kpmg case study questions and answers

Hacking the Case Interview

For those interviewing for KPMG advisory or consulting roles, KPMG interviews consist of case interviews, a written case interview, and behavioral or fit interview questions. There are typically three rounds of interviews that candidates go through before receiving a KPMG job offer, but the interview process slightly varies by office.

Typically, you should expect an interview process similar to the following:

• First round : Two 30-minute interviews. One interview will be focused on a case interview while the other is focused on behavioral or fit interview questions.
• Second round : A 30- to 40-minute behavioral or fit interview, a 30- to 40-minute case interview, and a 60-minute written case interview for a total of three interviews.
• Third round : Some candidates may be given a third round of interviews. Expect two to three 30- to 40-minute interviews. These interviews are typically focused on behavioral or fit interview questions, but you may also be given case interviews.

If you have an upcoming KPMG advisory or consulting interview or are expecting to interview with them, we have you covered.

While KPMG does provide  eight KPMG interview tips , their advice is fairly generic and not that useful. In this article, we’ll go into more detail on exactly what to expect in your KPMG advisory or consulting interview. We’ll cover:

• The 4 steps to solve any KPMG case interview
• KPMG case interview examples
• How to ace the KPMG written case interview
• The 10 most common KPMG behavioral or fit interview questions
• Recommended KPMG case interview resources

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

The 4 Steps to Solve Any KPMG Case Interview

A case interview, also known as a case study interview, is a special type of interview that nearly every single consulting firm uses. KPMG case interviews simulate what the consulting job will be like by placing you in a hypothetical business situation in which you are asked to solve a business problem.

You will need to ace every single case interview in order to land a KPMG job offer.

KPMG case interviews are all candidate-led. You will be in the driver’s seat of the case interview and will be expected to ask the right questions, perform the right analyses, and decide the direction of the case.

Follow these four steps to solve any KPMG case interview or case study interview:

1. Understand the case

The case will begin with the interviewer giving you the case information. While the interviewer is speaking, make sure that you are taking meticulous notes on the most important pieces of information. Focus on understanding the context of the situation, the company, and the objective of the case.

Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you do not catch something. If you are not familiar with the industry, it is completely acceptable to ask how it works. Sometimes, repeating the information back to the interviewer is helpful to confirm your understanding of the case.

Finally, make sure to verify the objective of the case. Not addressing the right business question is the quickest way to fail a case interview.

2. Structure the problem

Develop a framework to help you tackle the business problem. A framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. With a framework, you’ll be brainstorming different ideas and organizing them into different categories.

It is completely acceptable to ask the interviewer for a moment of silence so that you can collect your thoughts and think about the problem.

Once you have identified the major issues or areas that you need to explore, walk the interviewer through your framework. They may ask a few questions or provide some feedback.

For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .

3. Solve the problem

Once you have developed a framework, you can begin to solve the problem. To solve the case, you’ll likely need to answer a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions.

When solving quantitative problems, make sure to walk the interviewer through your approach before doing any math. Check if the interviewer has any further information for you before making your own assumptions. Finally, neatly label your calculations and write out all numbers so that the interviewer knows exactly what you are doing. 

When answering qualitative questions, try to structure your answer in a logical way to make it easier to brainstorm or communicate your point of view.

For both quantitative and qualitative questions, make sure to go beyond just answering the question. Think about how your answer impacts the answer to the case. Always try to tie the implications of your answers to the case objective. This will help you develop a hypothesis for what a potential recommendation could be.

4. Make a recommendation

In the last step of the case interview, you’ll present your recommendation and provide the major reasons that support it. You do not need to recap everything that you have done in the case, so focus on summarizing only the facts that are most important.

It is also good practice to include potential next steps that you would take if you had more time or data. These can be areas of your framework that you did not have time to explore or lingering questions that you do not have great answers for.

KPMG Case Interview Examples

Below are some examples of KPMG case interviews or case study interviews that past candidates have received. These should give you an idea of the types of cases you may see on your interview day.

For more practice, check out our article on 23 MBA consulting casebooks with 700+ free practice cases .

Example #1: National Zoo

Your client is one of the oldest national zoos in the United States. The zoo hosts over 2,000 animals in its 150-acre park. Your client is looking to increase revenues and profits and is considering purchasing a giant panda from China to place in its newest exhibit. You have been hired to help them make this decision. What would you recommend?  

Example #2: Brewing Company

Our client is the largest American beer brewing company. The American beer market is dominated by three large players. The rest of the market is comprised of small mom and pop breweries.

What would happen to our client if the second largest and third largest American brewing companies decided to merge?

Example #3: Chemical Company

Your client is a privately owned chemical manufacturing company that specializes in producing car wash chemicals. After a series of aggressive acquisitions, your client has become the market leader in car wash chemicals, but revenue growth has been flat over the past few years.

Your client is looking to increase revenues by 20% without reducing profit margins over the next two years. How would you go about achieving this?

Example #4: Yoga Studio

Your client is Ms. Johnson, the proud owner of an up-scale yoga studio in New York City. Her yoga studio is known for high quality instruction and a relaxing atmosphere. Ms. Johnson has been operating the studio for the past five years.

Over the past year, your client has made a few major investments, but has noticed that her profits have been declining. How would you determine what is causing the decline in profits and what should be done to address it?

Example #5: Pharmaceutical Company

Your client is Pfizer, an American pharmaceutical company that develops and produces medicines and vaccines in a wide range of therapeutic areas. The CEO is worried about the company’s financial performance five years from now, when three of their blockbuster drugs come off patent.

What can Pfizer do to ensure that it continues to grow and be profitable?

Example #6: Insurance Company

Our client is an American auto insurance company. They are the second largest auto insurer in the United States and provide coverage for more than 30 million motor vehicles and more than 20 million policy holders.

Until recently, most car insurance is sold to car owners by insurance brokers. Insurance companies pay brokers a commission for each policy sold. Recently, car owners have started buying insurance directly from insurance companies over the phone.

You have been hired to help our client determine whether they should invest more in selling policies direct to customers over the phone.

How to Ace the KPMG Written Case Interview

Here’s how the KPMG written case interview works:  

• The interviewer will give you a packet of 20 – 40 pages of graphs, charts, tables, notes, and other text
• You’ll have anywhere between 45 - 60 minutes to analyze the information in the packet and make slides to present your analysis and recommendation
• Afterwards, you will present your slides to the interviewer who will ask follow-up questions on your analysis and findings

Follow the steps and tips below to ace your KPMG written case interview.

1. Understand the business problem and case objective

The first step in completing a written case interview is to understand what the objective is. What is the primary business question you are trying to answer with the data and information provided?

Answering or solving the wrong business problem is the quickest way to fail a written case interview. Therefore, the first thing you should do is to read the instructions and the case background information so that you clearly understand the primary question you are trying to answer.

2. Read the list of major questions

Some written case interviews will provide you with a list of 3 – 4 key questions that you will be expected to address or answer.

Once you understand the overall business problem and case objective, read through the list of key questions. This will tell you what the most important areas of the case are. These will be the questions that you want to investigate and answer first.

If the written case interview is more open-ended and does not provide you with a list of key questions, skip this step and move onto the next step.  

3. Quickly flip through the material to identify what information exists

The next step is to flip through the information packet that is provided to see what information is available. Identify what data you have and what data you do not have.

If the written case interview has provided you with pre-filled slide templates, make sure to flip through those as well.

The goal in this step is not to read and analyze every slide. That would take too much time.

Instead, you want to get a sense of what data and information is out there. This will help you decide and prioritize which slides are most important to read and analyze in more detail later.

4. Create a framework

Before you begin reading and analyzing the information in the slides in more detail, you should create a basic framework to help guide your analysis.

Select 3 to 4 broad areas that you think are the most important to analyze. In other words, what are the 3 to 4 things you need to know to answer the primary question of the written case interview?

If the written case interview has provided you with a list of 3 – 4 key questions, make sure to include these important areas in your framework.

Sometimes, these 3 – 4 key questions are your entire framework and you will not need to add anything else. Other times, you may identify important areas from flipping through the slides that you want to add to your framework in addition to these 3 – 4 key questions.

If the written case interview has provided you with pre-filled slide templates, these slides often provide clues on what the most important areas are.

5. Match information that exists to areas in your framework

Now that you have a solid framework to guide your analysis, the next step is to identify what information you can use to answer each area of your framework.

Since you have already flipped through the material and catalogued what information exists, you can match different pieces of information that exist to areas in your framework.

6. Read and analyze the material

The framework you created tells you what questions you need to answer. From the previous step, you know which slides the information is in to answer each question. All that is left to do is to read and analyze the information that is relevant to each area of your framework.

As you answer the major questions in your framework, make sure to write a one or two sentence summary of the key takeaway or answer. This will help you remember the work that you have done and make it easier to decide on a recommendation.

7. Decide on a recommendation

Once you have finished reading and analyzing all of the important and relevant material, you should have a list of key takeaways or answers to the major areas of your framework.

In this step, you’ll read through the key takeaways and decide on what recommendation they collectively support.

You should not expect every key takeaway to support your recommendation. Often, you’ll have key takeaways that support your recommendation, but also key takeaways that go against your recommendation.

If this is the case, you’ll need to mediate conflicting insights and decide on which insights are the most important. Remember that there is typically no right or wrong recommendation. As long as your recommendation is supported by data and evidence, you will be in great shape.

8. Structure your presentation slides

When you have decided on a recommendation and have the supporting data and evidence for it, you’ll want to create a structure for your presentation slides.

A simple, but effective structure you can use is:

• Slide 1: Present your recommendation and the three reasons that support it
• Slide 2: Present your first reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 3: Present your second reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 4: Present your third reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 5: Summarize everything that you’ve covered so far
• Slide 6: Present potential next steps

If the written case interview has already provided you with pre-filled slide templates, the structure of your presentation slides may already be decided for you. If not, you can incorporate the pre-filled slide templates into your overall presentation structure.

9. Fill in your slides

Once you have the structure of your presentation slides, the next step is to fill in the slides with content.

When filling in slides, make sure you use descriptive slide titles that clearly communicate the main message of the slide.

Additionally, try to make your slides easy to digest. Each slide should have one key message.

10. Review your slides and prepare for potential questions

If you have time remaining, review your slides one more time to check for any mistakes or errors. You can also spend some time cleaning up the slides to make them look neat and polished.

Afterwards, you can brainstorm potential questions the interviewer may ask you during your presentation. They may want to know how you performed your analysis or reached your conclusions. They may also challenge your assumptions or interpretations of the data.

Preparing for potential questions that could be asked will help your presentation go much more smoothly and you’ll feel much more confident while presenting.

For a full guide on written case interviews, check out our consulting written case interview step-by-step guide .

The 10 Most Common KPMG Behavioral or Fit Interview Questions

In addition to case interviews, you will likely be asked a few behavioral or fit interview questions. There are ten questions that are most commonly asked.

1. Why are you interested in working at KPMG?

How to answer: Have at least three reasons why you’re interested in working at KPMG. You could mention that you loved the people that you have met from KPMG so far. You can talk about KPMG’s massive global presence and expertise in nearly every industry and function. You can speak to KPMG’s work culture and their emphasis on work life balance. Finally, you can mention their investment in their consultant’s professional development through their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses.

2. Why do you want to work in consulting?

How to answer: Again, have three reasons why you’re interested in consulting. You could mention the fast career growth opportunity, the opportunity to develop soft and hard skills, or the level of impact that you can make by working with large companies on their most challenging issues.

3. Walk me through your resume

How to answer: Provide a concise summary of your work experience, starting with the most recent. Focus on emphasizing your most impressive and unique accomplishments. At the end, tie your experiences to why you are interested in consulting.

4. What is your proudest achievement?

How to answer: Choose your most impressive, unique, or memorable accomplishment. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work.

5. What is something that you are proud of that is not on your resume?

How to answer: This is a great opportunity to highlight an accomplishment that is not related to your professional work experience. Perhaps there is a non-profit that you volunteer at, a side project or business that you work on, or a hobby that you have won awards or recognition for. Choose something that is impressive and interesting.

6. Tell me about a time when you led a team.

How to answer: If possible, choose a time when you directly managed a person or a team. For this question and the following questions, make sure that you structure your answer. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work. This is known as the STAR method and is commonly used to answer behavioral or fit interview questions.

7. Give an example of a time when you faced conflict or a disagreement.

How to answer: When answering this question, focus on emphasizing the steps you took to resolve the conflict or disagreement. Speak to the interpersonal skills you had to use in order to mediate the situation. Interviewers want to know that you are a great mediator and that you can handle conflict in a constructive way.

8. Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone.

How to answer: Choose a time when you were able to change someone’s mind. Focus on emphasizing the steps that you took to persuade that person and what impact and results this had. Interviewers want to know that you are a great communicator and a good people person.

9. Describe a time when you failed.

How to answer: Choose a time when you failed to meet a deadline or did not meet expectations. Focus on emphasizing what you learned from the experience and how you used that experience to deliver even better results in the next opportunity that you got. Interviewers want to see that you don’t get discouraged from failure and that you treat those experiences as learning opportunities.

10. What questions do you have for me?

How to answer: This is a great opportunity to get to know the interviewer on a more personal level. Ask them questions about their experience in consulting or their career. Express genuine interest in what they have to show and ask follow-up questions. The more you can get the interviewer talking about themself, the more likely they will have a positive impression of you.

For more help on KPMG behavioral or fit interview questions, check out our complete guide on consulting behavioral interview questions .

Recommended KPMG Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to land a KPMG consulting offer:

For help landing consulting interviews

• Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

For help passing case interviews

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
• Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former Bain interviewer.
• Hacking the Case Interview Book   (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer.

Land Multiple Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. 30,000+ happy customers.

KPMG Case Interview 2024: Format, Technique & Tips

KPMG is a highly desirable workplace for many people, making the competition to land a job quite fierce. One of the challenging assessments you must encounter to become an employee at KPMG is the KPMG case interview, a practical screening tool used to assess a candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills.

Overview of KPMG case interview

KPMG case interviews are often candidate-led. The candidate will be leading or taking control of every step ahead to solve the case. This includes structuring the problem, drawing frameworks, asking for data, synthesizing findings, and proposing solutions. 

The KPMG case interview occurs in the last stages of KPMG’s recruitment process and typically lasts 30-45 minutes.

KPMG case interview occurs in the last stage of the recruitment process

There are three standard stages that occur during the KPMG recruitment process: Online application ⇒ Online assessments ⇒ Interviews.

Stage 1: Online application

The application stage for KPMG is relatively straightforward, which involves filling out an online form and submitting your resume and cover letter. These documents must showcase your relevant skills, educational background, and achievements in previous work. By that, KPMG can assess your potential and suitability for the job.

Stage 2: Online assessments

KPMG Online assessment is designed to assess potential candidates for their mental capability, problem-solving skills, and work personalities. There is no consistent test format across locations and positions; however, there are some common test formats, as follows:

Game-based behavioral assessment: psychometric games, such as “KPMG Ready” and “Cognify and Emotify”, assess the cognitive capability and decision-making style of candidates.

Aptitude test: a computer-based test type that comes in three parts: numerical, verbal, and inductive reasoning.

Scenario-based test: a situational judgment test including given scenarios and a series of questions, which tests your working behavior and personal fit.

Stage 3: Interviews

The KPMG interview stage typically consists of several rounds, depending on the location and specific role. These interviews are usually conducted in person or through video conferencing. However, regardless of interview formats, two types are always included in the KPMG interview stage: the case interview and the behavioral interview.

Case interview: often lasts 30-45 minutes, assessing a candidate’s ability to analyze and solve business problems.

Behavioral interview: often lasts 30-45 minutes, assessing a candidate’s experience, competencies, motivations, and personality fit.

What does KPMG look for in candidates?

During the KPMG case interviews, candidates should be able to demonstrate traits that align with KPMG's five values : Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better. 

Integrity : Make decisions based on goodwill

Excellence : Keep learning and improving

Courage : Think and act decisively

Together : Respect and be ready to help each other

For Better : Do meaningful acts

KPMG case interview format is candidate-led

KPMG case interviews are candidate-led, where you are expected to take the lead. Specifically, candidates need to develop their own approaches to break down issues, identify the root causes, and gather data from the interviewer to test their hypotheses. 

Candidate-led cases focus less on being right

The primary goal of candidate-led cases is to examine HOW you solve problems rather than getting a specific solution. In candidate-led case interviews, you are asked to break down the problem independently, with little help from the interviewer. As a result, a higher margin of error is acceptable, unlike interviewer-led ones, where you are effectively guided through the process.

Candidate-led cases focus on one big problem

A candidate-led case interview involves solving a problem entirely rather than relying on breakdown questions like an interview-led case. To solve one big problem, you need to apply the top-down approach, which means breaking it down into smaller parts and tackling each. This is a regular consultant task, showcasing your organized and structured manner.

Candidate-led cases are flexible

In candidate-led case interviews, candidates can explore the case with their own strategy. The interviewer usually has a “universe” of information about the client and their problem, which the candidate can freely use to research. Additionally, the interviewer can “make up” new data to support your ideas if you develop new solutions and approaches.

To ace the candidate-led case interview, you need to understand the fundamentals of a candidate-led case. Our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program features countless instant-result tips and techniques for case interviews to help you maximize your performance!

After learning the tips and some sample cases, you will need exclusive feedback. Book a meeting with our coaches at MConsultingPrep now! Those ex-consultants will help you practice specific candidate-led case interviews, give you the most detailed and concrete feedback, and suggest the most suitable improvement methods. 

Fundamental frameworks for KPMG case interview

To solve the KPMG case interview, you need to develop an issue tree to break down your case. To create a suitable issue tree, you can use five common frameworks for case interviews: Profitability framework, Business situation framework, McKinsey M&A framework, 4P/7P marketing mix, and Porter’s five forces model. 

To further enhance your case interview performance, you can also apply five effective tools (or mini-frameworks): External vs Internal, Quantitative vs Qualitative, Costs vs Benefits, 2x2 Matrix, and SWOT analysis. 

Five common frameworks for case interview

Profitability framework is mostly used to mathematically break down problems before switching to the qualitative framework for solutions. To use the profitability framework, candidates will split profits into revenues and costs.

Business situation framework is used to analyze a company situation in four area - Company, Competitor, Customer, Products (3C-1P). This 3C-1P framework is flexible for many purposes, however it may be too generic and need customization depending on the situations. 

McKinsey M&A framework is used to assess a proposed merger and/or acquisition on three aspects: standalone values of each involved company, their synergy, and other factors. This framework is MECE and promotes customizations, and is one of the best M&A frameworks. 

4P/7P marketing mix in marketing for tangible work analyzes the 4P - Product, Price, Place and Promotion; while in service marketing three other Ps will be added in - People, Process, and Physical evidence. This framework focuses on the marketing aspect, hence unsuitable for multi-function strategies. 

Porter’s five forces model analyzes the industry surrounding a business in five aspects - Suppliers, Customers, Competitors, New entrants, and Substitutes. This framework is used to get an industry overview and understand the client’s context.

Five effective tools for case interview

External vs Internal method is quick and easy to segment information about a particular entity. The internal branch concern what is inside or intrinsic of the said entity, and the external branch concerns the outside factors. 

Qualitative vs Quantitative mini-framework is used for evaluations. Dividing items into two MECE groups reduces confusion and minimizes the risk of missing an essential item. 

Cost vs Benefit in the decision-making process is very straightforward - if the benefits of an option outweigh its costs, that option can be chosen.

2x2 Matrix is a decision-making tool where options are examined using two criteria, each of which forms an axis of the matrix. 

SWOT analysis mini-framework is seldom used in case interviews for being too generic. However, it can be used for a quick and easy evaluation of a company’s positioning within the industry context. 

To have a deeper understanding of the common framework used in the case interview, you can check our free article on Case Interview Framework .

How to prepare for the KPMG case interview?

You can follow our five-step preparation to prepare for the KPMG case interview.

Step 1: Familiarize with candidate-led case examples

To become familiar with KPMG candidate-led case interviews, you can look at some official examples on KPMG’s website.

Case study 1

Case study 2

Case study 3

You can also try out practice cases from other prestigious consulting firms like BCG or Bain . 

However, consulting companies only provide a minimal number of sample cases for your reference. Check out our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program , where you can find standardized exercises and deep-dive guides to ace any case, not just ones from KPMG!

Step 2: Practice consulting math

Consultants require math skills to handle massive amounts of quantitative data. Some tried-and-true math practice tips are:

Use Your Head: Do all your daily calculations mentally unless an EXACT answer is required.

Flatten the Learning Curve: At the beginning, a piece of scratch paper and a 5% margin of error may help; once you feel confident, throw the paper away and reduce the margin.

Establish a Routine: Allocate some time for daily practice. This may seem hard at first, but you can feel the improvement once you’ve overcome the inertia.

Step 3: Develop business intuition

Case interviews are easier to pass if you have good business sense. Getting better at business intuition takes time, so start early, practice every day, and be patient. Step by step, these business insights will begin to feel natural to you. You can improve your business sense in two ways:

Written Sources: I suggest reading business papers daily; you can also visit McKinsey, Bain, and BCG websites for their excellent articles. Beware though – it’s not the pages you read that count, but the insights you draw from them.

First-hand Experience and Observations: Don’t just come to your workplace to work; examine what senior managers are doing – what’s the rationale for their decision, and how has it impacted the organization?

Step 4: Learn the fundamentals and frameworks

To excel at case interviews, you’ll need a solid understanding of the fundamentals and structured approaches. Case interview fundamentals such as hypotheses , MECE , issue tree , and other frameworks are the backbone of any case, so try to master their application in case interviews.

Read more on our comprehensive Case Interview Guidebook to familiarize yourself with crucial terminologies, concepts, and problem-solving fundamentals.

Step 5: Perform mock interviews

The best strategy to prepare for a case interview is to practice as many mock cases as possible. During your practice, take time to study and review your cases thoroughly so that you can identify your areas of improvement and develop specific approaches for each question type.

The video below provides examples of candidate-led case interviews, the format used in the KPMG hiring process. This video also includes step-by-step instructions to help you understand this case type deeply:

Nine tips for the perfect KPMG case interview

Tip #1: understand the procedure of a candidate-led case interview.

There is a five-step procedure to approach the KPMG candidate-led case interview. 

Taking the case: You need to take notes on all information regarding the clients and the case situation. Keep your notes organized to refer back to them easier.

Clarifying: You will have time to gain more information and/or clarify the points you haven’t fully understood about the cases.

Structuring: You will need to break down the case business problem into smaller components to create the issue tree , allowing you to solve it in an effective and cohesive manner.

Hypothesizing: You must develop the hypothesis based on evidence and available data about the problems and find the root cause. If the initial hypothesis in a branch of the issue tree no longer makes sense, go to the next branch. If the hypothesis matches, stick to it to find the root causes and solutions.

Pitching: The pitch is your case interview's final product, where you summarize all findings and recommendations to solve the case. You need to deliver the pitch in a structured, top-down manner.

Tip #2: Have a perfect case opening

There are four reasons to make a good case opening while you deliver your case interview:

First, it shows you have complete control of the upcoming problem-solving process, which is critical in candidate-led cases.

Second, you can demonstrate your whole leadership and relationships with proactiveness - aligning yourself with KPMG’s qualities mentioned above.

Third, a good case opening creates a great first impression. Consultants are expected to perfect everything from the beginning to the end, so this could make a good head start for a 30-minute interview.

Finally, this is an opportunity to align during the interview. After the interviewer has outlined the case details, explain the case to the interviewer in your own words to ensure you grasp the issue and align with the interviewer.

Watch more: How to open a case perfectly?

Tip #3: Map your next moves

Pause occasionally to summarize where you are and where you’re going next. It gives you a sense of direction and authority; additionally, you get plus points in the interview for an organized approach. 

This also gives your interviewer a chance to help you with your mistake. If your interviewer gives you advice, take it – assume it’s intended to be helpful.

Tip #4: Be consistent with your intended hypotheses

Always speak with the current hypothesis in mind, and that hypothesis must be in the issue tree. The sole purpose of the hypothesis-driven approach is to have your efforts and problem-solving steps guided and structured. 

Therefore, to avoid being overwhelmed by piles of data in your case interview, do a sanity check by returning to your issue tree. If your action does not correspond to your present place on it, go back immediately!

Tip #5: Deliver your pitch in one structured manner

This is the most important tip because you need to show that you own the consultant qualities - being structured and straight to the point. Present your analyses in a perfect, insightful, top-down, concise, and captivating final pitch.

Find a way to structure the problem; this will guide your discussion with the interviewer. Briefly explain the framework you plan to use, allowing the interviewer to comment. In general, the simpler the framework, the better. Once the interviewer endorses your framework, stick to it.

To structure your speech:

Begin with a summary line that states the key takeaway/intention.

Separate what you want to say into distinct sections. As much as possible, avoid jumping back and forth between items.

Number your items so you and your interviewer can keep track of them. It's even better to specify how many things you'll be discussing beforehand.

Make your recommendation based on the conclusions you reached from your discussion, even if you are unsure with so little data and time to discuss all the issues.

Tip #6: Make a personalized script

Make a script of what you will say and rehearse it a hundred times. Practice all of the formulaic phrases, such as the opening or data request. With enough practice, those lines will become second nature to you.

The secret to seeming professional in a case interview is to talk in a systematic and formal manner. Using scripts also saves brainpower, which you will undoubtedly want in case interviews.

Tip #7: Keep your notes organized

Neat note-taking greatly assists with your train of thought, making storing and organizing information easier. You're also demonstrating to the interviewer that you're well-organized and meticulous.

Divide your notes into three categories to make them easier to read and interpret: data, presentation, and scratch paper. When the interview begins, take three pieces of paper and name them appropriately. Here is the content that should be on each type of note:

Datasheet: note down and process any data the interviewer gives you and your calculations.

Presentation sheets: draft things you’ll say to the interviewer.

Scratch paper: anything else you need to write, such as brainstorming ideas.

Tip #8: Avoid long pauses

Take a minute to think; don't be afraid of the silence. If you need silence to think, ask for a timeout or announce think-out-loud mode. However, taking it too long will backfire, especially if you can’t come up with something worthy of the long wait. Use the pause prudently, and always try to think as fast as possible while still being “correct”. 

Tip #9: Find and ask for more insights

Try your best to be in-depth and comprehensive with your analysis. Always ask yourself, “Am I overlooking something?” and “Can I drill down further?”. 

This is also helpful when you are stuck in your analysis. You can try asking for insights from the interviewer (remember to state your purpose clearly) like this:

If you have a piece of data and don’t know what to make of it, ask for benchmarks to put the data into perspective.

If you are unsure which framework to employ, consider "segmentation" - look at how the customer or the industry often segments that item. If you need to know how they do it, ask the interviewer.

When you cannot see the problems in the case (probably resulting from the “MECE” of your issue tree), ask the interviewer nicely for a way out.

However, remember to manage your time well. If you take too long, the interviewer might force you to move on, and you will lose the time to solve the case holistically.

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Want to explore more candidate-led case examples? Sign up now for our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program and discover reliable, standardized mock cases along with detailed instructions. In this program, you also have a chance to get instant-result tips as well as a complete study plan to ace KPMG case interviews.

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Home » Job Tips » Interview Guide » KPMG Interview Questions and Answers

KPMG Interview Questions: Essential Tips & Answers for Success

KPMG stands out globally as one of the leading accounting firms, consistently ranked among the top in the prestigious Big 4. KPMG India offers a wide array of services, such as financial advisory, risk management, and tax consulting, making it a desirable employer for many aspiring professionals. Whether you’re preparing to apply to KPMG or currently navigating their interview process, remember a thorough preparation is crucial. This guide explores KPMG interview questions and answers, providing practical tips to help you answer each one confidently. Whether your interest lies in audit, advisory services, or other roles within KPMG, this resource aims to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in your KPMG interview journey.

Table of Contents

KPMG Interview Process

Before learning about KPMG interview questions, it’s essential to understand the different stages of their comprehensive and rigorous interview process. KPMG has a thorough selection method involving five distinct stages, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate’s suitability for the role. These stages are as follows:

1. Online Assessments

In this round, shortlisted candidates take an invigilated test online, typically lasting 60-90 minutes. The test will assess your comprehension, interpretation, logical and verbal reasoning, and psychometric abilities. Some assessments may also evaluate quantitative math and data analytics skills.

2. Group Discussion

The next stage of the interview process is a Group Discussion Round wherein you will participate in an open discussion to evaluate your soft skills. This includes oral communication, articulation, structured thinking, proactiveness, presence of mind, teamwork, and leadership qualities.

3. Case Study Round

In this round, you will work on case studies to demonstrate your subject matter expertise, verbal and written communication, pragmatic thinking, general knowledge, and business acumen. This can be a written test or an interactive discussion.

4. Evaluation by Recruiter

After the case study round, a recruiter will conduct an in-person, telephonic, or virtual interview to assess your fit for the role and the company. This typically includes evaluating personality, business awareness, skills, abilities, and resilience.

5. Evaluation by Technical Panel

At the last stage of the interview rounds, you will undergo a technical interview with hiring team members to assess job-specific technical skills and attributes. This is usually a one-on-one interview but can involve a panel of two to three interviewers and may include multiple interactions with various team members.

Top KPMG Interview Questions and Answers

Now that you’re familiar with the KPMG interview process, let’s dive into the top interview questions at Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler, with answers to bolster your preparation. While questions may vary based on roles, experience levels, and other factors, these are the most common and essential ones you need to know:

KPMG HR Round Interview Questions with Answers

Let’s delve into the key KPMG HR interview questions you might encounter. The HR round is conducted to assess your cultural fit, interpersonal skills, and alignment with the company’s values. Understanding these questions will give you a strong foundation for your interview preparation. 

Q1. Tell me about yourself.

Answer: I’m [Your Name], a recent graduate with a degree in Accounting and a strong passion for financial analysis. During my internship at a local firm, I honed my skills in [Specific Skill] and [Another Skill] by [Brief Example]. I’m confident I can contribute valuable insights and a dedication to learning.

[Tip: Briefly mention your education, a key skill, and relevant experience that showcases that skill. ]

Q2. Why do you want to work at KPMG?

Answer: KPMG’s reputation for excellence in auditing and its commitment to [KPMG Value, e.g., Integrity] deeply resonate with me. I’m particularly interested in the [Specific Area within KPMG] practice and believe my skills can contribute to the team’s success in upholding the highest professional standards.

[Tip: To answer the question, ‘Why do you want to work here? ’, you should showcase your interest and what you like about the company. ]

Q3. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Answer: My strengths are my analytical mind and attention to detail. I can quickly grasp complex financial data and identify potential issues. However, I sometimes delve too deeply into details, so I’m actively working on prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines efficiently.

[Tip: The interview question, ‘ What are your strengths and weaknesses? ’, demands you discuss your abilities, areas of improvement, and growth potential. Briefly explain how you’re improving that weakness. ]

Q4. Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.

Answer: During a group project, a teammate’s calculations for a key financial ratio were significantly off. Instead of criticizing, I calmly explained the discrepancy and offered to walk them through the process step-by-step. Together, we identified the error and recalculated the ratio, ensuring the project’s accuracy. This experience highlighted the importance of clear communication and collaboration.

[Tip: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. Briefly describe a difficult situation, what you had to do, the steps you took, and the positive outcome. ]

Q5. How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with a colleague?

Answer: I would first listen to their perspective with an open mind. Then, I’d calmly explain my reasoning and the data supporting my viewpoint. If a consensus isn’t immediately reached, I’d suggest we present both options to a senior team member for a final decision, prioritizing the best outcome for the client.

[Tip: Show you can work with others. Briefly explain how you’d listen to their perspective, share yours respectfully, and find a solution that works for everyone. ]

Q6. How would you approach building a strong client relationship?

Answer: Building trust is key. I’d actively listen to their needs, providing clear and concise communication throughout the engagement. I’d proactively keep them informed of progress and address any concerns promptly. Ultimately, exceeding their expectations would be my goal.

[Tip: Briefly explain how you’d listen to their needs, keep them informed, and always go the extra mile. ]

Q7. Imagine you’re working on tight deadlines. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

Answer: Prioritization is crucial. I’d utilize to-do lists to identify critical tasks first, ensuring those are completed on time. Communicating openly with colleagues allows everyone to adjust their workloads if necessary. Additionally, I leverage technology like scheduling tools to stay organized and maximize efficiency.

[Tip: Show you can handle pressure. Briefly mention a way you stay organized, like using to-do lists to figure out what’s most important and get it done on time. ]

Q8. Do you have any questions for us?

Answer: Yes, I’m interested in learning about opportunities for growth and development within the company. If you could provide some examples of how the company supports and invests in its employees, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Tip: Always have questions! This shows you’re interested. Ask something specific about the role, team, or KPMG culture. ]

Q9. What are your salary expectations?

Answer: My salary expectations are competitive for this position and my experience level. However, I’m more focused on the opportunity to learn and grow within a world-renowned firm like KPMG.

[Tip: Know your worth, but be flexible. This requires you to research the current wage trends to mention a clear salary range. ]

Q10. When are you available to start?

Answer: I’m flexible and eager to join the team. Ideally, I could start within [Notice period timeframe], but I’m happy to discuss further based on your needs.

[Tip: Let them know your ideal timeframe, but be open to discussion if needed. ]

Q11. What are your career goals?

Answer: My long-term goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializing in [Area of Specialization within Audit/Tax] at KPMG. I believe KPMG’s commitment to professional development and its global reach will provide the perfect platform to achieve this goal and contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success.

[Tip: Briefly mention your long-term goal within KPMG and how the company can help you achieve it. ]

Q12. How do you define your work ethic?

Answer: My work ethic is built on integrity and a passion for continuous learning. I take ownership of my tasks, strive for excellence in everything I do, and believe in collaborating effectively to achieve the best possible results for the team and our clients.

[Tip: Briefly explain that you work hard, value honesty, and always strive to achieve the best results, both on your own and as part of a team. ]

KPMG Interview Questions for Freshers

The technical questions asked by KPMG company during their interview rounds for freshers typically cover questions like:

Q13. How would you approach analyzing a large set of financial data for discrepancies? 

Answer: I would start by using data analysis software to identify patterns and outliers. I’d then perform a detailed review of transactions, comparing them against expected values and historical data. Any discrepancies would be investigated by cross-referencing source documents and validating entries with relevant stakeholders.

Q14. Explain the difference between debit and credit in accounting. 

Answer: In accounting, a debit increases asset or expense accounts and decreases liability, revenue, or equity accounts. Conversely, a credit decreases asset or expense accounts and increases liability, revenue, or equity accounts. Both are fundamental to maintaining the double-entry bookkeeping system.

Q15. What are some common internal control weaknesses in a company? 

Answer: Common internal control weaknesses include a lack of segregation of duties, inadequate documentation, insufficient authorization procedures, and poor record-keeping. These weaknesses can lead to errors, fraud, and inefficiencies in financial reporting.

Q16. Describe the concept of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). 

Answer: GAAP refers to a set of accounting standards and principles that companies in the United States must follow. It ensures consistency, reliability, and comparability of financial statements, guiding accountants on how to record and report financial transactions.

Q17. How would you verify the accuracy of a company’s inventory? 

Answer: I would verify inventory accuracy by conducting physical counts and reconciling them with recorded quantities. I’d also review inventory records, perform spot checks, and analyze turnover ratios to ensure there are no discrepancies between physical inventory and accounting records.

Q18. Differentiate between taxable and non-taxable income. 

Answer: Taxable income includes earnings subject to taxation, such as wages, salaries, and investment income. Non-taxable income, on the other hand, includes certain types of earnings that are exempt from tax, such as specific gifts, inheritances, and certain government benefits.

Q19. What are the different types of taxes a business may need to pay? 

Answer: A business may need to pay various taxes, including income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, property tax, and value-added tax (VAT). Each tax type has specific regulations and compliance requirements depending on the jurisdiction.

Q20. Explain the concept of depreciation and its impact on taxable income. 

Answer: Depreciation is the allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. It reduces the book value of the asset and provides a tax deduction, which lowers the taxable income, thereby reducing the overall tax liability.

Q21. What are some key metrics used to measure a company’s financial performance? 

Answer: Key metrics include revenue, net income, earnings per share (EPS), return on equity (ROE), and current ratio. These metrics provide insights into the profitability, efficiency, and overall financial health of the company.

Q22. How comfortable are you using technology tools for data analysis? 

Answer: I am very comfortable using technology tools for data analysis, including Excel, SQL, and specialized accounting software. These tools enhance accuracy and efficiency in analyzing large datasets and generating insightful reports.

Q23. What are your thoughts on the impact of technology on the accounting and auditing profession?

Answer: Technology has significantly transformed the accounting and auditing profession by automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and enabling real-time data analysis. It has also introduced advanced tools for detecting fraud and enhancing overall audit quality.

Q24. How do you assess the fair value of intangible assets during an audit?

Assessing the fair value of intangible assets requires understanding valuation techniques such as market approach, income approach, and cost approach. It involves reviewing relevant documentation, evaluating assumptions used in valuations, and considering recent transactions in similar assets.

KPMG Technical Interview Questions for Intermediate-Level Professionals

If you are an aspiring KPMG candidate with 3-5 years of experience, go through the following KPMG technical interview questions and answers :  

Q25. Explain the concept of materiality in the context of an audit and how it impacts audit procedures. 

Answer: Materiality in auditing refers to the significance of an item or error in financial statements. It influences audit procedures by guiding auditors on where to focus their efforts to ensure that financial statements are free from material misstatements. This involves assessing both quantitative and qualitative factors to determine the threshold beyond which errors would impact stakeholders’ decisions.

Q26. Describe the different methods for calculating depreciation and their impact on a company’s tax liability. 

Answer: Depreciation methods include straight-line, declining balance, and units of production. Each method affects how expenses are allocated over an asset’s useful life, thereby impacting taxable income and tax liability. Accelerated methods like declining balance may lower taxable income in early years, while straight-line provides consistent deductions annually.

Q27. Explain the concept of transfer pricing and potential tax implications for multinational companies. 

Answer: Transfer pricing refers to pricing goods, services, or intangibles transferred within multinational companies. It affects taxable income allocation across jurisdictions and must comply with the arm’s length principle to avoid tax evasion. KPMG advises on establishing compliant transfer pricing policies to mitigate risks of tax audits and penalties.

Q28. How would you advise a client on tax planning strategies for mergers and acquisitions?

Answer: I would advise on structuring M&A deals to optimize tax benefits while minimizing risks. This involves assessing tax implications across jurisdictions, utilizing available tax credits, and strategically structuring transactions to maximize deductions. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements is crucial to achieving synergies and financial objectives with minimal tax liabilities.

Q29. Discuss the research process for identifying relevant tax laws and regulations for a specific client situation.

Answer: In my role, I undertake thorough research by analyzing federal, state, and international tax laws, rulings, and court decisions. I leverage databases, legal texts, and professional networks to interpret and apply regulations relevant to my client’s industry and transactions. This ensures accurate tax advice, compliance with reporting obligations, and strategic tax planning.

Q30. Explain the potential tax implications of international business transactions.

Answer: When dealing with international transactions, I evaluate complexities such as transfer pricing rules, foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes. By analyzing these factors, I optimize tax structures to minimize exposure to double taxation and ensure compliance with diverse local and international tax laws. This approach enhances financial transparency and supports my client’s global business strategies.

Q31. How would you approach the valuation of a company using various valuation methods?

Answer: My approach involves employing valuation methods like discounted cash flow, comparable company analysis, and asset-based valuation. Each method considers industry dynamics, market conditions, and financial projections to derive a fair company valuation. This analysis supports strategic decisions such as M&A transactions, financial reporting, and long-term planning.

Q32. Describe the key considerations for assessing a client’s cybersecurity risks.

Answer: I assess cybersecurity risks by evaluating data protection measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and reviewing incident response plans. This includes ensuring regulatory compliance, assessing IT infrastructure resilience, and promoting employee training on cybersecurity best practices. My recommendations focus on mitigating risks, strengthening defences, and maintaining business continuity.

Q33. Explain how data analytics tools can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of audits.

Answer: Data analytics tools enable me to analyze large datasets efficiently to identify anomalies, trends, and risks. By automating testing procedures and enhancing audit coverage, these tools improve the quality of audits. They also provide deeper insights into financial transactions, helping me detect fraud patterns and tailor audit strategies effectively.

Q34. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of implementing blockchain technology in the accounting and financial services industry.

Answer: Blockchain technology offers benefits such as enhanced transparency, reduced fraud, and faster transaction processing. However, risks include regulatory uncertainties, concerns about data privacy, and scalability issues. I advise on blockchain adoption strategies that optimize operational efficiency while mitigating these risks to ensure compliance and security.

Q35. How would you advise a client on navigating potential disruptions due to technological advancements in their industry?

Answer: I recommend assessing the impact of technological advancements by identifying opportunities for innovation and adopting agile strategies. This includes implementing digital transformation initiatives, upskilling the workforce, and adapting business models to maintain competitiveness amidst industry changes. My goal is to help clients leverage technology for sustainable growth and resilience.

Q36. Describe your understanding of the current economic climate and its potential impact on a specific industry.

Answer: Monitoring economic indicators, market trends, and geopolitical developments allows me to assess vulnerabilities and opportunities within specific industries. This insight informs strategic advice on risk management, cost optimization, and growth strategies tailored to my client’s unique needs. By staying informed, I ensure my recommendations align with prevailing economic conditions.

KPMG Technical Interview Questions for Experienced Professionals

KPMG technical interview questions for experienced professionals involve more integrated concepts. Here are some of the questions with their sample answers: 

Q37. How would you design a risk-based audit approach for a large and complex company?

Answer: I’d start with a comprehensive risk assessment to prioritize high-impact areas. Using advanced analytics and audit techniques, I’d tailor procedures for thorough coverage. Continuous stakeholder communication and industry benchmarking would refine strategies for delivering valuable insights.

Q38. Explain complex tax issues related to international transactions (e.g., controlled foreign corporations, transfer pricing).

Answer: I’ve managed complexities like controlled foreign corporations and transfer pricing through meticulous compliance with global tax laws. This involved optimizing tax structures, mitigating audit risks, and supporting global strategies with robust transfer pricing policies.

Q39. How would you advise a multinational company on optimizing its global tax strategy?

Answer: I’d begin with a comprehensive tax risk assessment to identify optimization opportunities. Collaborating with specialists, I’d recommend tax-efficient transaction structures and compliance enhancements aligned with evolving regulations, aiming to maximize benefits and support sustainable growth.

Q40. Discuss recent tax law changes and their potential impact on specific client situations.

Answer: I’ve navigated recent tax law changes by analyzing their implications for clients’ operations. Advising on strategic adjustments to tax planning and compliance frameworks, I’ve helped mitigate risks and optimize tax outcomes amid regulatory updates.

Q41. How would you develop a tax compliance roadmap for a new client in a highly regulated industry?

Answer: Starting with a compliance gap analysis, I’d create a tailored roadmap outlining milestones and responsibilities. Regular updates and alignment with evolving regulations would mitigate compliance risks, fostering proactive adherence within the organization.

Q42. Explain advanced financial modelling techniques used for complex business valuation or M&A transactions.

Answer: I’ve utilized discounted cash flow and scenario modelling to assess business value under diverse market conditions. Integrating risk factors and synergy assessments, these models inform strategic decision-making in M&A and ensure accurate valuation.

Q43. Discuss the concept of enterprise risk management and its integration with financial controls.

Answer: Enterprise risk management involves identifying and mitigating risks aligning with organizational goals. Integrating ERM with financial controls ensures comprehensive risk oversight, supporting resilience and safeguarding financial integrity.

Q44. How would you advise a client on managing cybersecurity risks and potential financial repercussions of a data breach?

Answer: I advise clients on holistic cybersecurity strategies, including risk assessments and incident response plans. By promoting awareness and investing in cybersecurity technologies, organizations can mitigate risks, protect data, and minimize financial losses.

Q45. Explain how you would develop a financial risk mitigation plan for a client facing industry-specific challenges.

Answer: Conducting a detailed risk assessment, I’d identify industry-specific risks like market volatility and operational disruptions. Customizing mitigation strategies such as hedging and contingency planning would optimize resource allocation and ensure financial stability.

Q46. Discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) on the accounting and auditing profession.

Answer: AI and ML enhance auditing by automating tasks, improving analytics, and enabling deeper insights. Embracing these technologies allows for more strategic analysis, fraud detection, and client service innovation.

Q47. How would you leverage emerging technologies (e.g., blockchain, cloud computing) to deliver innovative solutions for KPMG clients?

Answer: Leveraging blockchain for secure transactions and cloud computing for scalable data management, I integrate these technologies to enhance operational efficiency and data analytics. This enables tailored solutions that address client needs and drive growth.

Q48. How would you advise a client on navigating potential disruptions from technological advancements and geopolitical events?

Answer: I recommend scenario analyses and agile strategies like digital transformation and strategic partnerships to mitigate risks and seize opportunities. By fostering adaptability and resilience, organizations can maintain competitiveness and achieve long-term goals.

Q49. Describe your leadership style and how you motivate and develop teams of professionals.

Answer: My collaborative leadership style focuses on empowerment, innovation, and continuous learning. I foster open communication, value diverse perspectives, and mentor talent to achieve goals and drive success.

Q50. How would you contribute to KPMG’s strategic initiatives and growth objectives?

Answer: Aligning with organizational goals, I leverage industry insights to drive innovation and expand service offerings. By identifying trends and delivering value-added solutions, I support growth opportunities and enhance KPMG’s market leadership.

Tips to Prepare For KPMG Interview Questions

Preparing for a Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) interview requires a combination of confidence, clear communication, and thorough research. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed:

1. Be Confident and Dress Formal

When you go for your interview, wear professional and neat clothing. Show confidence in your posture and how you speak. This makes a good impression and shows that you take the opportunity seriously. Dressing well also shows respect for the interview process.

2. Use the STAR Technique to Answer

Use the STAR interview technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions. Describe the situation, explain your task, outline the actions you took, and share the results. This helps you give clear and structured responses. Practising this technique can help you feel more prepared and less nervous.

3. Personalize Your Answers

Make your answers unique by sharing your own experiences and perspectives. This shows that you are genuine and helps you stand out from other candidates. Personal stories can also make your answers more memorable.

4. Don’t Beat Around the Bush

Be direct and to the point when answering questions. Avoid giving unnecessary details or going off-topic. Clear and concise answers are more effective. This shows that you can communicate effectively and respect the interviewer’s time.

5. Say “No” When You Don’t Know the Answer

It’s okay to admit if you don’t know something. Say “no” or “I’m not sure” instead of guessing. This shows honesty and a willingness to learn. Admitting when you don’t know something also demonstrates humility and integrity.

6. Research About KPMG Culture and Values

Take time to research KPMG and understand its values, mission, and work culture and values. Knowing about the company shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and helps you tailor your answers to align with the company’s ethos. This preparation can also help you ask insightful questions during the interview.

The interview process at KPMG is thorough and involves multiple stages to find the best candidates, which might make it look daunting. However, the right strategy can streamline your interview preparation. Getting into KPMG requires a blend of education, practical experience, and a passion for always learning. When preparing for KPMG interview questions, go the extra mile to show what makes you special and leave a strong impression. Persistence, dedication, and a commitment to doing your best will help you stand out and achieve your career goals in management consultancy, even in a competitive field like KPMG. Also, check out how to get a job at Deloitte .

Answer: The difficulty of a KPMG interview can vary depending on your preparation and familiarity with the interview process. Generally, it is considered challenging because it includes multiple rounds that assess various skills, such as technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.

Answer: To clear a KPMG interview, prepare thoroughly by researching the company, practising common interview questions, and using the STAR technique for structured answers. Be confident, dress professionally, and be honest if you don’t know an answer. Additionally, showcase your unique experiences and ensure your responses align with KPMG’s values and culture.

Answer: A KPMG interview typically has 5 rounds: 1. Online Assessments 2. Group Discussion 3. Case Study Round 4. Evaluation by Recruiter 5. Evaluation by Technical Panel

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KPMG Case Interview – Questions to Expect

• Last Updated July, 2021

KPMG’s Values & Culture

The kpmg case interview, the kpmg recruiting process, 4 tips on acing the kpmg case interview, the kpmg fit interview.

Are you recruiting with KPMG Advisory? Wondering what to expect, how to apply, and how to ace your KPMG interviews and get an offer?

We’re here to help!

We’re a team of former consultants and consulting industry recruiters and have helped 85% of our clients receive offers from management consulting firms. We want you to be our next success story!

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• KPMG’s values and culture.
• The KPMG recruiting process.
• The KPMG fit interview.
• The KPMG case interview.
• 4 tips for acing the KPMG case interview.

Let’s get started!

KPMG’s purpose and values are incredibly important and are put front and center in KPMG’s culture.

“Heads Up Thinking” is KPMG’s vision for the way they work. This means looking people in the eye, making connections, and collaborating on ideas. It means staring down challenges, facing them with candor and courage.

During the recruiting process, it’s expected that you understand the KPMG values and have considered why you’re a good fit for their culture. 

Behavioral interviews are given more weight at KPMG than other big firms as finding a good fit between the business and new recruits is so important.

The KPMG values are:

• Integrity . We do what is right.
• Excellence . We never stop learning and improving.
• Courage . We think and act boldly.
• Together . We respect each other and draw strength from our differences.
• For Better . We do what matters.

Make sure you consider the KPMG values in every question that you answer. Talk about how the values appeal to you and give examples of how you feel your past actions align well with the KPMG culture.

For example, perhaps you were asked to lead a complicated project with a diverse team. Explain how you learned about, recognized, and leveraged the strengths of the group to deliver a successful outcome. 

Or perhaps you’ve had an experience where you had to act with courage even though it was difficult. 

Maybe you had to call out the behavior of a team member or line manager because you knew it was the right thing to do. Or maybe you pointed out a flaw in a process even though that was the way it’d always been done.

Showing that you can act with integrity even when it’s challenging is an important attribute of a successful KPMG consultant.

KPMG is not striving to be the biggest professional services firm, but its goal is to be the best professional services firm. They see living their values as a significant differentiator from other firms and believe it adds value for their clients.

The KPMG recruiting process has 3 stages:

Application

• Digital assessment
• Video interview

To start the KPMG recruiting process, search the job listings on their website. 

You have to apply for a specific post and location so make sure to do your research on the locations and roles that interest you upfront.

If you’re unsure where to apply, you can reach out directly to a KPMG recruiter or attend one of KPMG’s virtual events.

KPMG says the application process should take around 10 minutes. Students will need a current resume and their college transcript. Application deadlines are shown for each job individually and you can only interview for one role at a time.

Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.

KPMG Pymetrics Assessment

As part of the application process, you’ll be invited to complete a digital assessment created by Pymetrics. This consists of 12 gamified exercises that assess your suitability for KPMG.

It should take around 25 minutes to complete and there are no right or wrong answers. The Pymetrics assessment judges the cognitive, social, and emotional attributes of candidates against the attributes of successful KPMG consultants. After completing the assessment, the results are shared with you.

For more information on Pymetrics’s digital assessments, check out the article we wrote about what to expect on the Pymetrics test and how BCG uses Pymetrics to assess its candidates. 

For more helpful hints, check out this article we wrote on how to prepare for online consulting tests .

Video Interview

If you are successful with the digital assessment, you will be invited to move on to the interview process. You will need to tackle at least 2 live video interviews with KPMG practice leaders as part of this stage. 

Both behavioral and case interview questions should be expected. For more information, check out our article on acing video interviews .

Given how strongly KPMG values fit, expect to be asked behavioral questions in at least one, if not both, video interviews.

Behavioral questions are used because recruiters believe how you acted in the past gives a strong indication of future behaviors. This offers them insight into how you might tackle challenging situations within a work environment.

Fit questions often start with the phrase, “Tell me about a time when” or “Give me an example of.”

Typical KPMG Behavioral Interview Questions

• Why KPMG? Why Advisory? Unsurprisingly, given their emphasis on cultural fit, KPMG will expect candidates to have strong reasons for both applying to KPMG and their chosen practice area.

Example questio ns:

What made you choose KPMG over other firms? What is it about Advisory that most interests you? What are the key strengths you would bring to the Advisory practice?

• Teamwork . One of the KPMG values is “Together” so they’ll want to understand how you work within a team.

While it’s important to recognize and appreciate the different approaches of team members, you’re also expected to “do what’s right.” This might involve challenging other team members who aren’t pulling their weight.

Example KPMG questions:

Tell me about a time you had to manage an ineffective team member. What would you do if your team members weren’t focused on delivering quality work? Tell me about a time where you had to demonstrate flexibility in your approach. Describe your most successful effort in promoting teamwork within a group.

• Personal history . KPMG is particularly interested in you as an individual, what experiences you’ve had to date, and how that’s shaped who you are.

They want to know how your past has influenced you, what you’ve learned from it, and how it’s brought you to where you are now. The recruiting team will be looking for candidates who are self-reflective and able to articulate what they’ve learned both from positive and more challenging past experiences. This is part of  their value of “Excellence.”

Tell me about yourself. Tell me about something impactful you’ve done that’s not on your resume. What classes have you taken and how have they influenced your career path? Tell me about someone you consider a mentor and how they’ve shaped your career. Describe a situation where your work or idea was criticized. How did you respond?

• Motivation . KPMG works hard to keep its employees engaged and promote an effective work-life balance. However, the work is still demanding and KPMG needs its people to be goal-oriented and resilient.

The recruiting team will be looking for individuals who offer examples of self-motivation, hard work, and diligence. They’ll also be on the lookout for those that can pick themselves up after something hasn’t gone to plan and use disappointment to motivate themselves to achieve.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Give me an example of a time you failed and its effect on you. Describe a goal that you’ve set for yourself over the past year. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment and how did you achieve it?

How to Tackle KPMG Behavioral Interview Questions

In answering behavioral questions, talk honestly and authentically. 

KPMG suggests building an “elevator pitch” to describe your personal history and answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” 

This is a short 20–30 second speech describing a few relevant pieces of information about you, your history, and how your history has shaped your aspirations for the future. 

Answer behavioral questions using stories. Stories are more engaging and relatable and allow more of your personality to shine through. 

Make sure you explain the emotional elements of your examples — how you felt and what impact that had — not just the bare facts. Remember to show the learning you’ve taken from events that have happened and how it’s influenced your career path.

A framework such as the A STAR(E) model can be helpful for structure your answers. 

For more information and extra tips read our article on successfully tackling behavioral questions .

KPMG is a large professional services firm. The format and technical nature of the KPMG interview are dependent on the practice area you are applying for. For Advisory applicants, this will be a case interview.

What Is a Case Interview?

A case interview is a discussion of a business problem between a candidate and interviewer. They typically cover problems that are similar to those the company sees their clients struggle with. Case interviews are used to assess problem-solving ability, creativity, and business acumen in candidates.

Sales of drinks in Coffee Bean cafes are decreasing. What is causing the sales decrease?

Turnover of store employees at Burger R’Us restaurants has increased over prior years. What would you advise the company to do?

You need to offer a solution to the given problem using logical reasoning. There may well be data provided in the form of charts or graphs that you’ll need to interpret and use to give weight to your solution.

While you should expect a conventional case (market sizing questions or profitability questions, etc.) in all KPMG Advisory interviews, be prepared to expand on relevant technical drivers depending on the specific area you’re applying to. For example, value-chain analysis if you’re applying to the Operations Advisory practice.

What Is the KPMG Case Interview Format?

At the moment, KPMG is recruiting predominantly through video interviews. However, this may change back to face-to-face interviewing this fall. 

KPMG case interviews are candidate-led and positioned as a dialogue between the candidate and the recruiting team — as if you were working as part of a team to prepare for a client presentation.

Once the problem is presented, you’re given time to work through supporting information and prepare your thoughts. After that, you’ll offer a recommendation to the recruiting team and answer follow-up questions.

To tackle any case interview, use a 4-part approach:

• Opening – Make sure you’re clear on the problem that the client is facing.
• Structure – Brainstorm all the relevant aspects of the problem and organize your thoughts about how to tackle the case to ensure you cover everything in a logical manner.
• Analysis – Gather and analyze all the relevant data, prioritizing factors that will be most important to the client. Use this data to create a recommendation.
• Conclusion – Deliver your recommendation to the client (the recruiting team) in a well-thought-out and persuasive manner.

1. Opening: Understand the Problem

Ask clarifying questions about the client’s problem, including about any specific goals (e.g., increase revenues by at least 10% or have a payback period of 3 years or less.)

Reflect back to the recruiting team what you believe the problem to be to make sure you’ve understood it correctly. You don’t want to waste time coming up with an answer to the problem you think they want to solve — or one you wished you’d been asked!

2. Structure: Take Your Time When Organizing Your Approach to the KPMG Case

We get it! You can feel under a lot of pressure during a case interview, especially if there’s a lot of information to sift through. 

Make sure you take the time to clearly plan how you’re going to tackle solving the problem. 

Using business frameworks can be a helpful way to organize your thoughts and can help you decide what data you want to concentrate on. An issue tree is another way to structure your thinking.

Check out our article on how to use business frameworks effectively for more information.

3. Analysis: Take the Interviewer through your Structured Approach Step-by-Step

Consulting interviewers are looking for structured problem solvers. Take the approach to solving the case that you’ve developed and lead the interviewer through it, sign-posting as you transition from one step to the next. Explain your thinking at each step along the way.

You might receive data relevant to the case question requiring further analysis. If so, structure any math calculations and walk your interviewer through those as well.

4. Recommendation: Be Clear and Confident

Plan the key points that you want to make during your presentation to the recruiting team. 

Cover the main highlights from any data you were given that has shaped your analysis. Then clearly present your recommendation for the next steps. 

Make sure that you also point out any risks associated with the recommendation and any assumptions you’ve made.

For more information check out our step-by-step guide on case interview preparation .

Does KPMG Use Written Cases?

Before the shift to video interviews, many candidates also had to complete a written case as part of the KPMG interview process. 

Even though KPMG is currently using video interviews, this may change, so it’s worth checking with your local recruiting team and preparing for a written case if you’re unsure.

A written case is similar to a verbal case interview. Recruiters are still interested in your ability to solve business problems by thinking clearly and logically. Information is presented via a pack of slides containing charts, graphs, text, or photographs.

You’ll have to sift through the information to find relevant and compelling data that helps answer the problem presented. Then you’ll need to create 3-5 slides that provide a clear recommendation for the client.

You will then present those slides to the recruiting team and take questions.

For more information, see our article on tackling written cases .

In this article, we’ve covered:

• The importance of KPMG’s values and culture.
• How the KPMG recruiting process works.
• How to tackle the KPMG behavioral interview.
• How to prepare for the KPMG case interview.
• Our top tips for KPMG interview success.

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about the KPMG case interview, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s case coaches will answer them.

Other people prepping for KPMG case interview found the following pages helpful:

• Our Ultimate Guide to Case Interview Prep
• The Big 4: How Do They Fit Into the Consulting Industry
• Accenture Case Interview
• Written Case Interview

Help with Consulting Interview Prep

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on your KPMG Advisory interview. My Consulting Offer has helped almost 85% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Hannah was able to get her offer from Accenture.

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3 Top Strategies to Master the Case Interview in Under a Week

We are sharing our powerful strategies to pass the case interview even if you have no business background, zero casing experience, or only have a week to prepare.

No thanks, I don't want free strategies to get into consulting.

We are excited to invite you to the online event., where should we send you the calendar invite and login information.

The KPMG Case Interview

KPMG , a well-established firm in audit, tax, and advisory services, has built a strong global presence through its consistent focus on quality. In the ever-changing field of consulting, KPMG's interview process, especially the case interview , stands as a crucial test for candidates aspiring to join the firm. This stage of the interview evaluates analytical skills in the context of practical business scenarios.

Table of Contents

• Seven Key Facts About the KPMG Case Interview
• The KPMG Ethos: Beyond Just Numbers
• The Preparation
• Crafting the Blueprint
• Navigating the Data Maze
• Eloquent Communication
• Embracing Fluidity
• The Growth Mindset
• Embarking on the KPMG Voyage: The Road Ahead
• Further Reading

The following are seven tips that you should read, before you start to prepare for your case interview at KPMG to get your dream job.

At its core, KPMG seeks individuals who resonate with its values and vision . While technical expertise is crucial, the firm places equal emphasis on cultural fit, interpersonal skills, and a genuine passion for consulting .

Tip: KPMG's ethos revolves around integrity, excellence, and collaboration. As an aspiring consultant , aligning your mindset with these principles can be the key to unlocking the doors of KPMG.

Consulting is vast and ever-changing . KPMG's case interviews often mirror real-world scenarios, underscoring the importance of a holistic preparation strategy.

Tip: Dive into industry reports, stay updated with global events, and immerse yourself in KPMG's past case studies. The more diverse your preparation, the more equipped you'll be to tackle unexpected case twists.

A structured approach is the backbone of any successful case analysis. KPMG values candidates who can systematically dissect problems, prioritize issues, and weave actionable solutions .

Tip: Frameworks are invaluable, but they're just the starting point. Customizing your approach based on the case's nuances can set you apart. Think of frameworks as tools in your arsenal , not rigid templates.

In today's data-driven age, q uantitative acumen is indispensable . KPMG's cases often involve intricate data analysis , demanding both speed and precision.

Tip: Regularly challenge yourself with diverse quantitative exercises . From market sizing to financial modeling, mastering the numbers can be your secret weapon.

The most brilliant solutions can falter if not communicated effectively. KPMG cherishes candidates who can articulate complex ideas with clarity and impact.

Tip: Storytelling is an art. Practice weaving your analysis into a compelling narrative. Remember, your audience isn't just looking for answers; they're seeking insights.

Real-world consulting is replete with surprises. KPMG's case interviews emulate this dynamism, challenging candidates to adapt on the fly.

Tip: Cultivate a flexible mindset . When the case throws a curveball, embrace it. Use new information as a pivot, not a stumbling block.

KPMG is a bastion of continuous learning. The firm values individuals who view feedback as a growth catalyst , not just post-interview commentary.

Tip: Every piece of feedback is a treasure trove of insights. Internalize it, act on it, and let it guide your consulting journey.

The KPMG case interview is more than an evaluative hurdle; it's a microcosm of the consulting universe. It's a realm where challenges are opportunities, where every problem is a story waiting to be unraveled . As you stand on the cusp of this journey, remember that success at KPMG isn't just about cracking the case; it's about crafting a legacy.

• KPMG for Graduates
• Working at KPMG
• Interview Tips at KPMG
• Advice for KPMG Interviews

• Select category
• General Feedback
• Case Interview Preparation
• Technical Problems

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Top 25 KPMG Interview Questions & Answers

Get ready for your interview at KPMG with a list of common questions you may encounter and how to prepare for them effectively.

KPMG, a global powerhouse in the professional services industry, is renowned for its audit, tax, and advisory services. With a presence in 146 countries and employing over 227,000 professionals, KPMG is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, alongside Deloitte, PwC, and EY. Known for their commitment to excellence and integrity, KPMG has been trusted by numerous organizations across various industries for over a century. In this article, we delve into the interview process at KPMG, providing an insight into the questions and expectations of this prestigious firm, helping you prepare for a successful interview experience.

KPMG Hiring Process

The KPMG hiring process typically begins with an online application, followed by online tests such as language, aptitude, and personality assessments. Candidates who pass these tests are then invited for interviews, which may include phone screenings, technical and business interviews, and group discussions. The interview process often involves multiple rounds, with candidates meeting HR representatives, managers, and partners. Throughout the process, interviewers focus on evaluating candidates’ skills, experience, and passion for accounting. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, with timely communication and feedback provided to applicants.

Common KPMG Interview Questions

1. how would you handle a situation where you discovered discrepancies during an audit process.

When a company is conducting an audit, it’s critical that the findings are accurate and reliable. If discrepancies are discovered, it could indicate potential errors, fraud, or misconduct. By asking this question, the potential employer wants to assess your problem-solving skills, your adherence to ethical standards, and your ability to handle sensitive situations professionally. It’s about understanding your approach in maintaining the integrity of the audit process.

How to Answer:

In your response, emphasize the importance of integrity and due diligence in handling discrepancies during an audit. Discuss specific steps like revisiting the data for any errors, consulting with team members, or escalating to seniors if necessary. Illustrate this with a real-life example, if possible, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and commitment to upholding accounting standards. Remember to maintain client confidentiality while providing examples.

Example: Upon discovering discrepancies during an audit, I would first ensure that the discrepancy isn’t due to a simple error or misunderstanding. This would involve rechecking my work and cross-verifying with relevant documents or data sources. If the discrepancy persists, it’s essential to maintain transparency by documenting the issue in detail for future reference.

Next, I would communicate this finding to my immediate supervisor or team lead, providing them with all necessary information about the nature and extent of the discrepancy. It’s important to approach such situations professionally without making premature assumptions.

Finally, depending on the severity and implications of the discrepancy, we may need to consult with other departments like legal or risk management. Throughout this process, maintaining confidentiality is key until all facts are gathered and appropriately addressed.

2. Can you explain the importance of GAAP and its relevance to our daily operations at KPMG?

Understanding GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) is a fundamental requirement for any accounting-related role, and for good reason. These principles form the bedrock of financial reporting and transparency. The question aims to assess your knowledge of these principles and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios. Moreover, it helps gauge your comprehension of the critical role GAAP plays in maintaining the integrity of the firm’s operations and its reputation with clients.

You should emphasize your understanding of GAAP as a set of fundamental principles that ensure consistency, reliability and transparency in financial reporting. Discuss how it aids decision-making processes by providing standardized information and mitigating risks. Highlight any experience you have applying GAAP in previous roles to show its daily relevance, such as using it to guide accounting practices or resolve discrepancies.

Example: GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are essential to our operations at KPMG because they provide a standardized framework for financial reporting. This standardization is crucial in ensuring consistency and comparability across different companies’ financial statements, which allows us to effectively audit and advise our clients. For example, when we conduct an audit, we rely on GAAP to assess the accuracy of the client’s financial records and to identify any potential discrepancies or issues.

Moreover, GAAP also plays a key role in maintaining trust and transparency between businesses and their stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and regulators. By adhering to these principles in our daily operations, we can ensure that our services meet the highest standards of quality and integrity. Therefore, understanding and applying GAAP is not only fundamental to our work as auditors but also contributes to upholding KPMG’s reputation for excellence in the marketplace.

3. Describe your experience with tax research and compliance, and how you have applied this knowledge in previous roles.

Investigating your familiarity with tax research and compliance isn’t just about ticking a box in a list of job requirements. The ability to navigate the complex maze of tax laws and regulations, and ensure that a company remains compliant, is a critical skill in many finance-related roles. This question is designed to assess not only your technical knowledge, but also your ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations, demonstrating problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Reflect on your past experiences where you’ve conducted tax research and ensured compliance, then align it with the position’s needs. Discuss specific instances where you used technical resources for deep tax research or to solve complex issues. Highlight how your understanding of tax regulations helped in maintaining compliance and reducing liabilities in previous roles. If you lacked direct experience, focus on related skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Example: Throughout my career, I have consistently engaged in tax research and compliance activities. For instance, while working on a project involving corporate restructuring, I had to ensure that the process was compliant with various tax laws. This required extensive research into both domestic and international tax legislation to understand potential implications and identify optimal strategies.

I also applied this knowledge when assisting clients with their annual tax filings. By staying updated with changes in tax regulations, I could advise them on how to maximize deductions and credits, ensuring they remained compliant while reducing their overall tax liability. Furthermore, I used advanced tax software to streamline the filing process and minimize errors, demonstrating my ability to leverage technology for efficient tax compliance. Overall, these experiences have honed my skills in tax research and compliance, enabling me to provide valuable insights and solutions in complex tax situations.

4. What steps do you take to ensure accurate financial reporting for clients?

Accuracy in financial reporting is the bedrock of trust in any business relationship. A small mistake in a financial report can have serious consequences, potentially leading to legal issues or loss of business. By asking this question, hiring managers are seeking to understand your attention to detail, your understanding of financial principles, and your ability to implement checks and balances to ensure accuracy.

When responding to this question, focus on your meticulous nature and attention to detail. Discuss the importance of following accounting standards, conducting regular audits, and using reliable software for financial management. You can also mention how you cross-verify data with multiple sources to minimize errors. If you have specific examples where your careful approach led to accurate reporting, include them in your response.

Example: To ensure accurate financial reporting, I first ensure that all data is collected from reliable and verifiable sources. This involves cross-checking information with multiple sources to confirm its accuracy. Once the data is gathered, it’s crucial to use standardized procedures for processing and analyzing it. These procedures are based on widely accepted accounting principles and guidelines.

For instance, when preparing a balance sheet, I’d strictly adhere to the GAAP or IFRS standards depending on the client’s location and requirements. In addition, I also believe in continuous monitoring and periodic reviews of the financial reports. This helps in identifying any discrepancies or errors at an early stage and rectifying them promptly.

Finally, leveraging technology can significantly enhance the accuracy of financial reporting. Tools like advanced ERP systems or AI-based analytics software can automate many routine tasks, reduce human error, and provide deeper insights into the financial data. Therefore, staying updated with the latest technologies and integrating them into the financial reporting process is another key step I take.

5. How do you stay current on changes and updates within accounting standards and regulations?

Keeping up with accounting standards and regulations is similar to staying on top of tech updates in IT or the latest teaching methods in education—it’s part of what makes you good at your job. But in the case of accounting, it’s even more important because failing to keep up with changes could lead to a client’s finances being mishandled, which can have serious legal and financial repercussions. That’s why it’s important for interviewers to ask this question.

Staying updated in the accounting field is critical. Start by highlighting your regular habits like reading industry journals, attending webinars or professional networking events. Also mention any specific regulatory bodies you follow for updates and changes. If you’ve had to apply recent changes in your current role, share that experience showing how adaptable you are. Remember, your answer should display your commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast with the ever-changing financial landscape.

Example: I make it a priority to stay updated on changes and updates within accounting standards and regulations by subscribing to newsletters from authoritative bodies like the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). These provide timely information about any modifications or introductions of new principles. Additionally, I regularly attend webinars, seminars, and continuing professional development courses that focus on these changes.

For instance, when FASB issued an update on lease accounting standards, I immediately enrolled in a specialized course to understand the implications and practical applications of this change. This proactive approach ensures that I am always aware of current practices and can apply them effectively in my work. It’s not just about knowing the changes, but understanding how they impact financial reporting and decision-making processes.

6. Please share an example of a challenging client interaction and how you managed it successfully.

In the pulsating realm of consulting, dealing with challenging clients is inevitable. Your ability to effectively manage these interactions speaks volumes about your interpersonal skills, problem-solving capabilities, and resilience. This question is designed to explore these competencies, as well as your ability to maintain professionalism and deliver results, even when the client relationship might be strained.

Reflect on your past experiences with difficult clients, and choose an instance that ended positively due to your proactive steps. Discuss the problem, your action plan and the favorable outcome. Highlight soft skills like patience, communication, empathy or persuasion that you utilized. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate how you can effectively handle challenging situations while maintaining client relationships.

Example: During my tenure at a previous firm, I was tasked with managing a high-value client who had expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of our services. They were on the verge of terminating their contract, which would have resulted in significant financial loss for the company.

I took immediate action by arranging a face-to-face meeting to understand their concerns more deeply. During this interaction, I listened attentively and empathetically, acknowledging their frustrations while also reaffirming our commitment to delivering top-tier service.

Based on their feedback, I worked closely with my team to devise an improved strategy tailored to their specific needs. We increased communication frequency, implemented tighter quality controls, and provided regular progress reports to ensure transparency. Over time, we not only restored the client’s confidence but also strengthened our relationship, resulting in renewed contracts and additional business referrals. This experience taught me the importance of proactive problem-solving, effective communication, and customer-centric approach in maintaining successful client relationships.

7. In your experience, what are the key factors to consider when performing risk assessments for clients?

Risk assessments are a key part of any consulting or auditing role. They help clients understand potential threats to their business, financial health, and reputation. If you’re asked this question, it’s because the employer wants to gauge your understanding of risk assessment processes, your ability to identify and evaluate risk factors, and your skills in advising clients on how to mitigate these risks. This question also tests your analytical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of the business environment.

When answering this question, articulate your understanding of risk assessments’ importance and how they can help clients. Mention factors such as the client’s business model, industry trends, and regulatory environment. You also could discuss evaluating internal controls, financial status, and operational procedures. Remember to give examples from your previous work experience where you successfully performed a risk assessment, focusing on the steps you took and the results achieved.

Example: In my experience, there are several key factors to consider when performing risk assessments for clients. Firstly, understanding the client’s business model and industry is crucial. This includes identifying potential risks associated with their specific sector, as well as understanding their strategic objectives and operational processes. For instance, a technology company may face different types of risks compared to a manufacturing firm.

Secondly, it’s important to evaluate the effectiveness of the client’s existing internal control systems. Are they able to identify, assess, and manage risks effectively? If not, this could present significant risks that need to be addressed.

Lastly, considering external factors such as regulatory changes, market volatility, or geopolitical events is also essential as these can have substantial impacts on the client’s risk profile. For example, impending regulations in data privacy could pose significant compliance risks for a tech company dealing with large amounts of customer data. By taking a holistic approach that combines an understanding of the client’s business, evaluation of their internal controls, and consideration of external factors, we can provide a comprehensive and effective risk assessment.

8. Explain the role of data analytics in enhancing the efficiency of the audit process.

Data analytics is transforming the audit process in profound ways. By asking this question, hiring managers want to assess your understanding of how data analytics tools can increase efficiency, reduce human error, and provide deeper insights. They’re interested in whether you can leverage these tools to scrutinize large volumes of data, identify patterns and anomalies, and enhance the audit’s accuracy and effectiveness.

Highlight your understanding of data analytics as a tool for identifying patterns, anomalies and key insights in financial data. Discuss how it allows auditors to perform more detailed audit procedures while reducing manual work. Share examples where you have used data analytics tools to improve the efficiency of an audit without compromising its effectiveness. If you haven’t had hands-on experience, explain how you understand the theoretical application and are eager to learn more.

Example: Data analytics plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of the audit process by providing auditors with tools to analyze large volumes of data quickly and accurately. This allows for more comprehensive audits, as it eliminates the need for manual sampling techniques that may miss irregularities within the larger dataset. For example, using predictive analytics can help identify patterns or trends that could indicate fraudulent activity, enabling auditors to focus their attention on these high-risk areas.

Furthermore, data analytics also improves the speed and accuracy of the audit process. By automating routine tasks, auditors can devote more time to complex issues requiring professional judgment. For instance, machine learning algorithms can be used to automate transaction matching processes, which are typically time-consuming when done manually. These benefits not only increase the effectiveness of the audit but also make it more cost-efficient.

9. How do you maintain client confidentiality while working on multiple engagements simultaneously?

Navigating the minefield of client confidentiality is a quintessential skill in sectors such as consultancy and auditing. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to ensure you can effectively manage sensitive information, uphold ethical standards, and maintain trust. This is particularly important when juggling multiple clients, as any slip could potentially lead to conflicts of interest or breaches of confidentiality.

To answer this question effectively, discuss your understanding of the importance of client confidentiality and how you’ve maintained it in past roles. You could mention using secure systems to store information, adhering strictly to company policies, and ensuring careful separation between different projects. Also highlight your ability to multitask efficiently without compromising on data privacy. Remember to provide specific examples where possible for better impact.

Example: Maintaining client confidentiality while working on multiple engagements simultaneously is a critical aspect of professional services. To ensure this, I adhere to strict data management protocols. For instance, each engagement has its own dedicated and secure storage space for files and documents, preventing any overlap or accidental sharing of sensitive information between projects.

Moreover, I practice discretion in all communication about the project, whether it’s internal or external. This includes not discussing details of one project with team members from another or with anyone who doesn’t have a need-to-know basis. In addition, I use encrypted emails when transmitting confidential data and follow company policies regarding data protection and privacy. By adhering to these practices, I can assure clients that their confidential information remains secure, thereby building trust and fostering long-term relationships.

10. Describe a time when you had to adapt to new technology or software to improve your work performance.

The rapidly evolving landscape of technology is transforming the way businesses operate. This question aims to gauge your adaptability and willingness to embrace new technology. It’s also a way to understand how you approach learning and mastering new tools, which is a vital skill in maintaining efficiency and productivity in any modern work environment.

Reflect on instances where you embraced new technology or software to enhance your work. Detail what the technology was, why it was introduced, and how you adapted to it. Highlight any challenges faced during this transition and how you overcame them. Discuss the positive impact this adaptation had on your performance and productivity. It’s crucial to demonstrate adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn new systems for improved efficiency.

Example: In my previous role, our team was tasked with streamlining the financial reporting process. The existing system was manual and prone to errors, leading to inefficiencies and delays in decision-making. To address this, we decided to implement a new ERP software that could automate several of these processes.

At first, I found the transition challenging as it required me to learn an entirely new system and adapt my workflow accordingly. However, I took proactive steps to familiarize myself with the software by participating in training sessions, doing online tutorials, and even creating cheat sheets for quick reference.

Over time, not only did I become proficient in using the software, but I also identified ways to customize it according to our specific needs. As a result, our team was able to reduce the time spent on generating reports by 30%, significantly improving our efficiency and productivity. This experience taught me the value of being adaptable and open to leveraging technology to enhance work performance.

11. Can you provide an example of a complex financial statement issue you encountered and how you resolved it?

Understanding your ability to tackle complex financial issues is essential in a sector like auditing or finance. It’s not just about technical knowledge but also about your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They want to gauge your approach to identifying, analyzing, and resolving such issues. Plus, your response can also reveal your capacity to communicate and explain complex financial data in a way that non-financial stakeholders can understand.

Reflect on your past experiences and choose a scenario where you successfully dealt with a complex financial statement issue. The goal is to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and ability to work under pressure. Explain the situation clearly, showcasing the complexity of the issue, then detail the steps you took to resolve it, emphasizing your analytical thinking and decision-making process. Finally, highlight the positive outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Example: In one instance, I was working on a project that involved the acquisition of a smaller company by a larger entity. The challenge arose when we were trying to consolidate their financial statements. The smaller company had been using a different accounting standard (GAAP) while our client used IFRS. This difference led to complexities in areas such as revenue recognition and inventory valuation.

To resolve this issue, I first familiarized myself with both sets of standards to understand the key differences. Then, I worked closely with the acquired company’s finance team to restate their financials under IFRS. We also brought in an external consultant who specialized in GAAP-to-IFRS conversions to ensure accuracy. It was a complex process but ultimately successful. Not only did it enhance my technical skills, but it also highlighted the importance of effective communication and collaboration in resolving complex financial issues.

12. How do you effectively manage workload and deadlines across multiple projects and teams?

This question aims to determine your skills in project management, time management, and delegation. In a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and teams, it’s essential to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and delegate responsibilities to ensure that deadlines are met. By asking this question, the hiring team wants to see if you possess these skills and if you can maintain efficiency and productivity even under pressure.

Discuss your strategies for staying organized and ensuring all work is completed on time. Highlight your ability to prioritize tasks, delegate when necessary, and use project management tools. Speak about your experience in managing multiple projects at once, providing concrete examples. Mention how you maintain clear communication with the team to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and deadlines.

Example: To effectively manage workload and deadlines across multiple projects and teams, I believe in the power of strategic planning, prioritization, and communication. For instance, at the onset of a project, I ensure to set clear objectives, define roles, and establish timelines. This helps me allocate resources efficiently and enables everyone involved to understand their responsibilities.

I also prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix. By doing so, I can focus on high-priority tasks that contribute most to the project’s success while ensuring less critical tasks are not overlooked.

Furthermore, I maintain open lines of communication with all team members. Regular check-ins allow me to monitor progress, address issues promptly, and realign strategies if necessary. Using collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams or Slack ensures everyone stays updated and fosters a sense of collective responsibility towards meeting our goals.

13. Explain your approach to managing and developing team members under your supervision.

Leadership skills are a pivotal aspect of any management position. By asking this question, the hiring team wants to assess your management style, how you handle conflict, and how you inspire growth within your team. Your ability to guide, support, and mentor your team members, while also ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently, is a critical aspect of the role. This question also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and your commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment.

When answering this question, highlight your leadership style and how you nurture team growth. Discuss a mix of setting clear expectations, providing resources for learning, listening to their feedback, and recognizing their achievements. Share examples of times when you’ve led teams successfully, focusing on the strategies that helped in individual development and team success. Show that you understand managing people is not one-size-fits-all but requires personal attention to each member’s needs and career goals.

Example: My approach to managing and developing team members is centered around clear communication, fostering a supportive environment, and providing opportunities for growth. I believe in setting clear expectations from the outset, which allows my team to understand their roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins are also crucial to ensure that everyone is on track and any issues or concerns can be addressed promptly.

In terms of development, I am a strong advocate for continuous learning. I encourage my team members to identify areas they would like to improve or skills they wish to acquire, then provide them with the necessary resources or training opportunities. Additionally, I strive to give constructive feedback regularly, not just during formal performance reviews, to help them grow professionally.

For instance, there was a time when one of my team members showed interest in data analytics but lacked the necessary skills. Recognizing her enthusiasm, we worked together to find suitable online courses and she was given some time during work hours to complete these. This not only improved her skill set but also significantly increased her engagement and productivity.

14. Describe a time when you had to present findings or recommendations to senior management or a client. How did you prepare and deliver the message?

This question is a way for hiring managers to gauge your communication skills and ability to handle pressure. You’re being asked to recount a situation where you had to present important information to high-level individuals, which is often a requirement in professional roles. This tests your ability to articulate complex findings in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. It also evaluates your preparation strategies and ability to effectively engage with key decision-makers.

When answering this question, talk about a time when you had to present complex data or information. Discuss how you prepared by understanding your audience’s needs and simplifying the information into digestible parts. Highlight your ability to use visual aids like charts or graphs to make it easier for non-technical people to understand. Stress on your communication skills and your capacity to handle questions and feedback confidently. Remember, they want to see your analytical abilities as well as your presentation skills.

Example: During a recent project, I was responsible for analyzing the financial performance of a client’s new product line. After thorough analysis, it became evident that despite strong sales, the profitability of this line was significantly below expectations due to high production costs. It was my responsibility to present these findings and recommendations to the client’s senior management.

To prepare, I first ensured that all data was accurate and thoroughly analyzed. I then structured my presentation in a way that would clearly communicate the issue at hand, its implications, and potential solutions. This included detailed but clear visuals and key takeaway points to facilitate understanding. Prior to the meeting, I also anticipated possible questions or concerns from the management team and prepared responses accordingly.

In delivering the message, I started with an overview of the current situation, followed by the underlying issues contributing to the problem. Then, I presented several strategic options for improving profitability, including cost reduction measures and price adjustments. Throughout the presentation, I maintained a professional tone, encouraging questions and discussion. The feedback received was positive, with the management appreciating the clarity and depth of my analysis. They implemented some of our suggestions, leading to a noticeable improvement in the product line’s profitability.

15. How do you ensure quality control is maintained throughout all stages of an engagement?

Quality control is essential in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of work products, which directly impact a company’s reputation and client satisfaction. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to gauge your understanding of quality control processes, your attention to detail, and your ability to adhere to established standards and best practices. It’s also a way to understand how you manage projects, supervise team members, and ensure consistent, high-quality results.

Discuss your experience with quality control measures, emphasizing strategies you’ve used to ensure high standards at all times. Highlight instances where you identified potential issues and took quick remedial action. You could also mention how you maintain open communication channels with stakeholders to promptly address concerns. Lastly, talk about your dedication to continuous learning and improvement, which ensures up-to-date knowledge on best practices for quality control.

Example: Maintaining quality control throughout all stages of an engagement requires a systematic approach. At the planning stage, it’s crucial to establish clear objectives and expectations, as well as defining success metrics that align with client goals. This provides a roadmap for the engagement and sets a benchmark for what constitutes quality.

During the execution phase, regular check-ins and progress reports are key to ensuring we’re on track. These provide opportunities to review our work against the established criteria and make necessary adjustments. I believe in leveraging technology tools like project management software to keep everyone updated and maintain transparency.

Finally, at the closure of the engagement, conducting a thorough review of the project outcomes against the initial objectives is essential. It helps us understand where we excelled or fell short, providing valuable insights for future engagements. Moreover, gathering feedback from all stakeholders further enhances our understanding of how well we met the quality standards.

16. Discuss your experience with mergers and acquisitions, and how it relates to the services offered by KPMG.

Mergers and acquisitions make up a significant portion of the services offered by firms in the financial and business consulting sector. Your experience in this area can indicate your ability to handle complex, high-stakes transactions and advise clients on strategic decisions. It’s also a way for your potential employer to gauge your understanding of the industry and your ability to add immediate value to their team.

Start by highlighting your relevant experience with mergers and acquisitions, focusing on the tasks you handled and skills you gained. Then, reflect these experiences back to the services offered by the company without naming it directly. Discuss how your understanding of due diligence, financial modeling, or negotiation, for instance, aligns with their business model. If possible, provide a specific example where your expertise made a significant impact. Remember not to dive into too much detail; keep it concise and relevant.

Example: In my previous experience, I’ve been involved in several mergers and acquisitions from both the buy-side and sell-side. This included conducting due diligence, financial modeling, and post-merger integration. For instance, during one notable project, I was part of a team that successfully integrated two large pharmaceutical companies. Our work ensured not only the preservation but also the growth of value after the merger.

This experience directly relates to KPMG’s services as the firm is renowned for its expertise in M&A advisory. My understanding of the complexities involved in such transactions aligns with KPMG’s approach to provide holistic solutions that consider all aspects of an M&A deal, including tax implications, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Furthermore, having worked on post-merger integrations, I appreciate KPMG’s emphasis on creating long-term value for clients even after the transaction has closed.

17. What methods do you use to identify potential fraud or irregularities during an audit?

This question is a test of your technical expertise and your ability to apply that knowledge in a practical setting. Auditing is a detail-oriented job that requires a deep understanding of financial systems and the ability to analyze large amounts of data. Identifying potential fraud or irregularities is a key part of this role, and your answer will demonstrate your ability to perform this task effectively.

To answer this, start by mentioning your familiarity with standard audit procedures and tools. Then provide specific examples of strategies you’ve used to spot potential fraud, such as data analysis techniques or internal control reviews. Stress the importance of continuous learning in staying ahead of new fraudulent practices. Additionally, don’t forget to illustrate how these methods have been effective in your past experience.

Example: In identifying potential fraud or irregularities during an audit, I employ a combination of analytical procedures and substantive testing. Analytical procedures involve evaluating financial information by studying plausible relationships among both financial and non-financial data. This can include trend analysis, ratio analysis, and regression analysis to identify inconsistencies or fluctuations that could indicate fraudulent activity.

Substantive testing, on the other hand, involves detailed testing of transactions and balances to verify the accuracy and completeness of the data. It’s a more direct approach where we physically inspect assets, perform independent recalculations, or confirm details with third parties. For example, if there are significant unexpected changes in account balances or unusual transactions, these would be flagged for further investigation.

Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain professional skepticism throughout the auditing process. This means not taking everything at face value and constantly questioning the validity of the information provided. By combining these methods, I believe I can effectively detect any potential fraud or irregularities.

18. Explain the significance of internal controls and their impact on the overall effectiveness of an organization’s processes.

A company’s success greatly depends on the effectiveness of its internal controls. These safeguards ensure accuracy in financial reporting, compliance with laws and regulations, and efficient operations. They also play a crucial role in preventing and detecting fraud. By asking this question, the company wants to assess your understanding of these controls and your ability to implement them effectively. This will reflect on your capability to contribute to the optimization of the company’s processes and overall performance.

Begin your answer by stating the importance of internal controls in ensuring accuracy, reliability and compliance in an organization’s operations. Discuss how these measures can help minimize risks, prevent fraud, and enhance operational efficiency. Use specific examples from your previous experience to highlight how effective internal control systems have improved a process or mitigated a risk. Remember to demonstrate your understanding of various internal control frameworks, tailoring your response to fit the needs of the role you’re applying for.

Example: Internal controls are crucial in an organization as they provide a framework for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with laws and regulations, and effective and efficient operations. They act as safeguards against errors, fraud, or losses that can significantly impact an organization’s reputation and bottom line.

For instance, consider segregation of duties, one aspect of internal controls. This principle ensures that no single individual has control over all parts of a financial transaction to prevent potential fraudulent activities. If there is a lack of appropriate segregation, it could lead to misappropriation of assets or manipulation of financial statements. Therefore, internal controls not only protect organizational resources but also enhance accuracy and reliability of its financial records, leading to more informed decision-making.

19. How do you handle situations where there is disagreement among team members about the best course of action?

This question is about conflict resolution and your ability to navigate through disagreements within a team. The workplace is a melting pot of diverse individuals with varied opinions and ideas. Disagreements are bound to happen, and how they are managed can greatly impact the team’s productivity and morale. The interviewer wants to see if you can facilitate constructive discussions, find common ground, and get everyone on board with a decision, even in the face of differing opinions.

Start your response by emphasizing the importance of open communication and respect for diverse perspectives in a team setting. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve dealt with disagreements, detailing how you facilitated discussions to understand all viewpoints, find common ground, or arrive at a compromise. Highlight your ability to maintain positive professional relationships even amidst conflict, ultimately focusing on achieving the team’s goals.

Example: In situations where there is disagreement among team members, I believe it’s crucial to first ensure that everyone feels heard. This involves facilitating a discussion where each person can express their viewpoint and the reasoning behind it. For example, in a previous project, we had differing opinions on how to approach a complex problem. We held a meeting where each member presented their proposed solution along with its pros and cons.

Afterwards, we evaluated each proposal against our project goals and constraints. In some cases, this process helps us identify a hybrid solution that combines the best elements of different proposals. If consensus still isn’t reached, as a last resort, I’m not afraid to make an executive decision based on my understanding and experience, while explaining my rationale to the team. It’s important to remember that disagreements are often a sign of diverse thinking and can lead to innovative solutions if managed effectively.

20. Describe your experience with international accounting standards (IFRS) and any challenges you faced when applying them.

Understanding and correctly applying International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is a critical skill for any accounting role, particularly in companies with global operations. By asking this question, hiring managers are looking for evidence of your technical expertise, as well as your problem-solving abilities. They want to know not only if you can navigate the complex landscape of international accounting, but also how you handle challenges that arise in the process. This insight can help them assess your fit for the role and your potential to contribute to the company’s financial accuracy and transparency.

Reflect on your experience with IFRS, mentioning specific instances where you applied these standards. Emphasize your problem-solving skills by discussing a challenge you faced and how you overcame it. If you’re less experienced, focus on the steps you’d take to understand and apply them effectively, stressing your eagerness to learn.

Example: In my previous experience, I have worked extensively with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), particularly during the transition from local GAAP to IFRS for a multinational corporation. This process involved not only understanding and applying the new standards but also communicating changes to various stakeholders.

One of the main challenges was dealing with areas where there were significant differences between local GAAP and IFRS, such as revenue recognition and financial instruments. It required careful interpretation and judgement to ensure that we were not only compliant with the letter of the standard but also its spirit. Additionally, it was crucial to effectively communicate these changes to non-finance stakeholders who were impacted by this transition, ensuring they understood the implications on their respective areas.

Another challenge was maintaining consistency in application across different jurisdictions within the company. To address this, we developed detailed guidelines and provided training sessions to ensure everyone was on the same page. Despite the complexities, working with IFRS has been rewarding as it allowed me to deepen my technical accounting knowledge and improve my communication skills.

21. How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes to ensure clients receive the best advice possible?

Staying current with industry trends is essential in a rapidly evolving business world. Regardless of the sector, industries are constantly shifting due to technological advancements, legislative changes, economic factors, and more. Therefore, it’s vital for professionals to keep their finger on the pulse of these changes, not only to offer the best advice but also to foresee potential challenges or opportunities for their clients. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to gauge your proactiveness and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

To answer this question, focus on your commitment to continuous learning. Talk about your habit of reading industry journals, attending webinars or conferences, and following key influencers in the field. Highlight any additional training or certifications you’ve pursued. Discuss how you apply new knowledge to benefit clients by providing updated, informed advice. Show that staying current is a priority for you, thus ensuring clients receive top-notch service.

Example: Staying up-to-date with industry trends is crucial in providing the best advice to clients. I make it a point to regularly read industry-specific publications, attend webinars and conferences, and participate in relevant professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn. For instance, I recently attended a virtual conference on digital transformation in auditing which provided valuable insights into emerging technologies that can streamline audit processes.

In addition to this, I also leverage KPMG’s internal resources such as research reports, thought leadership articles, and training programs. These resources provide deep insights into market trends and changes in regulations, helping me stay ahead of the curve. Moreover, I believe in continuous learning and often take up online courses related to my field. Recently, I completed a course on data analytics in finance which has equipped me with skills to better analyze financial data for our clients.

Overall, these strategies not only help me stay informed about the latest developments but also enable me to anticipate future trends and advise clients accordingly.

22. Can you share an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information? What was your thought process?

Sure, here’s why that question is relevant. In a rapidly changing business environment, decision-making often needs to happen quickly, sometimes before all the facts are available. This question is designed to assess your ability to think critically and make sound judgments in situations where you may not have all the information you would like. It provides insights into your problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and comfort level with ambiguity and uncertainty—all critical skills for navigating complex business scenarios.

Begin your response by acknowledging the reality of having to make decisions with limited information in any dynamic business environment. Next, share a specific experience where you faced this challenge. Explain how you assessed available data, sought advice if necessary, relied on your professional judgment and risk analysis skills. Emphasize that your decision was guided by ethical considerations and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. Highlight the outcome and what you learned from it.

Example: In my previous experience, I was part of a team tasked with selecting a new software solution for our company’s customer relationship management. We had to make the decision within a short timeframe due to increasing demands and inefficiencies in our existing system. However, we were faced with limited information about the potential options as they were relatively new entrants in the market.

My approach was to prioritize our needs by identifying key features that would address our current challenges and support future growth. I used this criteria to evaluate each option based on available data and reviews. In addition, I reached out to contacts in similar industries who had adopted these solutions to gain insights from their experiences.

Despite the lack of comprehensive details, we made an informed decision based on our prioritized needs and feedback from industry peers. The chosen software proved effective and increased our efficiency significantly. This experience taught me the importance of clear priorities, proactive outreach, and decisive action when dealing with uncertainty.

23. Describe how you have leveraged technology solutions to improve client service delivery.

As a global professional services firm, the company prides itself on using cutting-edge technology to provide top-notch solutions to clients. By asking this question, the hiring manager wants to gauge your ability to leverage technology for improving service efficiency and client satisfaction. They’re looking for evidence of your innovation, problem-solving skills, and your ability to stay ahead of tech trends to better serve clients.

To answer this, reflect on instances where you incorporated technology to enhance customer service. This could be using project management tools for better coordination, data analysis software for tailored solutions, or CRM systems for personalized communication. Showcase how such implementations resulted in improved efficiency or client satisfaction. If new to the field, discuss your understanding of tech solutions and how you’d apply them to meet clients’ needs.

Example: In my experience, I have leveraged technology to improve client service delivery through the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. For instance, by implementing a CRM system, we were able to centralize all customer-related data, which significantly improved our ability to track and manage interactions with clients. This led to better communication as every team member had access to up-to-date information about each client’s needs and preferences, allowing us to provide more personalized and efficient services.

Furthermore, we integrated this CRM system with an analytics tool that provided insights into customer behavior and trends. These insights helped us anticipate client needs and proactively offer solutions, thereby enhancing client satisfaction. The combination of these technologies not only streamlined our internal processes but also elevated our client service delivery to a higher level.

24. Explain your approach to developing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients and colleagues at all levels.

This question is about your interpersonal skills and your ability to build and maintain professional relationships. Any company, regardless of size or industry, relies heavily on teamwork and collaboration. Your potential employer wants to see if you have the skills to create lasting, productive relationships with your colleagues and clients, which is vital to the success of any project or task.

Start by sharing your philosophy or belief about relationship building – be it respect, trust, open communication, etc. Then illustrate this with examples of how you’ve built and maintained professional relationships in the past. Show your ability to connect with people at various levels, from subordinates to top-tier executives. Highlight any strategies used in maintaining these relationships such as regular check-ins, providing updates, or showing appreciation. If new to the field, share steps you would take to establish strong relationships.

Example: In developing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients and colleagues, I believe the key is to consistently demonstrate reliability, integrity, and respect. For instance, when dealing with a client, it’s essential to understand their needs and expectations thoroughly. This can be achieved by active listening and asking insightful questions. Once I have this understanding, I ensure that my actions align with their objectives.

Maintaining these relationships requires regular communication and consistent delivery of high-quality work. It also involves being proactive in identifying potential issues or opportunities for improvement and addressing them promptly. An example would be a situation where we were facing a delay in delivering a project due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead of waiting for the deadline to explain the delay, I communicated proactively with the client, explained the situation, and provided a revised timeline. The client appreciated our transparency and commitment to keeping them informed, which helped strengthen our relationship.

Similarly, with colleagues, I strive to foster an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. I make sure to acknowledge their contributions, provide constructive feedback, and lend support whenever necessary. These strategies have proven effective in building lasting professional relationships throughout my career.

25. How do you balance the need for efficiency and cost-effectiveness while ensuring high-quality services are provided to clients?

Striking the right balance between cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and quality is a key challenge in any business, particularly in service-based industries. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to see if you understand this delicate balance and how you would navigate it. They are interested in your decision-making skills, your ability to prioritize, and your understanding of the importance of quality service delivery despite budgetary constraints.

Start by emphasizing your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. Highlight any specific strategies or tools you use for this purpose. Then, share examples of how you’ve maintained high-quality services within budget constraints from past roles. Showcase your problem-solving skills and assure them that you understand the importance of balancing cost-effectiveness with excellent service delivery.

Example: Balancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality service delivery is a delicate task that requires strategic planning and execution. One approach I’ve found effective is leveraging technology to automate routine tasks, freeing up time for staff to focus on more complex issues that require their expertise. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces costs in the long run.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to continuously monitor and evaluate service delivery processes. By doing so, we can identify areas of inefficiency or waste and implement corrective measures promptly. However, while striving for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, it’s essential never to compromise on the quality of services provided to clients. Regular feedback from clients and frontline staff can provide valuable insights into how well our services are meeting client needs and expectations, enabling us to make necessary adjustments to maintain high-quality standards.

In essence, achieving this balance involves a combination of smart use of technology, continuous process improvement, and prioritizing client satisfaction above all else.

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About kpmg , the interview questions of kpmg , interview process, requirements for applying as a fresh graduate at kpmg, cv shortlisting procedure: , kpmg technical interview questions, some additional interview questions to help you further in your preparation: , kpmg interview questions: you could be asked one of these questions.

If you’re preparing to interview with KPMG, you might be curious about what types of questions you could be asked during the process. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions in this blog post, as well as an overview of what to expect from your interview experience overall, how to prepare for it beforehand and how our courses can help you get ready for it.. 

KPMG International Limited is a British-Dutch multinational that is a part of the Big Four companies and offers auditing, risk consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. Headquartered in Amstelveen, Netherlands, KPMG is a global firm incorporated in the United Kingdom, with offices in 145 countries and 236,000 employees and offers three types of services: audit, tax, and advisory. 

KPMG stands for Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler. When KMG Klynveld Main Goerdeler merged with Peat Marwick in 1987, they created the initialism.

Do you hope to work in an environment where your hard work and results in difficult endeavours are acknowledged? If so, KPMG may be the perfect employer for you since they offer a great opportunity that other companies might not. It's one of the four big accounting firms alongside Deloitte, PwC and E&Y.

If you're scheduled for an interview in the near future, you may want to prepare by reviewing these KPMG interview questions. Thoroughly scanning these questions will help you prepare well for the interview and provide a clearer picture of what it will be like.

Potential interview questions at KPMG involve your familiarity with industries KPMG caters to. You are also judged on your academic performance, experience with the firm, and whether or not you're a good fit for the position.

For Freshers: 

The recruiters at KPMG take fresh graduates on via.

• Campus placement
• Direct application on the KPMG website

Students can also apply to KPMG roles through the KPMG's careers portal, where details of all available vacancies with locations within KPMG are provided. 

The interview process for freshers at KPMG has two rounds. The first round comprises a series of HR questions to ensure that they’re looking for someone who is a good fit and also has suitable qualities. An example question would be why do you want to work here? Or tell me about yourself, etc. The second round is a case study, which could entail any business topic, such as marketing, leadership, strategic management, etc.

• Candidates for this position must have obtained at least 60% of the coursework from the end of their degree in order to qualify.
• They should have achieved at least 60% in their 10th and 12th.
• Engineering-wise, the most popular branches are Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
• These would be the three most preferable programs for those without engineering degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of Commerce, and a Master of Business Administration.

The most important thing to remember during your interview at KPMG is that they will never ask you a question they do not already know the answer to. If you’re asked a question, and you don’t know, then it’s better to admit that upfront and tell them why you want to work there. The job search process with KPMG can take between 3–4 months for most candidates.

The skills that KPMG looks for when hiring new graduates are: 

• Communication skills
• Ability to provide basic answers to technical questions

The KPMG selection process includes the following stages:

• KPMG Written Test
• Group Discussion
• Interview – Technical and HR

Interviews are taken by Supervisor/Associate, Manager and Senior Manager for freshers. HR does one final round of interviews at the end.

For Experienced Professionals:

KPMG's hiring process for experienced professionals differs from others. For experienced professionals, the process follows this outline-

• Telephone round (Junior HR)
• Telephone round (Immediate senior like Manager or Senior Manager)
• Assignment: There is a Case Study, as well as an Excel Assignment, Presentation Assignment, Email Writing Assignment, and Proposal Writing Assignment that are required to be completed and submitted to KPMG. Candidates may be asked to present this assignment during the interview too.
• Technical Interview round- There are minimum 3 rounds with upper hierarchies of organization structure. During the first 2 rounds, the focus of the interview will be your understanding of the roles and industry. In the 3rd round which is taken by the Director or a Partner, the focus is on assessing if you fit with the company.
• HR interview round- Once you have successfully completed the previous round, this round is mainly for negotiation of salary, joining interval etc.

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CV Shortlisting is the process of finding the few job applicants from the pool of aspirants who best match the requirements of the open position and are wanted by the company to proceed to the next step of the recruitment process. In short, CV shortlisting refers to the process of creating a list of the candidates the organization is interested in interviewing.

Recruitment processes start by shortlisting before interviews and assessments. As the company screens resume from applicants, they also select the best candidates to advance to the next stage.

There are a lot of important considerations for making a proper shortlist; a few have been discussed below.

Online Coding Round at Adobe 

Once a candidate passes the CV screening round (whether an off-campus placement candidate or an experienced professional), they must demonstrate technical ability in the online coding round. Adobe offers popular sites like Hackerrank, CodinGame, and more for online coding test. 

While at an Adobe recruitment event, a candidate was faced with a hacking question. In this case, they were instructed to program a process to achieve a certain desired outcome.

Interview Rounds

Phone Screenings: Before you get to meet with a KPMG recruiter in person, you’ll likely go through some type of phone screening interview round. Expect questions like, “Why are you interested in working at KPMG?” and “Tell us about yourself”. Be ready to tell your story succinctly—you don’t want to lose points during a phone interview just because you run out of time before telling all your relevant experiences. The goal of these initial interviews is to find candidates who best fit KPMG as a whole, so prepare for very general questions that touch on work experience, personality traits and goals. You may also be asked questions about why you want to work for KPMG specifically.

Phone Interview With a Hiring Manager: A phone interview with a hiring manager at KPMG usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how quickly you can handle follow-up questions. Expect a series of behavioral and situational questions related to your resume, plus some queries designed to gauge your personal interest in KPMG. It’s also not uncommon for KPMG recruiters to test candidates’ writing skills by having them write an essay about themselves or ask for their thoughts on current events.

Technical Assessment

A technical round is where candidates in the KPMG interview are judged on their knowledge of the technical field. These candidates must have a strong foundation in basic technical skills. Some examples of the technical questions from the KPMG interviewers are-

• What is this cloud computing thing?
• What does Pixel mean?
• Tell the difference between relational database management systems and database management systems.
• What is a Circular Link list?
• Define LIFO and FIFO

Onsite Interview

An onsite interview at KPMG is just a standard interview; there are no tricky questions here. However, getting invited for an onsite interview means you’ve made it through two rounds of interviews, so keep your cool! Practice these KPMG interview tips beforehand—the more you practice, the less nervous you’ll be when it comes time for your real interview.

The HR round of the interview process is when the company sees just how confident and knowledgeable the candidate is, among other personal traits. KPMG interviewers try to determine the applicants' motives to join their organization in this round. In order to succeed at the interview, it is imperative that the candidate demonstrate a willingness to commit to the role and excitement about the opportunity. For KPMG interviews, this is the part where you focus on the skills that you have for the job and what that would mean for KPMG. Typical KPMG interview questions include-

• Examine the differences between work that is smart and work that is hard.
• Tell me about some of your life's successes.
• Tell me the one word that sums up your personality.
• If you had to pinpoint the worst mistake one can make in life, what would you say it is?
• How far do you see yourself moving up in your career by the end of two years?

1. Why do you want to work in audit? 

Sample Answer: “I am an honest and skilled individual. I am extremely focused and have a keen eye for detail. My overall goal is to always better an organization with my capabilities and do my best to help them reach its financial and/or commercial goals. I want to be a part of KPMG because it’s a firm that strives for excellence in all areas of business, from finances to IT. It’s also a firm that values its employees as people first and foremost. These are the attributes that I value greatly”.

2. What are the objectives of an internal audit? 

The central objective of an Internal Audit is to supply objective information to managers, governments, etc. Objective information typically includes details about control over the organization's environment, risks, etc. Any person coming for the Internal Audit is called an Internal Auditor. They are employed by the organizations that send them.  An internal auditor works in close association with management because he or she wants to understand how well they have managed their resources. Auditors ensure that companies adhere to accounting standards and laws; they also try to ensure that companies don't mislead investors about their finances or operations.

3. Explain cross-functional audits? 

A cross-functional audit means the participation of different professions in the audit process to improve the organization's practices. For example, a marketing professional may be included in an audit team to ensure that advertising campaigns are compliant with industry regulations. The goal is to achieve better results for your company through more thorough audits.

4. What are audit control procedures? 

There is no one approach that's universal for understanding internal controls, business processes, and control effectiveness. Instead, it depends on the specific needs of each audit.

Auditors must know every component of the client's financial reporting controls, including their environment, assessment process, systems, the activities related to their audit, and how they monitor their internal controls. They also need to be aware of any changes that could impact their ability to effectively perform an audit. In order for auditors to properly evaluate a company's internal control structure, they must have a complete understanding of its business processes and how information flows through them.

5. What is CARO 2003? What do you mean by management audit?

The term CARO means Company Audit Report Order 2003. It describes the matter on which the company's Statutory Auditors must report in their Audit Report. An audit is an analysis and assessment of a company's management competencies and capabilities to execute its objectives. The point of a management audit is not to give grades to individual executives but to review the effectiveness of the entire management team, considering factors such as shareholder satisfaction, staff morale, and business reputation. It is necessary to point out that the management audit examines the management of the company as a whole, not the performance of the individual managers.

6. What are the advantages of using stored procedures?

One of the key reasons why stored procedures can offer many advantages is because they allow programmers to focus on the needs of a specific module, reducing redundancy and the possibility of errors. Another advantage is that it allows for more efficient use of resources. Since stored procedures are compiled into machine language at run time, there’s no need for them to be recompiled each time they’re used; therefore, fewer system resources are required in order to execute them. Stored procedures also allow developers to create reusable code which can then be used in multiple applications or by multiple users.

7. Do you think BCNF is better than 2NF & 3NF? Why?

BCNF is stronger than 3NF because it does not follow the same criterion for normalization that 3NF does. Thus, every left side of an FD in a table must be a super key. Any table that is BCNF will also be 3NF, 2NF, and 1NF by the definitions that precede this.

8. Discuss transparent DBMS?

It is one which keeps its physical structure hidden from the user. A query with respect to DBMS relates to user commands that are used to interact with a database. The query language can be classified into data definition language and data manipulation language.

The distributed DBMS defines that the system should make the distribution transparent to the user. Transparent hides implementation details from the user. For example, in a centralized DBMS, data independence is a form of transparency that hides changes in the definition and organization of the data from the user. A DDBMS may provide various· levels of transparency. However, they all participate in the same overall objective— to make the use of the distributed database equivalent to that of a centralized database.

We can identify four main types of transparency in a DDBMS:

• Distribution transparency
• Transaction transparency
• Performance transparency
• DBMS transparency

9. What is the difference between exclusive lock and shared lock? 

One of the methods to ensure property isolation in a transaction is to require data items to be accessed in a mutually exclusive manner. That means that while one transaction is accessing a data item, no other transaction can modify that data item. So, the most common method used to implement the requirement is to allow a transaction to access a data item only if it is currently holding a lock on that item.

Thus, the lock on operation is required to ensure isolation of transactions.

1. Shared Lock (S):

• Shared lock is also called a read lock, used for reading data items only.
• Shared locks support read integrity. They ensure that a record is not in the process of being updated during a read-only request.
• They can also be used to prevent any kind of updates of records.
• It is denoted by Lock-S. 
• S-lock is requested using Lock-S instruction.

For example, consider a case where initially A=100 and there are two transactions which are reading A. If one of the transactions wants to update A, in that case, other transaction would be reading the wrong value. However, the shared lock prevents it from updating until it has finished reading.

2. Exclusive Lock (X):

• With the exclusive lock, a data item can be read as well as written. It’s also called write lock.
• An exclusive lock prevents any other locker from obtaining any sort of a lock on the object.
• They can be owned by only one transaction at a time.
• It is denoted as Lock-X.
• X-lock is requested using Lock-X instruction.

10. What do you mean by “normalization”?

Normalization is the process of organizing data in a database. This includes creating tables and establishing relationships between those tables according to rules designed both to protect the data and to make the database more flexible by eliminating redundancy and inconsistent dependency.

11. What is an object-oriented model? 

Object-oriented modeling (OOM) is an approach to modeling an application that is used at the beginning of the software life cycle when using an object-oriented approach to software development. 

12. Define RDBMS.

RDBMS is an extension of the acronym DBMS (database management system) that is sometimes used when the underlying database is relational. An alternative definition for a relational database management system is a database management system (DBMS) based on the relational model. Most databases in widespread use today are based on this model.

13. Why is DML provided? 

Manipulation and processing of the database   

14. Where do we generally create INDEX? 

An INDEX is created on the columns of a table. An INDEX makes a catalog based on one or more columns of a table. One table may contain one or more INDEX tables. An INDEX can be created on a single column or combination of columns of a database table.

15. What do you understand by total income? 

Your total income is your gross income from all sources less certain deductions, such as expenses, allowances and reliefs. If you are married or in a civil partnership and jointly assessed, your spouse's or civil partner's income is included in the total income.

16. Define LIFO and FIFO. 

First-in, first-out is a method to value inventory and calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS). FIFO items are the oldest products in an inventory because they were the first stock to be added after purchase or production. FIFO uses the principle that when items are acquired first, they are also sold first. The FIFO process is a straightforward way to track the flow of inventory, sales profits and the cost of producing and storing goods.

Last-in, first-out is another way to manage inventory and calculate profits from goods. In this approach, businesses assume the most recent inventory is the first sold. This means that older stock continues to sit for long periods before being sold. As long as the product is not in danger of becoming obsolete, this method works for a variety of goods.

17. What is cloud computing? 

Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. You typically pay only for cloud services you use, helping lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently and scale as your business needs change.

18. How would you decide the residential status of an individual? 

The residential status of an assessee is determined with reference to his residence in the previous year. Residential status during the assessment year is immaterial. It is pertinent to note that residence and citizenship are two different concepts hence should not be mixed for the purpose of taxation.

19. What do you mean by assessment year? 

Assessment year is simply the time during which the income earned in the financial year is assessed. It is the year that comes right after the financial year.

20. Differentiate between RDBMS and DBMS.

DBMS stands for Database Management System, and RDBMS is the acronym for the Relational Database Management System. In DBMS, the data is stored as a file, whereas in RDBMS, data is stored in the form of tables. 

21. What is a circular link list? 

A circular linked list is a variation of a linked list in which the last node points to the first node, completing a full circle of nodes. In other words, this variation of the linked list doesn't have a null element at the end.

22. Define pixel. 

The pixel (a word invented from "picture element") is the basic unit of programmable color on a computer display or in a computer image. Think of it as a logical - rather than a physical - unit. The physical size of a pixel depends on how you've set the resolution for the display screen.

23. How many heads are there under total income? 

Under the Income Tax Act, there are five heads known as the heads of income.

• Income from salary
• Income from house property
• Income from profits and gain of business or profession
• Income from capital gains
• Income from other sources

24. What is capital gain? Explain long-term capital gains and how it is different from short-term capital gains? 

Capital gain, for income tax purposes, is the gain realized from the sale of capital assets. The difference between the original purchase price and the sale price is the gain realized. Profits you make from selling assets you've held for a year or less are called short-term capital gains. Alternatively, gains from assets you've held for longer than a year are known as long-term capital gains.

25. Who are residents but not ordinary residents? 

From FY 2020-21, a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin who leaves India for employment outside India during the year will be a resident and ordinarily resident if he stays in India for an aggregate period of 182 days or more.

26. What is a tax refund? 

A tax refund is a reimbursement to a taxpayer for any excess amount paid to the federal government or a state government. While taxpayers tend to look at a refund as a bonus or a stroke of luck, it often represents what is essentially an interest-free loan that the taxpayer made to the government. It’s often possible to avoid overpaying your taxes so you can keep more money in your pocket each paycheck—and avoid a refund when you file your tax return.

27. Why is DML provided?

DML is the short name for Data Manipulation Language, which deals with data manipulation and includes the most common SQL statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, etc., and it is used to store, modify, retrieve, delete and update data in a database.

28. What is an alternative minimum tax (AMT)? 

An alternative minimum tax (AMT) places a floor on the percentage of taxes that a filer must pay to the government, no matter how many deductions or credits the filer may claim.

The United States currently has an alternative minimum tax for taxpayers who earn above certain thresholds.

The AMT recalculates income tax after adding certain tax preference items back into adjusted gross income. AMT uses a separate set of rules to calculate taxable income after allowed deductions. Preferential deductions are added back into the taxpayer's income to calculate his or her alternative minimum taxable income (AMTI), and then the AMT  exemption is subtracted to determine the final taxable figure.

29. How do you think technology will impact KPMG’s business in the next few years? 

Sample Answer: “Technology is already creating a transformative impact on the audit industry. From artificial intelligence (AI) tools for big data analytics, blockchain technology for secure data storage, and augmented reality (AR) for the digital workplace—there’s so much that KPMG can do with technology in the next few years. These emerging technologies will not only change how businesses operate in the future but also have a huge impact on KPMG’s business model. As I said earlier, many firms are looking at automating manual tasks through AI-powered platforms; others are exploring AR to improve employee efficiency by enabling remote collaboration across multiple time zones. I expect these trends to continue over the next decade as these technologies mature”.

30. Do you understand the work that would be involved in the role? 

KPMG generally has a 10-week training period for graduate trainees, so it is important that you understand what your job would involve. During your interview, make sure you can explain in detail what a typical day would be like in that position. Be prepared to answer questions about how you spent your day at your previous workplace or any relevant internships. Remember it is not just down to what you know or can do but also how well you fit into their company culture.

31. Tell us what interests you about the business area you have applied for. 

When you are applying for a job at KPMG, you must be able to explain your interest in their specific business area. What makes it unique? What do you think is exciting about working in an audit environment instead of consulting or tax? It is also important that you are ready with a few examples of topics you have developed opinions on. Prepare yourself by researching KPMG’s website and checking out some of its popular press releases, as well as related news articles.

HR Interview 

1. state the difference between hard work and smart work. .

Hard work is putting a great deal of effort into getting a job done. Smart work is focusing your time and efforts on high-impact activities and doing them exceptionally well. While they may seem similar, they’re two very different things. The great thing about smart work is that you don’t have to spend long hours doing it, but you will still achieve maximum results. One of the KPMG interview questions asked candidates to discuss some of their most productive habits. 

2. What makes KPMG different from the rest of the Big Four? Why do you want to work here? 

KPMG genuinely cares about your career path and offers great growth opportunities. At any level, there are always programs in place that help employees elevate their careers. 

They provide an environment where you are encouraged to fulfil your sense of purpose and drive lasting change. This shared belief and their culture of gratitude will see you get recognized for your talents and be appreciated for the perspective you bring to your teams and clients.

3. Tell me about your greatest professional accomplishment? 

The interviewer wants you to tell them about a recent accomplishment in your career. Remember, when interviewing for a job, you are expected to sell yourself. The best way to do that is with a great example of an accomplishment in your past or present job history. This can be anything from coming up with a new product idea at work, making a project run more smoothly than before, or helping another colleague in trouble.

4. Tell me about a stressful situation and how you dealt with it? 

This question is used to assess your problem-solving skills, attitude toward work, level of stress tolerance, decisiveness, good judgment under pressure, etc. There are no right or wrong answers. The interviewer just wants to hear how you respond in a tough situation. Don’t be vague! Be specific and give details about what happened, why it was stressful for you, what actions you took to deal with it, what results were achieved, etc. Don’t be afraid to admit that other options were available but that your choice was based on sound reasoning.

5. What are your long-term goals?

Sample Answer: “My l ong-term goals are to gain as much experience in my field as possible. In addition, I plan on using what I have learned from my previous work experiences over the next several years in order to move into a senior position. This way, I will be better equipped for promotion opportunities when they arise. As such, having a long-term focus is incredibly important for me at this point in my career”.

6. Do you prefer working in a team or working alone? 

During an interview with KPMG, it could mean a few different things. Generally speaking, interviewers ask about working preferences to determine whether candidates can cooperate well with others. If you tend to be self-centred or aren’t a team player, your answer will matter. A lot of people enjoy being part of a team, but there are many reasons why some people might choose to work on their own. Perhaps they’re more introverted, or like getting things done without distractions.

7. Why did you choose your major/degree subject?

If you major in something that’s directly related to your job or if you have a degree in a highly specialized field, you should explain how it fits into your long-term career plans. One way or another, you must do more than demonstrate knowledge of your subject. If accounting is your major, tell them how that training can help you manage operations at a firm like KPMG. The interviewers are looking for self-starters who can succeed within their respective roles regardless of what field they majored in. Bring some life and personality into your answer by addressing how a certain class forced you out of your comfort zone or encouraged professional networking among classmates and instructors.

8. Tell me about a time you had a poorly performing team member?

Sample Answer: “I once led a team of sales associates where I tried to establish KPIs, such as those you measure on a weekly and monthly basis. It soon became clear to me that some of the members were inferior when contrasted with the rest of the team. In my one-on-one discussion with them, I tried to come to an understanding of their central point. After just a short while on the job, I knew it wasn't laziness or a bad attitude-they just weren't a fit for the job. All salespeople are not born equal; however, I didn't give up on them. I gave them individualized coaching, practiced different scenarios with them, and tried to help them improve their sales skills. To some extent, it worked- their results improved, but they still did not perform as well as the others on the team. According to me, we can still work with a poor performer, but we need to set expectations from the beginning, as no one can achieve exemplary performance consistently”.

9. Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work. How did you handle it, and what have you learned? 

This is a typical interview question to ask candidates when they are applying for an entry-level position. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle conflicts and problems in a professional manner. It’s important to show them that you can deal with difficult people and stressful situations and that you learn from your mistakes. They want to know that you are able to handle pressure. When answering, don’t forget to provide specific examples and make sure your examples demonstrate your capabilities.

10. What’s the difference between an internal auditor and an external auditor? 

Internal auditors work within an organization and report to its audit committee and/or directors. They design company organization systems and develop specific risk management policies. In addition, they ensure that all risk management policies are operational. Work by an internal auditor is, more often than not, ongoing and usually an integral part of a company's day-to-day life. External auditors are neutral when conducting audits on a company. They report to the company's investors. They provide their experienced opinion on the truthfulness of the company’s financial statements and perform work on a test basis to monitor systems in place.

11. Talk about a time you’ve managed multiple tasks to finish a project for a deadline. 

The best way to answer these questions is to be specific about your work and what you’ve been asked to do. Explain, for example, that your department is going through a rebranding process and that, in addition to writing copy for an upcoming webinar and making edits on a marketing document, you’re expected to help come up with three new team names by next week.

12. What’s good about you? What’s not? What do you need to learn? 

This question is designed to get you talking about your accomplishments, what you feel are your shortcomings, and what areas you’d like to develop going forward. This can be a tricky question because you don’t want to come across as arrogant or defensive, but at the same time, you want to highlight your best qualities. A good response will also indicate an interest in self-awareness and learning more about yourself. Think about how you can frame your answer to highlight both humility and ambition. For example, I know I need to improve my presentation skills, which is why I’m taking public speaking classes right now. But I think my strongest skill is my attention to detail—I pay very close attention to every project I work on so that I can deliver great results for clients.

13. Can you give an example of a time when you had to communicate an idea persuasively in writing? 

Sample Answer: “When a company approached me with a new idea, I was given the task of persuading upper management to develop and implement it. In order to convince my supervisors, I had to write an argumentative essay that clearly showed how our organization would benefit from these changes. It turned out that it was very convincing – we ended up implementing it and now have improved productivity by almost five percent. Not only did I persuade my superiors, but I also helped save my company money in the process!”

14. Can you tell me something interesting you’ve read about KPMG in the news?

Like any other public or private company, KPMG is frequently involved in the news. You’ll want to make sure you’re up-to-date on anything that could come up in an interview, from scandals and corruption to new business developments. If a current event has particularly piqued your interest – recent restructuring, new business direction, etc.–you must mention it during the interview as something you read about recently and think would be great for the firm.

15. Can you tell me about a time when circumstances changed? How did you adapt? 

If you’re interviewing for a job, it’s likely that your interviewer will try to catch you off guard by asking about a time when things didn’t go according to plan. This is just as much an interview question as asking a candidate to tell the interviewer about themself. While you don’t want to give too much information, an honest answer shows that you can admit when something has gone wrong and that you can correct your actions and learn from them. The best way to respond is with a specific example. For example, if you arrived late for work one day because of traffic, then you could say, “I once had an issue with traffic on my commute home from work which caused me to be late for work one day. I learned that I wouldn't have these issues if I left earlier in the morning or worked closer to home”.

16. Can you tell me about a time when you’ve had to overcome a setback? How did you overcome it?

It’s inevitable that you’ll run into a setback or two in your career. This is where explaining how you overcame a setback can help you stand out from other candidates. KPMG interviewers want to know how you think and work, so it’s important to tell them about a time when your ability to overcome adversity was called upon. And if it was truly a setback? How did you overcome it?

While many setbacks are personal, there are also professional ones that come with working for any company. If you have been laid off or fired (or even had a bad performance review), don’t hide it—share what happened and why. How did you deal with these things professionally? What lessons did you learn? Did they ultimately benefit your professional development?

17. Which opportunities can you see now for KPMG to develop new business? 

KPMG is a very large and diverse firm with nearly 100 offices worldwide. Given that diversity, there are opportunities everywhere. If you’re just starting out, ask yourself which industry your practice (or prospective clients) is in. Research what kinds of new business might be coming down that pipeline in 12 months or two years. What do you think will change? What trends can you track? Use these opportunities to jump-start a business development program for your team.

18. Which skills do you think you’ll need in the role you’re applying for at KPMG? 

The skills you’ll need for the role will depend on the department you join. For example, in KPMG’s IT Risk Advisory practice, you’ll need advanced skills in cyber security. If your business involves making recommendations about how to manage and mitigate risk across technology departments (it’s a big one at KPMG!), then it’s essential that you demonstrate a level of experience with data security and confidentiality regulations.

19. Can you tell me about a time you felt bored at work? How did you make the job more interesting? 

This is a hypothetical question that KPMG interviewers may ask you. It was primarily created to assess the individual’s approach to problem-solving and prioritizing tasks. The fact that boredom can strike in any profession (and any situation) means employers want to know how you respond and cope with it.

20. Can you talk us through the way you evaluated a challenging situation in the past? 

Job interviews are your chance to demonstrate to your potential employer what it’s like to work with you. Many interviews focus on how you would solve a problem as part of a team, so explain how you approached or solved a problem in a clear and concise way—and that may inspire confidence that you could do something similar on their behalf. If you don’t have any examples from your past experience, think about a time when you challenged yourself to complete an unfamiliar task. How did you approach it? What obstacles did you encounter? What was successful about your efforts? And what didn’t go according to plan? In other words, demonstrate that you can think creatively and take the initiative when necessary.

21. A company wants to relocate overseas. Talk us through the problems it faces? 

The company faces multiple problems when it wants to relocate overseas. It has to set up a new production unit in another country, which is difficult in terms of both capital and manpower. In addition, there are other issues that need to be taken into account, such as language barriers and cultural differences. This can lead to communication breakdowns and so on. Also, if you want to succeed overseas, you have to take into consideration how your product will fit with local market needs. For example, if you sell toys in China, you should consider what Chinese people think about your products. 

22. How do you manage your time?

The best way to answer how you manage your time is by providing a specific example from work or school. For instance, “I make a calendar with my deadlines every week, and I check it daily. I always keep my boss in mind when scheduling meetings and other important appointments”. This approach should give you a chance to talk about your ability to schedule and execute your priorities.

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What Is KPMG?

What is the kpmg assessment, how to prepare for the kpmg assessment, what happens if you do well on the kpmg assessment, the kpmg assessment centre, preparing for the kpmg assessment centre in 2024, frequently asked questions, final thoughts, kpmg assessment: guide and tips (2024).

Updated November 20, 2023

The KPMG application process is rigorous, with a hiring process that includes:

• An online application
• The first online assessment – KPMG Transforming Small Businesses
• A second online assessment – KPMG Delivering Outcomes
• A final assessment centre – Launch Pad

Preparation is key at all stages, so brush up on your KPMG knowledge and look at its latest news so you are up to date.

Remind yourself of the core values and competencies that KPMG is looking for and have relevant anecdotes or examples from your life to hand.

Practise taking sample assessments so that you get familiar with the format of the KMPG aptitude questions that will be coming your way.

KPMG is well known as one of the Big Four financial firms in the world. It offers Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG employs nearly 250,000 people worldwide and has revenues of $32.2bn.

As such a big company, KPMG is continually looking for applicants who are willing to learn, with good academic records and who show strong communication skills – with a demonstrable interest in business.

As it is such a reputable firm, passing the KPMG application process is difficult and demanding. Its graduate programme has a strict hiring process, which includes the KPMG assessment.

KPMG’s recruitment takes place online. Once you have filled out an application form and are successful in proceeding to stage two, there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses.

Only if you pass this KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, will you proceed to the next stages and the final KPMG assessment center. This part of the process is untimed, though KPMG recommends you set aside 90 minutes for it and that you complete it in one sitting.

This KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment gives you information about three fictional small businesses. Each of these faces its own specific business challenges and you will be asked to analyse information and rank your judgement to certain scenarios.

If you perform well, you will be invited to stage three, which is called Delivering Outcomes. This is when you drill down into one of the businesses that you worked on in the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment.

In the KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment you might be asked to record around four video responses via a camera on your computer, as well as give written answers and face more situational judgement tasks. There will be approximately 40 questions at this stage.

This KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment is also untimed – though 60 minutes is suggested to complete it (again in one sitting).

In both this one and the previous KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, you will have five calendar days for completion.

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Example KPMG Assessment Questions

Previously the KPMG assessment tests were split up into different sections, like verbal and numerical , but now they have a 'blended assessment'.

In this KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment you have to answer a mix of behavioural questions and situational judgement ones, as well as the verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning items.

Make sure you carefully study the KMPG online assessment answers and explanations to ensure you understand how to find the answers.

Below are some examples:

KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment Questions with Answers

If they were working together, Serena, Tina and Susie would need three hours to varnish a six-foot-long bench.

If she was working alone, Serena could complete the task in six hours.

Tina has arthritis and cannot work as fast so she needs 12 hours to varnish the bench if she were by herself.

If Serena and Tina take the day off, how many hours would it take Susie to varnish the bench by herself, assuming she is able to keep to the same pace throughout?

a) 3 b) 4 c) 6 d) 12

There is a relationship between the words in the following group:

Pharmacist, Optician, Doctor

Which of the following words fits best with the group above?

a) Pink b) Hairdresser c) Physiotherapist d) Busboy

KPMG Delivering Outcomes Assessment Questions

For the KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment, there are video and written tasks to test your aptitude.

There are no time limits on the writing, but you should use your best judgement on how to summarise the information and make it presentable in a clear and concise way.

Here are some example questions for the Delivering Outcomes assessment:

Video yourself for two minutes explaining how your personal strengths align with KPMG and the specific role you are applying for.

A co-worker is causing difficulties for you and your team. There is friction and as a result, you may not be able to reach your weekly target.

They have sent you the following:

'Thomas, I am frustrated with your complaints. You are wasting everyone’s time. Just get on with the job.'

How might you draft an email to address this?

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To prepare for the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment there are several things you should do. First, to build your confidence you should practise as much as you can. You will be able to find some sample questions here to help.

Brushing up on your maths and English can be really important. Getting a feel for the different types of questions when you prepare will also help you to hone your style and ensure you show your true potential.

If you are feeling nervous then researching and preparation will also help allay your stress. Taking good care of yourself physically and mentally is important. The KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment can be tiring so candidates need to eat healthily, drink plenty of water and rest well the night before taking it.

Since you have a five-day window in which to take the online test, you can plan to do so when you are likely to give your best performance. For instance, if you’re a night owl, taking the test in the evening will likely provide better results.

Try some practice tests to work out your best window. Don’t be so excited that you have got through to the second stage that you are tempted to do the test as quickly as possible – rather than preparing thoroughly and planning ahead.

Make sure you have properly organised your technology needs and that your Wi-Fi is stable. The KPMG assessments are held virtually, so you need to be sure you have zero distractions and that you feel comfortable and confident in having a professional-looking space to be video-calling from.

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Once you finish the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment you find out your top two and bottom two KPMG core values . These include:

• Integrity – Doing what is right
• Excellence – To never stop learning or improving
• Together – Respecting each other to draw strength from differences
• Courage – Thinking and acting boldly
• For better – We do what matters

However, this information does not define if you go through to the next stage or not.

It will take some time to hear back after the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment. KPMG says that within six weeks you will know if you are through to the Delivering Outcomes assessment stage.

At every stage KPMG grades your ability on a five-point scale. KPMG believes that if you show the core capabilities it is looking for and get ‘perfect fives’ then you’ll be a match for the company. To stand out, therefore, you need to be scoring at this level.

If you are successful at all the previous stages, you will be invited to the final KPMG assessment centre stage: Launch Pad .

In stage four, the final chance to impress, you will be combining assessment with the opportunity to learn and network with KPMG staff.

The company will be looking for you to demonstrate soft skills and strengths when you meet those within the business area you have applied to, from partners to graduate trainees.

In terms of activities you can expect, there will likely be:

• An e-tray exercise
• A group exercise (always balance leadership with teamwork skills)
• A self-assessment form

In some cases, you may also have to do an additional task – a presentation made to a KPMG partner .

There are also likely to be several formal and informal KPMG interviews throughout the day.

If you successfully make it through this fast-paced final stage of the KPMG assessment centre, you could have a job offer within two days.

In the event you don’t make it through, you will be offered the option for feedback, from which valuable lessons can be gleaned.

The KPMG assessment centre is either three hours online or an entire day if you are invited in person – and it will include a variety of assessments that are designed to tax you.

Even more than the other stages, you will need to be at your physical and mental best.

Ensure you get a good night’s rest the day before and eat a protein-rich breakfast.

Keep a bottle of water with you and a portfolio of all your application materials to hand – being organised and punctual will make a strong impression.

Preparation is key, so brush up on the KPMG basics and look at its latest news or social media feeds, so you are up to date.

Remind yourself of the core values and competencies it is looking for and have relevant anecdotes and examples to hand.

KPMG wants to know how you are living the values that are important to the company.

If you are nervous about meeting KPMG staff with regards to networking and small talk, make sure you practise some of these skills in advance with friends or a professional coach.

Have thoughtful and insightful questions prepared in advance that you can ask and impress with.

There may be several other candidates you meet and work with – you will be assessed on how you interact with them also.

Is the KPMG assessment hard to pass?

As it is such a reputable firm, passing the KPMG application process is difficult and demanding. Its graduate programme has a strict hiring process.

Once you have filled out an application form and are successful in proceeding to stage two, there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses.

Only if you pass this KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, will you proceed to the next stages which get progressively harder, and then the final KPMG assessment centre.

The KPMG assessment centre (Launch Pad) is an all-day event (or three hours if you do it online) and it will include a variety of assessments that are designed to tax you. Even more than the other stages, you will need to be at your physical and mental best.

Where can I prepare for the KPMG assessment?

You should familiarise yourself online with the KPMG core values before even making an application.

To prepare for the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses first online assessment there are several things you should do. First, to build your confidence you should research as much as you can.

You will be able to find some sample questions here to help. Getting a feel for the types of questions you can expect will help you hone your style and ensure you show your true potential.

If you progress, you will end up at the KPMG assessment centre (Launch Pad). As mentioned above, you can expect an e-tray exercise, role plays, a group exercise and a self-assessment form. You may also have to make a presentation to a KPMG partner and will likely participate in interviews throughout the day.

What is a good score for the KPMG assessment test?

At every stage KPMG grades your ability on a five-point scale. KPMG believes that if you show the core capabilities it seeks and get ‘perfect fives’ then you’ll be a match for the company. Therefore, you need to score at this level to stand out.

Successfully completing the KPMG assessment centre could result in a job offer within two days.

Where can I find more sample questions for the KPMG assessment?

You can find some sample questions here to help you prepare. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself online with the KPMG core values and to research as much as you can to build your confidence.

Remember to prepare for the formal and informal KPMG interviews you are likely to participate in as well throughout the assessment day.

Who is eligible to take the KPMG assessment?

The majority of open roles at KPMG do not require a particular degree discipline, but there are a small number of exceptions that do. Requirements are clearly set out on the relevant KPMG graduate programme job descriptions.

Occasionally there is an emphasis on science, technology, engineering or maths undergraduate degrees and priority is given to those who have these. You cannot apply for the KPMG assessment process in the same intake year if you failed recently.

Can you retake the KPMG assessment if you fail?

KMPG says that if you fail at any stage of the graduate application process you cannot reapply again for the same intake year. It does however allow your reapplication for the next graduate intake year.

Where can I find a complete practice guide for the KPMG assessment?

You will be able to find sample questions here and can also familiarise yourself online with the KPMG core values .

Be prepared for a range of potential activities at the KPMG assessment centre (Launch Pad), such as an e-tray exercise, role plays, a group exercise and a self-assessment form.

You can also practise making a presentation to friends and family and answering mock interview questions to prepare for the interviews you will very likely participate in during the assessment day.

What is the KPMG assessment?

Once you have filled out an application form for KPMG and are successful in proceeding to stage two, there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses.

If you perform well, you will be invited to stage three called Delivering Outcomes. Here you will drill down into one of the businesses that you worked on in the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment.

If you are successful at all the previous stages, you will be invited to the final assessment centre stage: Launch Pad.

This is the final stage and combines further assessment with the opportunity to learn and network with KPMG staff.

How much time do you get to take the KPMG assessment?

There are various stages to the KPMG application process. If you fill out an application form for KPMG that should take 30 minutes (though this doesn’t include your research and preparation time).

Then there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, although it isn’t timed.

If you perform well, you will be invited to stage three, Delivering Outcomes, which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, although again, it isn’t timed.

For both this stage and the previous KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, you are given five calendar days for completion.

If you succeed in all the previous stages, you are invited to the final Launch Pad stage. Here you will combine assessment with the opportunity to learn and network with KPMG staff. This can be three hours online or an entire day if you are invited in person.

What is the next step after taking the KPMG assessment?

The first KPMG assessment is called Transforming Small Businesses. If you perform well, you will be invited to the next, which is called Delivering Outcomes.

This is when you drill down into one of the businesses that you worked on in the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment.

Successful completion of these stages leads to the final assessment centre stage.

At every stage KPMG grades your ability on a five-point scale. KPMG believes you will be a good fit for the company if you show the core capabilities it seeks and get ‘perfect fives’ throughout the assessment stages.

Successfully completing the intense final stage of the KPMG assessment centre could lead to a job offer within two days. If you do not successfully pass the final assessment centre, you will be offered the option for feedback, which provides a useful learning experience for future job applications.

As described, there are several stages to get through when applying to KPMG. It’s a competitive process and KPMG is looking for recruits who are hardworking, enthusiastic and able to be real team players.

To this end, KPMG holds two online assessments (Transforming Small Businesses and Delivering Outcomes) after your initial application form and then a final stage assessment centre (Launch Pad).

In summary, it’s important to remember that KPMG assessments at every stage are rigorous.

You must thoroughly prepare to impress, both in the psychometrics and at the assessment centre.

Keep in mind the key KPMG behavioural capabilities, and find ways to demonstrate your ability to match each one whenever and wherever you can.

With effort and practice, you are likely to impress and succeed in securing a job offer – we wish you luck on your journey.

Bibliography

https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduate/applying-to-kpmg/application-process/

You might also be interested in these other Psychometric Success articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

MockQuestions

KPMG Mock Interview

To help you prepare for a KPMG job interview, here are 35 interview questions and answer examples.

KPMG was updated by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 1 of 35

This position requires a competitive yet collaborative individual. How do you plan to make an impact in your first 90 days with KPMG while setting a strong groundwork of trust with your new team members?

What You Need to Know

1st answer example, 2nd answer example.

The interviewer would like to hear more about your plan of action. Their ideal candidate also needs to exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills, and should spend the first 90 days building relationships, asking questions, and learning not only how to do the job but also to learn why they do things the way they do. Without having that valuable information, it will be impossible to make an impact. Discuss the ways you know you will make a fast impact, but also address how you will ensure acceptance by your new team members.

"If hired for this role with KPMG I would want to get to know my team by listening to their suggestions and recommendations for success. I have very strong follow up and up-selling skills that would result in a fast impact on the portfolio that you would be handing off to me. I am a naturally collaborative person, so I am confident that I will create quick results while maintaining strong relationships."

"I plan to make an impact in the first 90 days by being incredibly diligent throughout my training, taking work home to study on the weekends, and getting to know the verbiage used with your clients. I plan to be more than confident in my abilities, so that I can hit the ground running, without any hesitations."

Next Question

35 KPMG Interview Questions & Answers

Below is a list of our KPMG interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 10 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.

Table of Contents

• 1.   Adaptability Questions
• 2.   Ask The Interviewer Questions
• 3.   Behavioral Questions
• 4.   Career Goals Questions
• 5.   Communication Questions
• 6.   Compatibility Questions
• 7.   Customer Service Questions
• 8.   Diligence Questions
• 9.   Direct Questions
• 10.   Education Questions
• 11.   Experience Questions
• 12.   Leadership Questions
• 13.   Operational Questions
• 14.   Organizational Questions
• 15.   Performance Based Questions
• 16.   Problem Solving Questions
• 17.   Salary Questions
• 18.   Situational Questions
• 19.   Teamwork Questions

Adaptability

1. This position requires a competitive yet collaborative individual. How do you plan to make an impact in your first 90 days with KPMG while setting a strong groundwork of trust with your new team members?

Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022

Written by Ryan Brown on October 21st, 2022

Ask The Interviewer

2. What questions do you have for me?

'The more I learn, the more I realize what little I understand.' - Albert Einstein. This question serves two purposes. On one hand, it allows you one more opportunity to showcase the extent of research you've performed on their company. The more research you've performed and the more you've learned should have generated unique questions you can now ask, which will make you a more memorable candidate. The other purpose this question will serve is to give them an opportunity to talk about what they love about their company and their job. They've given you plenty of opportunities to showcase your merits. Now it is your turn to provide them with the same opportunity. The more questions you ask, the more enhanced your communications skills will seem, and the more likely you are to be self-guided and successful at your job. Remember, you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.

Answer Example

"I have quite a few questions written down from extensively reading through the company's website. Many have been answered throughout our interview. However, I do have a few left, if you don't mind. First, I am familiar with the job description, and I understand the expectations and qualifications required. What I am interested in learning more about is the daily routine and what the interaction among the teams looks like. Can you tell me, after onboarding, what the day-to-day job looks like for this position?"

3. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

The interviewer is looking for your honest thoughts on how you feel about your interview performance. The interviewer has their perception, and you have yours. This will reveal how well aligned your realities are and offer insights into your sense of confidence and self-awareness. Consider what the interviewer has said so far and include this in your response, if appropriate. This will demonstrate that you are an active listener and that you pay attention to details. It also offers you an opportunity to circle back to previous questions you could have elaborated on more. If you feel you've left out any relevant information, be sure to mention it. Be truthful and transparent, even if you think that the interview could have gone better. If you feel you're knocking it out of the park, say so by being as modest as possible. Never ask them how they think you are doing. This defeats the purpose of the question. Answering a question with a question is not wise in an interview.

"I believe that this interview has been informative, and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?"

"If you feel that your performance in the interview is not going well: "I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview; although, I am trying my best. If there is anything more I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."

4. Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?

This is a common behavioral question aimed at determining where you fall on the scale of being an extrovert versus an introvert. A more introverted individual recharges their battery in solitary environments, whereas an extroverted individual thrives in social settings. They want to ascertain whether you work well with others or prefer to work solely on your own. Most people fall somewhere in the middle between these two extremes on the scale. How you answer this question will also clue them into how well you would function in their work environment. Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. Your answer to this question will allow the interviewer to determine your placement in their team environment, so answer as honestly as you can. Exhibit your ability to be productive in any environment. Discuss your ideal environment with the interviewer with realistic expectations. Be sure to research the type of environment that is offered in this position before the interview. Frame your answer in a positive light and exhibit flexibility. Be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. Focus your answer on what it takes for you to perform at your best without focusing on how difficult it may be to maintain your focus in other environments.

"I have found, in the past, that I work best in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."

"I am happy to work either with a team or independently. I truly do not have a preference. Does this position lean to one more than the other, or is there a balanced mix of the two situations?"

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Amanda's Feedback

5. Outside of work, what type of creative activities do you like to pursue?

The interviewer would like to get to know you apart from what is on your resume while evaluating how well your personality will potentially fit into their team. The less guarded you are about your personal life, the more it shows you'll be able to foster interpersonal work relationships. However, you're not in any way obligated to discuss personal matters such as your kids or relationship status, for instance. An emotionally balanced person will have outside activities aside from what's happening in the workplace. Feel free to share the hobbies and interests which you feel make you interesting and affable. Find relatable points of common interest. The more unique your answer, the more memorable a candidate you stand to be. Focus on unique non-work-related skills or hobbies that exhibit your positive qualities. Tell the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you decompress from work and spend your free time.

"Outside of work I like to attend dance classes and I also attend the odd paint and sip wine nights at a local wine shop. I also enjoy reading as a way of nurturing my creative side."

"Outside of work I love to explore my creative side. I practice photography and take sculpting classes on a regular basis. As an avid reader, I also explore writing. Cooking is also art for me, and I try to incorporate creativity into the fun meals I prepare for family and friends."

6. What type of manager brings out the best in you?

The interviewer wants to see that you are self-aware and understand the type of manager or employer that brings out the best in you. It will also help them ascertain how familiar you are with navigating the five main leadership types; authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational. The example you offer will provide insight into the values and principles that make up your character, your work ethic, and your motivators. By gaining this deeper understanding of your character, your interviewer will be better able to ascertain how well you'll fit in with the culture of their brand.

"I have worked with a wide range of personalities and management styles with great success. If I could express a preference, I feel that I am best in an independent and autonomous environment. Can you describe the management style here?"

"I work best with managers who are highly communicative and approachable. I don't enjoy working in a hierarchy-based environment as I find it does not offer room for new ideas and creative thinking. How would you describe your management style?"

Career Goals

7. What is your long-range career objective?

Onboarding new employees is a time-consuming and costly endeavor, so the interviewer wants to make sure that this role will be a long-term fit for you. Be open with the interviewer about your dreams within this company, on a long-term basis. Share the advancement from within you hope to pursue, and discuss what you hope to learn from being a part of their organization. The key to answering this question is to express to the interviewer that you plan to be employed by the company for many years to come.

"While visiting your company website, I noticed that you have some leadership opportunities available in a variety of locations. I would love to work my way into a management or leadership role with your organization and would be willing to relocate to do so. I really like what your organization stands for, and I hope to see a current fit, and future growth, here."

"That is a great question! I see myself leading a small team of like-minded and passionate individuals who enjoy the work we are accomplishing together. I also see myself working closely with a charity to give back to the community."

8. Are you currently interviewing with any of our competitors? Why do you want to work for KPMG over any of our competitors?

Every interviewer wants assurances you are interested in their company. They are also curious where they scale on your job wishlist and are looking for assurances you want to work for them and want to know why, and if there's any sort of timeline you're under. Honesty is always the best policy with this question and it always puts a little fire under the hiring manager if they know you are applying elsewhere. Talk with the interviewer about your search so far and inform them that a role with KPMG is at the top of your wishlist.

"I am actively interviewing; however, I am using strong discretion when it comes to the next step in my career. I do understand that some of your competitors are hiring and the positions are competitive. My deciding factor is on the corporate culture and overall reputation of the company. From what I can see, KPMG stands out from the rest when it comes to employee engagement and client satisfaction."

"I have just started my search and have applied to a limited amount of companies. Rather than sending out multiple applications, I have chosen to be very targeted in my search. I want to work for KPMG because, while being a fast-moving and innovative organization, you still maintain old-fashioned values. I appreciated that about your organization and would be very proud to be on your team."

9. If you could start your career over again, what direction would you take?

A hiring manager will be able to tell a lot about your personality by learning about your other career interests. If you could do anything over, what would you do, and why? They also want to know if there was a plan you formed when you started out in your career, or if you had less direction and are less career focused. One's career progression is rarely a straight line and detours naturally occur. Focus your answer on your career goals, as a career minded professional, and on your positive attitude towards your pursuits and the skills you picked up along the way which fostered your success and outlook.

"I certainly do not regret the direction I have taken my career; however, if I had to start over in a new direction completely, I would likely pursue my Degree in Education and become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers, and they seemed to have very fulfilling careers. I enjoy coaching and leading others so, any tasks in my current career that are related to these skills, are very welcome."

"I am delighted with the direction my career has taken. If I could change anything I would perhaps have furthered my education to include a unique focus; however, I have no regrets!"

Communication

10. What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service and you were unsure of the answer?

The interviewer wants to know how resourceful you are, and whether you can maintain your image as a trusted resource, serving as a representative of their brand. Explain how you would go about assuring them you can provide them the answer, while maintaining their trust and brand loyalty. Exhibit strong communication skills and effective customer service skills as well.

"If I had a client ask me about something that I didn't know enough about, I would find the answer for them before giving a false answer. I am okay with admitting when I don't know something, and I love to learn new things. Of course, I would find the answer quickly by asking the appropriate person or finding it within the company's internal resources."

"I am accustomed to having to think on my feet and come up with a creative answer based on the information I have at hand. With that said, I'm not going to tell a client something that is untrue or could potentially create a long-term issue. I'm not afraid of putting myself in a position where I don't know everything or am not an expert. I am happy to get out of my comfort zone to grow, learn, and help a customer. I will not hesitate to involve the appropriate parties, do my research, and work collaboratively to solve the situation."

11. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people that you work with and for whom you care. Place more emphasis on your communication skill level rather than focusing on your style. Key points to touch on are your non-defensive communication skills, being an active listener, your ability to mirror, validate and empathize. When we communicate non-defensively, we'll objectify a situation instead of objectifying a person as the source of a problem. This is accomplished by asking clarifying questions so that you can gather information before casting blame. Objectifying the situation with an emotionally mature understanding of where things went wrong focuses on how communication can be improved for the team. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this type of task in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker, but I do have experience in doing so. When this type of task is required of me, I make sure to practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment, I will not sugarcoat the reasons why. It's best they know so that they can learn from the experience."

"I have found that communicating with respect and the intent to support the associate is the best approach. It is important to communicate what behaviors are off track and what resources are available to the associate to get back on track."

12. How do you explain complicated concepts to those who may not understand?

The primary aim of this question is to evaluate your communication skills in how effectively you can explain something complex in relatable terms. Avoid rambling or explaining it in a roundabout way without being condescending. Give the interviewer an example of how you break down information to make it more easily digestible for the average person. Think of a presentation about a complex topic, as a proposal to solve a challenging problem. The solution may seem obvious to you, but everyone else in the room is scratching their heads, trying to figure out what you're saying. When you can define key terms and phrases to make them more relevant to your audience, you have skills! Not everyone can do this. Prepare an example that demonstrates your communication skills and your ability to convey complex information in easy-to-understand terms.

"I find that when there is a complicated concept to teach, visual aids are always the way to go. Did you know that 65% of people are visual learners and that presentations with visual components are 43% more persuasive? I took a course on creating effective info-graphics and will often implement those in my presentations."

"Keep it simple, silly! If you cannot explain a concept straightforwardly, then you do not understand it well enough. I recently rolled out a complex compensation plan with many anomalies. I took the approach of sharing a broad overview and providing detail for reference. I often try to make analogies or share complex information in the form of a story."

Compatibility

13. We have many strong competitors. What makes KPMG stand out, and how could we improve?

It is essential that you extend your research beyond KPMG and its website before your interview. Take the time to brush up on any media coverage, industry-related developments or news, exploring their business landscape and learning about their competitors. What are customers saying online? Check out how KPMG distinguishes itself from their local competitors. Keep your answer positive and complimentary.

"After researching KPMG online, I found that you stand out from the many ways that you give back to your community. On the KPMG website, as well as third-party review sites, people are talking about the charitable contributions and generosity coming from KPMG. This factor makes your company a big stand-out to me because I am serious about working for an organization that is aware of its social impact."

"Without having worked in KPMG, it is tough to give suggestions on improvement accurately. I quite like what I have seen so far and feel that your company stands out through your quality standards and search for constant improvement."

14. What do you know about our clients at KPMG and the types of services we offer?

The interviewer is curious about what lengths you've explored their business, their target clients, and the services KPMG offers. Do your due diligence, write down questions, and be prepared for this question. Share the breadth of your knowledge and ask them questions about what you've learned.

"From what I understand, you provide services primarily to clients within 'ABC Industry'. Your range of services is quite broad which was a big pull for me when applying to KPMG. Could you tell me a little bit more about your primary client base?"

