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Summary

Considering applying for KPMG’s 2024 internship or graduate programs? Or are you interested in exploring professional opportunities with KPMG? Read on for the ultimate guide to accelerate your KPMG online assessment practice.

From the application process, assessment, and recruitment to the work life at KPMG, this article uncovers crucial details every KPMG candidate must keep in mind, no matter the program.

Check here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests and video interviews to practise and prepare for KPMG recruitment.

Wondering if you should practise for KPMG assessments? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

A recent study found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers.

Bradley et al (2019)
In a nutshell

How to pass KPMG online assessments to get the job?

  1. Complete your KPMG Online Job Application
    • Fill in your KPMG application form.
    • Answer each of the questions sincerely and apply as early as you can.
    • Align your application with KPMG’s core values.
  1. Practice for KPMG Online Assessments

KPMG uses a variety of aptitude tests for its recruitment. These may include:

You may get rejected already after your KPMG tests. These tests sift out 50-80% candidates. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.

  1. Record mock interviews of yourself  

Record yourself practising how to answer common questions in interviews for consulting jobs. Ensure your answers flow well and are to the point. Avoid filler words.

Prepare for an online video interview by running mock interviews and answering typical consulting interview questions. To practise for KPMG interview, use:

Our video interview practice platform contains standard competency and industry questions for consulting and replicates the experience as platforms such as Hirevue, Pymetrics, and Sonru. Always record your responses and watch them to develop your interview technique. Practice your answers until you feel satisfied.

Use the STAR method for your answers, and practise each response several times.

  1. Prepare for the KPMG Virtual Launchpad

KPMG uses a range of exercises in its Virtual Launch Pad assessment centre to select the right candidate. Keep yourself a step ahead by practising:

  • A personal written case study
  • Analytical exercises
  • Group case study exercises

Hone your written and spoken communication technique. Research online, prepare and practice presentation of as many business case studies as possible. 

Be aware; not many get to this stage. The competition is very fierce.

  1. Ace your KPMG Partner Interview

Prepare for your one-on-one interview with a senior manager from KPMG. Do well to practise behavioural and competency-based questions beforehand for this interview. Your goal is to stand out, knowing that KPMG interviews dozens of candidates at this final stage.

Refine your interview skills to showcase your:

  • Passion
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the role
  • Critical thinking
  • Business acumen

For your final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering the consultancy questions.

Looking into assessments with KPMG, simply click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!

Relevant Assessments to KPMGPractice Now
Situational JudgementStart Practising
Numerical ReasoningStart Practising
Video InterviewsStart Practising
Assessment CentreStart Practising

Save and practice all the above assessments for your KPMG application with our Go Premium package.

These are the steps to landing a job at KPMG in a nutshell. Now let’s dive into the details properly as we uncover everything you need to know about the KPMG recruitment process.

In this guide, you will discover:

Contents

  1. What is KPMG?
  2. KPMG Application Form
  3. KPMG Online Assessments
  4. KPMG Virtual Launch Pad
  5. KPMG Undergraduate/Graduate Student Schemes
  6. KPMG Assessment FAQs 

Without further ado, let’s jump in!

What is KPMG?

KPMG is ranked among the Big Four accounting firms in the world. The finance giant boasts a network of firms across 146 countries around the world. KPMG mainly offers financial audit, tax, and advisory services and generates an aggregated revenue of USD 35 billion.

The company prioritises a healthy work environment and promotes personal and professional growth. KPMG employees are bound by a set of values that include:

  1. Integrity
  2. Excellence
  3. Courage
  4. Togetherness
  5. For Better

Good to know: According to KPMG Global’s 2021 Annual Report, KPMG receives over 225,000 applications each year, with an acceptance rate of just four percent.

If you are seriously looking to join the league of KPMG’s 227,000 outstanding professionals spread around the globe, here are some important details you should know about the KPMG application process.

KPMG Application Form

What does KPMG’s application form involve?

KPMG’s application is done online. You must first complete an online application form and provide some basic information about yourself, your background, your education, and your experience. 

Before you begin your application, consider whether you align with the official key competencies KPMG is currently on the lookout for:

KPMG Key Competencies

  • Drive quality
  • Apply a strategic perspective
  • Foster innovation
  • Build collaborative relationships
  • Develops and motivate others
  • Make sound decisions
  • Advance and ethical environment
  • Champion inclusion

How to Craft a Good Application for KPMG

Before you begin your application, ensure that you meet the three basic entry requirements for many roles:

  • Maths and English GCSE (B minimum)
  • 3 A-Levels (or equivalent)
  • 2:1 Undergraduate degree in any discipline (predicted or actual)

Good to know: In case you do not fully meet the academic requirements, the application form has a space for you to provide your reasons, and these will be taken into consideration by the recruitment team.

Make sure to provide any relevant work experience or past professional qualifications that might help your application. Your application form will be assessed against the entry requirements, and you can only apply to work at KPMG once every application cycle.

KPMG application form
KPMG Application Form
Source: KPMG Careers

KPMG’s application is quite straightforward and easy. So relax and take your time as you apply. 

Ensure you give accurate details and try to demonstrate your suitability for the role in your application so as to make it to the next stage of the recruitment process: the KPMG online assessments.

KPMG Online Assessments

KPMG assessments are provided by Cappfinity and are quite unique compared to more standard aptitude tests that are used by other employers, but there’s no cause for worry. These KPMG tests have no time limit and can be completed remotely online.

What is the KPMG assessment process?

You will be assessed in 2 rounds of assessment. These stages of KPMG assessments are:

  1. Transforming Small Business Online Assessment
  2. Delivering Outcomes Online Assessment

Here is what you should know about these KPMG tests, starting with the first stage: the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment.

What is the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment?

During the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment, you will be provided a  scenario you may face in your role at KPMG. You will be assessed on how you respond to scenarios with the information you have been given. This is very similar to a situational judgement test.

Good to know: you will be provided with information in the form of videos, articles, emails, podcasts, and voicemails, which you are expected to use to help you answer a range of questions.

How long will I have to complete the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment?

While this is an untimed assessment, KPMG suggests it would take around 90 minutes to finish, and it is advisable to complete it in one sitting. You must complete the test within five calendar days.

The KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment will evaluate your situational judgement and numerical ability. But what exactly do these involve? Let’s break each of these cdown.

KPMG Situational Judgement Test Questions

The KPMG situational judgement test questions are designed to evaluate your ability to assess a situation and make decisions. These questions involve realistic work-place scenarios and will require you to choose the most appropriate response from a set of options.

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video, about the situational judgement test questions you may encounter during your KPMG SJT questions. 

What are Situational Judgement Tests? (SJTs Explained) #shorts

Top 5 tips to pass your KPMG situational judgement test questions:

  1. Research the strengths sought by KPMG and their values, and consider how well you align with these.
  2. Do background research on competencies and desired effective behaviours by reading books and articles on these topics.
  3. Carefully consider the details of each scenario before choosing your response.
  4. Practise situational judgement tests beforehand to get familiar with sample tests and improve your decision-making skills.
  5. Remain calm and concentrate on the information provided in each scenario to help make thoughtful decisions.

Practising beforehand is no doubt the most important step. Sign-up for GF’s Situational Judgement Test package to access real practice questions, live test reports, and progress charts!

Here’s a sneak peek into what a typical KPMG situational judgement test question may look like:

KPMG Situational Judgement Test Question Example

KPMG situational judgement test example

Besides your situational judgement, your numerical ability will also be tested in this assessment. Here is what you should know about the numerical ability questions.

KPMG Numerical Reasoning Test Questions

Simply put, the KPMG numerical reasoning test questions evaluate a candidate’s ability to interpret and analyse numerical data. It involves solving mathematical problems and making logical deductions from the information provided. 

Check out this short video for more insight on your KPMG numerical reasoning test questions.

Numerical Reasoning Types and Publishers #shorts

Our expert team at GF has designed an example of a numerical reasoning question you may encounter in this KPMG assessment for you to practise. Have a go with answering this question to test your skills ahead of your KPMG assessment test: 

KPMG Numerical Reasoning Question Example

KPMG numerical reasoning question example

Got it right? Check the bottom of the page for the correct answer!

For more FREE questions similar to the KPMG numerical reasoning test questions, register with GF and practice your FREE numerical reasoning test now!

6 Tips to Pass KPMG Numerical Test Questions

  1. Refresh your knowledge of basic maths concepts like ratios, percentages, fractions, and simple arithmetic operations.
  2. Practise numerical assessments to improve your ability to solve simple calculations quickly.
  3. Bring a notepad to write down any key details and make calculations.
  4. Carefully read the instructions and make sure you understand the question and the data provided.
  5. Be cautious with your time. Budget enough time for each question, and move on to the next one if you’re stuck.
  6. Make sure to check your answers before you move onto the next question.

If you are looking for KPMG-style numerical reasoning tests with answers, worked-solutions and professional score reports, including personalised tips based on your performance to practise, then we at GF have you covered.

Good to know: After completing the assessment, KPMG will provide a strength report which will highlight your top strengths and areas where you need improvement, along with tips to help you.

If you are successful in the Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment, you will be invited to the next stage of the graduate process: the KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment.

What is the KPMG Delivering Outcomes Online Assessment?

Similar to the Transforming Small Businesses assessment, the KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment also assesses your situational judgement skills using workplace scenarios, diving into more depth about one of the businesses included in the previous assessment. This test will take about 60 minutes to complete. 

Good to know: Please see above for our top KPMG situational judgement test tips. 

How long will I have to complete the KPMG Delivering Outcomes Online Assessment?

You will have 5 calendar days from receiving the invitation to complete this assessment.

For some questions, KPMG will ask you to provide written answers or video responses. The video responses section will allow you two minutes to provide the answers and also give you some time to prepare beforehand. 

Learn all you need to know about KPMG video interview questions to help kickstart your prep with this short clip: 

What is a Video Interview? #shorts

Virtual sessions are becoming popular in job recruitment. Here are some great tips to help you with your recorded responses. 

Top 5 Tips to Ace your KPMG Video Interview Questions

  1. Choose a quiet and bright location with a neutral background for the assessment.
  2. Before you begin, make sure your internet connection, camera, and microphone are working well.
  3. Dress professionally, the same way you would dress for an in-person interview to give a good impression.
  4. Look directly at the camera when speaking to create a connection with your recruiter.
  5. Be confident in your responses by speaking in a clear and calm manner while maintaining relaxed eye contact with your camera.

Good to know: The best way to ace your KPMG assessment is to prepare beforehand, especially your video responses. Practice with our unique video interview tool to practise video interviews and gain real test experience while recording your answers. 

KPMG video interview questions practice

In some cases, depending on the program you have applied for, KPMG will invite you to sit its “Critical Thinker Test” to conclude the online assessment stage. 

What is the KPMG Critical Thinker Test?

Unlike the assessments in the previous stages, the KPMG critical thinker test stage does have a time limit of 30 minutes. This assessment takes place online, and is facilitated by a member of the hiring team. 

You will be invited to an online meeting on Microsoft Teams along with other applicants. With your audio muted, you will be required to answer 10 numerical reasoning questions from two sections.

Check out our below video to discover tips to help you prepare for the KPMG critical thinker test:

Do these 5 Things before your Numerical Reasoning Test to Smash it! #shorts

If you are successful with these assessments, you will be invited to attend the next stage of the recruitment journey: the KPMG Virtual Launchpad

KPMG Virtual Launch Pad

What is the KPMG Virtual Launch Pad?

From meeting personnel to gaining more understanding about different business areas, the KPMG Virtual Launchpad or KPMG Assessment Centre is the final assessment stage and another opportunity for you to stand out. 

As the name implies, these are held in an online virtual format and still offer the same opportunities for you to be assessed by the recruiters. Depending on the scheme you’ve applied for, you may be assessed through:

Let’s check out what to expect in each of these activities below.

What is the KPMG Group Exercise?

The KPMG group exercise consists of 50 to 80 people. You will be assigned briefs and assignments to perform in small groups of 5-8 people. You will have about 3-5 minutes to jot down your points and later present them in front of the group. 

Try to demonstrate both teamwork and leadership skills in your responses and interactions with your teammates.

Top 5 Tips to Succeed in the KPMG Group Exercise

  1. Be polite by not speaking over your other group members, and avoid arguing. Respect their points and build from them.
  2. Communicate in a clear and friendly tone of voice and use simple language to convey your points effectively.
  3. Dress smartly. Consider the culture of KPMG and the typical work attire for your role.
  4. Don’t try to dominate. Encourage your team members to participate in the task and ask for their thoughts.
  5. Keep track of the time to ensure the team is ready to present the group’s points time.

What will be covered in the KPMG Group Exercise?

Some topics in the KPMG Group Exercise that some candidates have encountered in the past include:

  • Technology Impact on Banking Sector
  • Is it fair to spare political parties from income tax investigation?
  • Are MNCs better than domestic industries?

Bonus KPMG Assessment Centre tip: Try to persuade others towards your ideas and ask critical, thought-provoking questions, but only do so when it feels natural. Bear in mind that your team members are just as important as you.

Take a break from reading with our video on how to perform your best during a group exercise.

What is the KPMG Analytical Exercise?

The KPMG Analytical Exercise seeks to evaluate your analytical skills. You will be given a brief and asked to write an analytical report providing detailed recommendations on profitability with specific actions and also highlighting strengths and weaknesses. 

You may also be asked to respond to a previously unseen case study or to write emails. It could be you emailing a client regarding the delay in project delivery or your manager about the challenges in a project.

Here are our top 5 tips to ace your KPMG analytical exercise:

  1. Carefully review the instructions in the brief before you begin to make sure you work in line with the rules of the assessment.
  2. Observe each scenario carefully before attempting a response to avoid mistakes. Double check your work before you submit the report.
  3. Manage your time by allocating completion times to each task in the KPMG exercise to enable you to keep track of the allotted time for the test.
  4. Prioritise easier tasks by working on them first to allow you to focus on more challenging ones.
  5. Familiarise yourself with the digital tools and software that will be used for the KPMG exercise, like emails, calendars, and document creators.

Bonus KPMG Assessment Centre tip: align your responses with KPMG values. Consider how employees at KPMG would approach the situation. This shows your attention to detail and suitability for the role.

What is the KPMG Partner Interview?

The KPMG Partner Interview segment affords you the opportunity to meet with a member of the KPMG recruitment team who will ask you a range of questions in line with important KPMG work values. They may be behavioural, strength-based, or motivational.

4 Easy Tips to Ace your KPMG Partner Interview

  • Dress appropriately: make sure your outfit is professional, aligns with KPMG’s culture, and demonstrates your respect for the interview process.
  • Prepare for behavioural questions: Anticipate and practice responses to behavioural questions, highlighting your relevant experiences and achievements in line with KPMG’s competencies.
  • Speak confidently and maintain eye contact: Clearly express yourself in simple terms, ensuring that you are audible enough and maintaining eye contact with the recruiter.
  • Be sincere in your responses and align them with KPMG values: Demonstrate authenticity by being truthful when sharing your motivations, experiences, and strengths, and emphasise how they align with KPMG’s core values and culture.

As you keep the above tips in mind, here are some questions you may be asked, along with some example good responses:

Question: Why KPMG?

Tip to Answer: For this question, you need to focus your reply on KPMG’s reputation and values, and how these are essential for your career aspirations. 

Good Answer: One reason I choose KPMG is because I find its reputation as one of the world’s leading global professional services firms truly impressive. KPMG has demonstrated its commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, which resonates with my own principles and career aspirations.

Check out this short video for more tips on how to answer questions like this.

How To Answer “Why Do You Want This Job?” | Job Interview Question #shorts
Question: How do you stay updated with business news?

Tip to Answer: For your answer, you should cover the main areas of research you have taken and provide examples to help provide evidence, such as recent news articles or journals in the area of your job interest.

Good Answer: I consistently follow reputable financial news platforms like The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times to stay in touch with global business trends. For example, the FT’s recent article about the effects of inflation on small businesses in Europe was interesting to apply my own knowledge to. I also attend industry conferences, webinars, and seminars to stay informed about emerging business trends and developments.

Question: Tell me about a time when you were faced with a challenging situation at work and how you handled it.

Tip to Answer: You can use the STAR+R technique to answer this question. Focus on a scenario from your experience that included a positive result from your approach to the challenge. 

Good Answer

  • Situation – In my former role, I was overseeing a team on a tight deadline to complete a challenging project.
  • Task – However, we had also encountered technical problems that threatened to stall the project.
  • Action – To fix the issue, I quickly set up a meeting with the team to brainstorm solutions to resolve the problem. We were able to gather feasible solutions, delegated responsibilities across the team for the next steps and managed to resolve the technical issues we were facing.
  • Result – Due to our quick meeting, we were able to complete and deliver the project before the deadline.
  • Reflect – Looking back, I would say teamwork is a valuable skill for projects with tight deadlines, and it is important to have a good rapport with your colleagues. This allows us to work effectively and efficiently through strong communication and team working. 

KPMG Partner interview tip: This is also a great opportunity for you to further demonstrate interest in the role by asking the interviewer your own questions about the job to find out more.

Discover our top 5 best questions to ask in your KPMG interview from this short video below:

5 Best Questions to Ask in an Interview #shorts

The KPMG Virtual Launchpad is the last stage of assessment. If you are successful, you will be hired at KPMG and may receive a job offer within two days. Congratulations!

Working at KPMG will very likely advance your professional career. Here are other schemes offered by KPMG for graduate and undergraduate students.

KPMG Undergraduate/Graduate Students Schemes

KPMG Graduate Schemes

KPMG continually offers graduates the opportunity to join its workforce in various departments, including audit, tax, and advisory services, among others. Entry-level graduates would typically be subjected to all KPMG stages of assessment in the course of recruitment. 

KPMG Undergraduate Programmes

KPMG provides a range of programmes to develop students through unique experiences and perspectives. During your programmes, you will discover more about what it’s like to work for the firm and may be able to fast-track your career through a graduate programme at the end of the undergraduate scheme. 

The various undergraduate programmes include:

  • Insight programmes: Over a few days, you will gain insight into a particular field and the career opportunities you can explore at KPMG.
  • Vacation programmes: Develop your skills and explore new experiences over a month through meeting professionals and engaging in community activities.
  • One year business placement: Over this year, you will develop through technical and professional development training to equip you with the needed skills to thrive.

KPMG Apprenticeships

The KPMG Apprenticeships programme offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience and develop the necessary skills to advance their careers. The available programmes include:

  • Audit Apprenticeships
  • Technology and Engineering Apprenticeships 
  • Consulting Apprenticeships 
  • Tax and Law Apprenticeships 
  • KPMG Business Services Apprenticeships

KPMG Internship

The aim of the KPMG Internship programme is to afford bright undergraduate and graduate students from local and international institutions the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the operational environment of KPMG. 

Interns are assigned to different divisions based on their preferred areas of interest and availability and are allowed to work with seasoned, experienced professionals across various units and divisions.

So how do we apply to these opportunities? 

Application deadlines for these programmes may vary each year and by country. It is therefore important to visit KPMG’s official website for up-to-date information regarding application deadlines and specific department or area options.

If you still have more questions about the KPMG recruitment process, below are our answers to top questions about your upcoming KPMG assessments.

KPMG Assessment FAQs

How long does KPMG recruitment process take?

KPMG’s recruitment process is fairly quick. Depending on the company’s needs, the period from application to job offer might take as little as one month. KPMG’s recruitment also varies by country or region.

How many times can you apply for KPMG?

You can only submit one application per intake year. If your application doesn’t go through, you will have to wait for the next application season to apply, and you can only apply for one role per season.

What does KPMG look for in a candidate?

KPMG is interested in candidates who thrive working in a team and enjoy sharing brilliant ideas. Some other qualities KPMG looks for include integrity, critical thinking, drive, and communication skills.

How do I ace a KPMG interview?

  • Research the role and KPMG’s values
  • Consider your strengths, use examples.
  • Rehearse common interview questions.
  • Use the STAR+R method.
  • Dress smartly.
  • Ask your own questions.

Does KPMG send rejection letters?

No, KPMG does not send rejection letters. If you do not get feedback from the recruiters after a month or two, then your KPMG application may have been unsuccessful.

Practice and Register with GF to get your job with KPMG first time

Do you want to pass your KPMG assessments first time? Sign up for tools offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to over 100 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, assessment centre exercises and more). Buy with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money back guarantee.

Correct answer to example question:

Numerical Reasoning: C

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