track and complete tasks within the allotted time.
• Show your problem-solving skills: During case studies, clearly outline your thought process, and present structured, logical solutions.
• Be professional: Even though the assessment center may feel like a more informal setting, always maintain a professional demeanor and attitude.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the KPMG interview process typically involves a face-to-face or virtual interview with senior members of the team. This interview will be more in-depth, allowing you to showcase both your technical knowledge and your personal qualities.

What to Expect:

• Technical Questions: Depending on the role, you may be asked specific technical questions to assess your knowledge of accounting principles, finance, auditing, or other relevant areas. This is particularly true for roles that involve direct client work or require specific technical skills.
• Behavioral Questions: Expect questions designed to assess your past behavior and how you approach challenges. You may be asked to provide examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Cultural Fit: The interviewer will want to ensure that you align with KPMG’s values and culture. They may ask about your motivations and how you handle workplace challenges.

Key Tips:

• Be prepared to discuss your technical knowledge: Review core concepts and be ready to explain them clearly and confidently.
• Be honest and authentic: Senior interviewers are often assessing your personality and how well you fit within the company’s culture. Be true to yourself.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Towards the end of the interview, you may be given the opportunity to ask questions. Be prepared with insightful questions about KPMG’s work culture, future opportunities, and challenges in the industry.

6. Offer and Onboarding

If you successfully pass the final interview stage, you’ll receive a job offer from KPMG. The offer may be contingent upon passing background checks, references, and any required certifications.

What to Expect:

• Job Offer: You will receive a formal offer letter outlining your compensation, benefits, and job responsibilities.
• Onboarding: Once you accept the offer, KPMG will begin the onboarding process, which may include orientation, training, and familiarizing yourself with the company’s culture and policies.

Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess how you have handled situations in the past. KPMG uses these questions to understand how you approach problems, work with others, and respond to challenges. These questions often follow the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method ensures that your answers are structured and concise.

Here are some common behavioral questions you may encounter in a KPMG interview:

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a difficult challenge at work or school.

What they’re looking for: Your ability to handle challenges and obstacles effectively.
How to answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe the challenge, what you needed to accomplish, the steps you took to solve it, and the outcome. Focus on how you stayed calm, focused, and proactive in resolving the issue.

2. Describe a situation where you had to work with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute?

What they’re looking for: Teamwork and collaboration skills.
How to answer: Highlight your role in the team and emphasize how you contributed to achieving the team’s goal. Discuss your communication, leadership, or support in the process, especially if you helped to resolve conflicts or kept the team motivated.

3. Tell me about a time when you had to manage competing priorities. How did you ensure everything got done?

What they’re looking for: Time management and organizational skills.
How to answer: Share an example where you had multiple tasks or deadlines, and describe how you prioritized and managed your time. Mention any tools or strategies you used, such as creating a to-do list or using project management software, and explain the positive outcome.

4. Can you give an example of when you disagreed with a colleague or supervisor? How did you handle the situation?

What they’re looking for: Conflict resolution and professionalism.
How to answer: Focus on how you handled the disagreement constructively and professionally. Explain how you communicated your perspective and listened to the other person’s view, and how you worked together to find a resolution or compromise.

5. Describe a time when you had to learn something new quickly. How did you approach it?

What they’re looking for: Adaptability and learning agility.
How to answer: Share a specific situation where you were required to pick up a new skill or knowledge quickly. Explain how you approached the learning process, what resources you used, and how you successfully applied what you learned.

6. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to help a client or customer.

What they’re looking for: Customer service and initiative.
How to answer: Use an example that shows how you exceeded expectations or provided exceptional service. Emphasize your proactive approach and how you understood the client’s needs, delivering results that went beyond what was required.

7. Can you describe a situation where you had to handle a tight deadline? How did you manage your workload?

What they’re looking for: Ability to work under pressure and time management.
How to answer: Share an example where you managed tight deadlines, explaining how you organized your tasks, communicated with others, and ensured that you met the deadline without sacrificing quality.

8. Give an example of a time when you worked with people from diverse backgrounds. How did you ensure effective communication?

What they’re looking for: Interpersonal skills and inclusivity.
How to answer: Discuss a time when you worked with a diverse group and explain how you ensured everyone’s voice was heard. Highlight your approach to respecting different perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment.