Vault’s Verdict

KPMG insiders say their firm is filled with quality people, and they very much appreciate the ownership they have over their careers. In addition, KPMG insiders consistently highlight the firm’s strong commitment to work-life flexibility, including alternative work arrangements, unlimited PTO, and generous parental leave. Many appreciate the autonomy to choose when and where they work, making it easier to manage family responsibilities. The firm also invests in office culture through networking events and business resource groups, helping foster connection and engagement.

The work itself is described as interesting, cutting-edge, and meaningful. Insiders value the early responsibility they’re given and exposure to diverse clients. However, that opportunity comes at a cost, as long hours and high stress are common. That said, colleagues are often supportive and willing to help (time permitted). Meanwhile, compensation is competitive with other Big 4 firms, and benefits are in line with the industry average.

EMPLOYEE REVIEWS

Quality of Life

• “Super flexible with working hours, and everyone is willing to help (time willing). People can be so busy that they put their stress onto you, and some  aren’t effective communicators.”
• “Flexible days, alternative work arrangements, unlimited PTO, amazing parental leave policies. Additionally, the firm is supportive of events that enhance office culture and employee engagement, such as networking events, etc.”
• “Flexibility to choose when and where I work. I’m able to navigate situations when things come up with kids.”
• “The work we do is very interesting and engaging; however, it’s at the sacrifice of hours. The firm has utilization goals for individuals who are client-facing and hour goals/requirements for those who are not.”

Compensation

• “Salary growth has been really good, benefits are average, bonuses have gotten better in recent years.”
• “It is definitely competitive with other Big 4 offers. It is very similar to the industry standard so not too special. There is no OT pay because we are salaried. There are times when they run out of budget and don’t allow you to charge and it hurts your utilization rate.
• “Overall, the firm offers great benefits.”

Career Development

• “You have the opportunity for lateral moves or rotations to gain different experiences within the firm. There are some instances, when people do these rotations, where people have not been told how these opportunities may impact their promotion track when they return to audit.”
• “Lots of opportunity the higher up you go.”
• “Once you reach senior manager level, the path to MD can be unclear and political.”
• “They have rotational programs and almost a set pathway to get promoted. Mentors are specifically there to help you get promoted and develop in your career.”

Inclusion Efforts

• "We have Business Resource Groups for many groups. For woman, I think it is still a struggle as most of our leadership/partners are male and they tend to mentor other men so the women have to be really intentional to try to get the same support. If you look at the number of females in our national office, it is disproportionate to males."

Business Outlook

• “We have new leadership this year so they are still building trust.”

Intern Experience

• “Good sense of community among the intern class and several events targeted towards us. There were times when there was no work and then too much work, and some trainings were not beneficial for actual work. Teams vary: some interns were on teams that wanted to get to know them while others were a little isolated by their teams.”
• “Best part was the community feel and how welcoming everyone was. Lots of people willing to teach and help the interns. I was a summer intern, so not as much work to do then.”
• “I met so many great people that were able to teach me a lot and connected the dots between my accounting education and the work we were doing.”
• “Best parts: real experiences, traveling for training, overtime opportunities, and pay. I did real and meaningful work.”

Hiring Process

• “The overall interview process was pretty quick in my personal experience. In the span of the three weeks, I was contacted to applied for the position, had an interview with two partners, and was contacted to be offered the position (it was for an internship). After my internship was completed, I was offered a position as an associate.”

UPPERS

• “The quality of the people and clients and ownership of your career.”
• “I enjoy the cutting-edge work, which I find stimulating and satisfying.”
• “You get to see a lot in a short amount of time and are given lots of responsibility.”

DOWNERS

• “The stress.”
• “Working long hours and getting lost in the large number of employees.”
• “Charging time, and not many opportunities for growth in my current role.”