"I have conducted a great amount of research on KPMG before coming here today. I believe that your product range is vast and it would attract a very diverse set of clientele. Is this correct? The one service that stood out to me was (name a service) because it offers exceptional value to established business owners and new entrepreneurs, alike."

15. We have a very specific personality type that fits well with the strong corporate culture at KPMG. Describe your personality in 3 words.

Explore KPMG's core values; "Our Values guide our behaviors day-to-day, informing how we act, the decisions we make, and how we work with each other, our clients, companies that we audit, and all our stakeholders. Our values are: Integrity: We do what is right. Excellence: We never stop learning and improving. Courage: We think and act boldly. Together: We respect each other and draw strength from our differences. For Better: We do what matters." Although this question offers an opportunity to advertise your merits, its subtlety lies in the specific three words you feel say the most about who you are, and how they align with the values they embrace and advertise and would fit in with their work culture. Write a variety of industry related terms in advance that reflect your professionalism. Focus on industry keywords with positive connotations to describe yourself.

"If I could describe my personality in 3 words I would say that I am communicative, helpful, and enthusiastic. I know that KPMG is looking for individuals who work well as part of a team, and someone who brings a great amount of energy. That is me! I would be a great fit for the culture you have created here."

Here are some other words you can use to describe your personality: - Adaptable - Considerate - Diligent - Inventive - Persistent - Resourceful - Sensible

Customer Service

16. At KPMG we do everything to ensure that our clients are satisfied. What is your client service philosophy?

Because KPMG puts so much effort into their customer service reputation, the interviewer needs to be confident that your client service values align with theirs. Go beyond how you aim to deliver a great customer experience through your client interactions. Focus on culture, branding, and creating human connections. Be sure to research the KPMG website and take note of any keywords they use for their clientele. Match your language with theirs. Exhibit positivity and an enthusiasm for working in a customer-centric environment. Everyone wants to feel heard and be treated with respect while seeking validation. Showcase your communication skills by detailing how you actively listen and mirror back to your customers what they're communicating while validating their perception and reality. This is the heart of the adage, 'the customer is always right.'

"I noticed on your website that you put a lot of value into your clients by actively listening to their needs. You also survey them regularly while staying on top of industry trends so that you can provide them with innovative new services. To me, client service goes beyond friendliness and efficiency. You need to understand your client's business needs and have the ability to analyze their future needs so that you can respond appropriately to their business landscape changes."

"My client service philosophy is simple and perhaps a bit traditional. To service someone truly is to be at their service, working with, and for, them to reach their goal together. For this reason, I will always go the extra mile to meet my client's needs. I want them to feel fully supported in their endeavors."

17. How would you describe your relationship with your customers or clients?

This question aims to evaluate your customer service skills. Share your approach to building and maintaining strong customer and client relationships and the value you place on them. Share your strategy for strengthening those relationships and your ability to maintain their brand loyalty. Discuss how you nurture them while ensuring they feel valued. Focus on the customer experience delivered through your interactions with your clientele and your team. This will help them assess how well you'll fit into the culture of their brand.

"My customer and client relationships are open and honest. I believe that the more upfront and transparent you are with your clients, the more likely they are to return. I most definitely value my clients and am sure to nurture those relationships as much as possible."

"I have strong relationships with my clients and customers. I treat them with respect and am sure to utilize their feedback in ways that make myself, and the organization, better."

18. At KPMG we seek to hire those who can read between the lines in order to uncover our client's potential needs. Give me an example of how you have successfully done this.

The interviewer is trying to evaluate your commitment to customer service, and how well suited you are to this role. Just because you have a background in customer service doesn't necessarily mean you deliver an exemplary customer-centric experience. Those who are committed to their customers often must be able to innovate and be able to think independently and out of the box. The most important part of any customer experience is the grand finale. How the customer leaves at the end of any customer experience is what they take with them. That exit moment is the make it or break it moment to brand loyalty. How well you fit into the culture of their brand, and how well you deliver that grand finale experience, is what you want to convey. So offer an example of where you've gone above and beyond.

"One example I can give is when one of my larger clients went through a corporate restructuring last year. I was able to help them fill in some gaps in their service needs as I saw potential shifts in their business. Because I have assisted many clients with restructuring projects in the past, I was able to foresee some of the roadblocks they may face and offered my assistance there. The client was very pleased with my proactive approach, and I was able to upsell additional services."

"With each new client that I take on, I conduct a detailed questionnaire with my primary contact. I ask tough questions regarding the pain points in their business. From these answers, I can predict some of their needs faster than they can. I believe this is because it's harder to see your needs when you are directly in the middle of the scenario. Sometimes, it's easier for outsiders to uncover your business' most significant needs."

19. Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?

Confidentiality agreements, or non-disclosure agreements, are commonplace and often an industry standard, and companies utilize them for a variety of reasons. Exhibit your experience and professionalism by validating why confidentiality agreements or NDAs are often necessary, and the value you see in them for protecting the interests of all stakeholders. Attest to your integrity and what your word means to you. Offer assurances you have no issues with signing and adhering to them, and that you've never broken any such agreements in the past. Showcase your comfort level with this subject, and your grasp of the big picture.

"I never have, to my knowledge, broken a confidentiality agreement. Despite my reasons for leaving a position, I would never choose to hurt a previous employer in any way."

"Confidentiality agreements are necessary and important to protect an organization. I understand the need for confidentiality and take those factors very seriously. I have never broken the trust of my employer."

20. Tell me about a time when you took on a new course to study in order to improve your own work performance.

Once you are in your career, it certainly doesn't mean that you need to stop learning. There are many job-related courses available. Talk to the interviewer about the last time you took advantage of any available courses, if applicable to your career pursuits. Share how this fits into your career goals, and offer them a clearer idea of yourself as a career minded professional.

"Our company offered the Sandler Sales program to anyone in the company who was interested. I took this workshop in 2014 and enjoyed it. My sales increased by 23% that year."

"I took a one-day seminar in Microsoft Excel. I already knew the basics, but my boss liked using macros and pivot tables, and I was spending a lot of time reading the support section to figure out how to use them. The course was very informative."

21. Tell me about your most significant work experience that relates to this position.

This question is an excellent example as to why it is crucial for you to thoroughly review the job description, the company and its culture in before your interview. Perform adequate research on yourself as well so that you can draw parallels between your prior experience and the expectations of this role. Most importantly though, share an accomplishment that proved as a significant milestone, and how it served in the continual development of your career.

"In my most recent position I had many related responsibilities such as client relationships, customer service, and cold calling. The job descriptions are very similar; however, your role is a slight step up in responsibilities which would provide the growth that I am looking for."

"I am performing a role very similar to this one at my current employer. However, this role would be a step up for me. After years of working in this field, I am ready for the challenge of leading a team."

22. What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?

The point of this question is to not to separate yourself from the others on your teams nor to frame them as opponents. If you are performing at your best, the competition will be worried about you, not the other way around. Also, the best competitions are team friendly and collaborative in some manner, especially when the focus is a communal end goal. Think back to the times when you were in a friendly competition at work or were competing with yourself, trying to outperform your prior best. Comb through your background and your accomplishments to ensure you leave nothing on the table. Detail how you rose to the challenge and were proud of your results. Every day you decide what attitude you'll embrace. The only thing you have control over is your attitude. In a team environment, the right attitude can go a long way. Consider these points when composing your answer.

"My last position was a sales position, and highly commissioned. We had a great work environment where we helped each other and built each other up. The result was a positive work environment, and I enjoyed coming to work each day."

"In my previous position, I worked with some very competitive individuals who were bordering the point of aggression. I can be as competitive as the next person; however, this was next level. I made the best of the situation by keeping my head in the game, remaining focused, and tuning out the unpleasantness of their competitive grind. In the end, I exceeded my targets at 105% to goal. I was happy with my results and the fact that I kept my integrity in place, at the same time."

23. In this role with KPMG you will be required to make regular presentations to our clients. How comfortable are you with public speaking, and creating PowerPoint presentations?

This question aims to answer whether you have a "can-do" attitude. Having a can-do attitude requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone. An eagerness to step outside of one's comfort zone exhibits adaptability and flexibility. For some, public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience. This question aims to determine how able you are to step outside of your comfort zone, and whether you have experience in this regard. How you answer will offer them insights into your leadership potential and whether you have any formal training in public speaking. The goal is to outline your comfort zone as consistently stepping outside of your comfort zone. This illustrates a conviction to learn, grow, and develop that recruiters are usually on the hunt for. Detail how you go the extra mile and what you learned from your prior experience.

"I am very comfortable with public speaking and would rate myself as an advanced user in PowerPoint. I have attended multiple Toastmaster classes to perfect my public speaking skills. In my current position, I will present to groups from 3 people to 90, ranging from 'lunch and learns' with my internal team to the entire department for my client. I receive consistently positive feedback on my presentations because I like to keep them engaging through the use of analogies and sharp visuals."

"I am an intermediate user in PowerPoint and have no problem improving my skills to an advanced level. When it comes to public speaking, my experience is limited; however, enough to know that I do not suffer from stage fright. I would very much enjoy further exposure to public speaking and the delivery of presentations."

24. When do you feel your leadership skills are most effective?

Offer your comprehension of the more successful models of the five main leadership types; authoritarian, participative, delegative, transactional, and transformational, and your approach towards and identification of each type. Show the interviewer that you recognize the nuance in balancing control and assembling a team that is trusted and self managed. Any team collaboration starts with clear communication, trust, and honesty. No leader will be successful in delegating without enhanced communication skills. Without ensuring the message sent is the message received, there can be no trusting the work will get done. Consider these points when formulating your response.

"My leadership skills are the most effective when my relationship with the employee isn't just a surface connection. I want to have true knowledge of their life and a good understanding of their career goals. When my employees feel confident that I can help them to achieve their goals, they are more likely to be an engaged part of the team."

"My skills are most effective when we face a tight deadline and have to push through. I pride myself on being and an excellent motivator."

25. How do you motivate others on your team?

You don't have to be a manager or a team leader to motivate others. Offering a listening ear or providing words of encouragement can make a world of difference to your coworkers. Sometimes, just being a positive influence, representing them when needed and showing them you have their back can go a long way in displaying you as a clutch player. If you have worked in a leadership role, think of ways you helped set clear goals or helped individuals cultivate a new skill. Clearly communicating the big picture to each and every member of your team is crucial for making them stakeholders. This involves bringing them into the fold, and not just telling them what to do, but why they are doing it and the stakes involved. Equally important is understanding the motivators of each team member when assembling your teams, and ensuring you are promoting their strengths when assigning tasks, and never setting them up for failure or exploiting their weaknesses. Giving them a sense of accomplishment is integral to motivating their drive towards success.

"I motivate my fellow team members by coming to work with an exceptional attitude every day. I won't allow anyone's bad mood to let me down. That influence alone has helped many of my coworkers get through their day on a more positive note."

"I motivate others by complimenting their work, asking them their opinion, and making them feel like a valued part of the team."

Operational

26. Have you ever worked in a cross-functional environment?

Working on projects with teams from another department isn't all that uncommon in larger companies. This question aims to elicit a response that will be as telling as the words you choose. It aims to reveal the depth of your work experience and comfort level. Your ability to work with cross-functional teams will prove beneficial and can tip the scales toward a second interview. Talk up any challenges that you've faced in a cross-functional setting, and relay how you overcame them. It's okay to show pride in your work as long as you remain humble, and showcase your expertise and what you learned from the experience. If you haven't much experience in this regard, do your research, and talk up your knowledge while communicating how you look forward to the opportunity to accomplish such a career milestone.

"Daily. Frequently, I worked with other departments to meet my client's needs. I see it as part of my approach to customer service. They want their needs to be met, so I don't expect them to navigate our company systems and jump through hoops that I can bound through with little effort and in a fraction of the time. Just make it easier on them. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, this approach makes my job less difficult. I always look at whatever work there is to be done as water. Give it the path of least resistance to flow, and things will run more smoothly."

27. We have a healthy yet competitive culture at KPMG. How do you track your personal successes and metrics? How often do you look at your KPI's?

Your answer to this question should be backed up with tangible numbers to back up your hard skills and the results of your expertise. Offer percentages with examples of how you delivered. Using the STAR method, first offer the SITUATION involved with your example. Then move into the TASK which this situation required. Then share the ACTION you took and the RESULT of your actions, back up with hard numbers rather than vagueries. Share recent achievements relevant to the position.

"My current company offers a very robust tracking system where I can view my current metrics on a daily basis. I check these metrics every day because they measure me against my monthly average as well as the company average. It's important in this line of work to keep up to date on results. By keeping on top of my KPI's, I can improve my performance and results whenever necessary."

"In my opinion, the only possible option is to review my KPI's at the beginning of each day and the end of each day. I track my successes and progress through our company CRM and make a plan every morning related to what I need and want to accomplish. At the end of each day, I assess my progress so that I am prepared mentally for the following days' activities."

Organizational

28. How do you balance life and work?

This question aims to evaluate your time management skills, your emotional intelligence, and your job satisfaction. How you answer this question will offer the interviewer insights into how you cope with stress, either at work or at home. It is essential to keep a healthy work/life balance to prevent burnout. If an employee is stressed out in their personal life, it hinders their performance, and slows down the entire department, especially when drawing their coworkers into their personal drama. All of these elements can increase poor job satisfaction, burning out, and contribute to attrition. Talk to the interviewer about how you establish balance in your life.

"I find that with the right company, it's pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do, it doesn't feel like a chore. I am always sure that when at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins."

"I balance life and work by ensuring that my downtime is spent doing the things that I love. I enjoy hiking, playing squash, and going to the theater. These things energize me and help me to maintain a healthy balance."

29. How do you manage your time?

The interviewer would like to know more about the types of tools you employ to stay on task, meet deadlines, and reduce stress. How well you manage your time will offer insights into how effective you'll be at your job. Not managing your morning well can cause you to be late to work. Not managing your workflow or projects can cause missed deadlines, or taking your work home with you. If you feel overwhelmed at work because of poor time management, you might bring more stress home from work, not sleep well, not perform at your best at work the next day. Additionally, it will make or break the success of any and all projects you manage, revealing how effectively you meet your deadlines. These are all important things to weigh when determining if you are a good fit for the position. Think about how you manage your projects and daily tasks and discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention.

"I manage my time by exercising the idea of 'time-blocking.' This process means that I won't incessantly check my email; instead, I will allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day. Setting calendar alerts and personal deadlines for myself has also helped a lot."

"Very carefully! I prioritize deadlines and work that needs completion then work backward from there. When necessary, I utilize my resources and team to pitch in and contribute."

Performance Based

30. Tell me about a project you completed recently that was ahead of schedule.

This question aims to evaluate what you consider "putting your all in" and the level at which you are an overachiever. The interviewer is trying to assess your work ethic, your career goals, and how you go about meeting and exceeding expectations. Describe your system approach, and how you adapt your work style based on the situation. This is an opportunity to highlight what aspects of your work style have greatly benefited your work in the past.

"In my current position, I am expected to cold call 100 customers per week. Most of our associates will break this down into 20 per day, five days per week. What has contributed greatly to my success in this role is that I call 50 customers each day for the first two days and then have time to make additional calls throughout the week. This effort generally equals a 25% surplus of cold calls to my portfolio. I am always ahead of target by going over and above that cold calling schedule."

"In my current position, I was given the task of migrating our payroll system to a new provider. Happily, I completed the project two weeks ahead of schedule allowing us to start the new service sooner."

Problem Solving

31. When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information being presented?

This question serves to determine how adaptable you are and to assess your emotional intelligence. For some, when things don't go according to plan, they may suffer from task paralysis, feeling too overwhelmed to act decisively and adapt to changing circumstances. Others may struggle with the overwhelming task before them, and search for alternate paths forward that don't exist. Being able to swivel the focus, act quickly, and remain emotionally balanced is an integral skill. Share an occasion when you faced such an occurrence on a project and how you handled it, ultimately leading to success.

"I had a large project last month that was nearly complete when the client called to say that the dimensions provided were incorrect. Because of this, our team had to redo the entire proposal. It took us an additional four days of work but, in the end, the client was delighted with our work, and it resulted in new opportunities with them."

"I had worked with a VP in the company, the CEO, and a member of the board to craft a strategic national roll-out plan that included which companies and pitches I would be responsible for, and what they would handle. Two months later, after working on the strategy each week as a collaborative team, I was informed that we were putting a pause on the project until further notice. The executives thought the company wasn't ready for such big clients yet, so instead, I had to scale the national roll-out back to be a local market strategy. After the initial sting and frustration of pulling out of the project, I was able to use that same framework to plan local market roll-outs in several major cities effectively. It proved to be a good learning experience, overall."

32. What sources do you look to when you need to solve a complicated problem?

This question aims to reveal how capably you can think quickly on your feet, how resourceful you are, and whether you are capable of thinking outside the box and how self-managed you are in your work. Offer some relevant examples based on your industry experience. Show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable, are considered a trusted resource among your peers, and that you are self-guided in your work. Exhibit your flexibility, and that you are discerning when it comes to solving issues you run into on your own, and when it is appropriate to ask for help.

"When faced with a complicated problem, I will look to the resources that my current company has provided me. The answer is almost always in there. If it's more of a moral dilemma vs. a knowledge-based dilemma, I will ask my supervisor for his thoughts and opinion since I value him as a mentor and expert in our industry."

"If there's a complicated problem, I'll write out what I think the possible solutions would be, and make a note of what my gut tells me to do. Then, I will weigh those potential solutions against one another and list the complications that may arise as a result of each choice. Also, I am always open to input or suggestions from those with more experience than I and look to my mentors, their experience, and the training resources, as well as potentially talk the problem out with coworkers or my boss."

33. How would you prefer to be compensated?

This question aims to determine your motivators and performance contributions by asking what kind of pay structure you prefer, hourly, salary, or performance-based pay. It is important to brush up on all the pros and cons of each, as well as familiarize yourself with the pay structure this position offers. Be prepared to further discuss your professional worth, your track record for success, current pay rate, and any other bonuses or perks you received in your current employment.

"I am currently compensated primarily on a base pay of $60,000 with the opportunity to earn a quarterly bonus based on the company's profits. I would like to be compensated similarly in my next position."

"I am currently making a salary with a bonus incentive on a quarterly and annual basis. I would like to continue down that path but am open to exploring other compensation components such as commission, or working on a draw system."

Situational

34. This position with KPMG requires strong research skills. What is the first resource you turn to when you need to research a person, business, or topic?

The interviewer would like to know to what extent you are a trusted resource in your profession. Share your approach to staying current in your industry and your approach to finding answers fast. In order to be considered a trusted resource for your teams and clients, you must be in-the-know and on top of your game at all times. Share your methods and talk about where you turn to for information when you need it the most.

"When researching, my go-to source is usually LinkedIn. This website offers me a plethora of information whenever I need it. I can research clients, their businesses, their backgrounds, and their competitors in one place. I find LinkedIn to be a very reliable, up-to-date, and convenient source."

"For me, when researching, using a reliable source is key. For that reason. my resources will always be a legitimate news website or books published by known authors."

35. How do you evaluate success among your team members?

The interviewer needs to gauge how your evaluation of success aligns with theirs. The manner in which you evaluate your team's success will speak to your success as a project manager. This question aims to determine your approach to project management. Do you keep your eye on the big picture or focus on short-term goals, evaluating success as crossing day-to-day tasks off your list? When you're leading a team, it's imperative to be aware of the level of success that each team member is delivering. One underperforming team player can drag down the entire group. How you answer will also give them insight into not only how you motivate your teams, but what motivates your drive to accomplish the various goals you've set out for yourself in your professional work environment. Talk to the interviewer about your approach. Tie your answer to the success you plan to bring to this particular position.

"I have a very in-depth and successful system for evaluating success among my team members. I check in twice per week with each member of my team. On Mondays - to set our goals together. Then, on Fridays, to discuss any successes and challenges. I have them self-evaluate, and then we create a plan for success for the upcoming week. I evaluate their success based on their follow through and willingness to work hard to reach their goals."

"I typically have KPI's (key performance indicators) in place to measure the success of each of the members of the team. I also manage our overall success in working together. For example, are we hitting on key initiatives within the department, developing each other for succession planning and having fun along the way!"

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KPMG Assessments

• 218 questions

KPMG is a multinational professional services firm. Recognised as one of the Big Four, KPMG provides tax, audit and advisory services worldwide and employs over 200,000 people. Roles at KPMG are highly sought after, and understanding the application process (including the importance of the various assessments) will help you to be more prepared.

Careers at KPMG

There are several routes into employment with KPMG, depending on your level of education and experience.

For those who are looking to learn while they earn, KPMG offers apprenticeships. These are available in Audit, Business Services and with the Digital Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.

Discovery Work Experience offers an insight into the roles at KPMG for those looking for some direction in their future.

If you are an undergraduate, roles at KPMG might include the One Year Business Placement (as part of your degree), as well as insight and vacation programmes.

The graduate scheme offered by KPMG is the most popular route to employment for potential candidates. You can choose from the following business areas:

• Deal Advisory
• Business Services
• Tax & Law
• Technology & Engineering

If you are already an experienced professional in accounting services that has key competencies, you can apply for roles in the major business areas, or become part of the contractor team.

KPMG Application Process

Online application, transforming small businesses, delivering outcomes.

Critical Thinker

Virtual Launch Pad

The KPMG assessment process is very structured, with almost every application following the same process to make sure it is equal.

To start with, you need to fill in an online application form with some basic details about you, your education and your experience.

If your online application is accepted, you will then take a series of online aptitude tests , combining situational judgement tests , numerical tests and verbal tests, as well as behavioural tests. Each online assessment needs to be passed for you to be invited to the next stage, with clearly defined timescales.

The final stage of the process to get your dream job is a full assessment day – known as the Launch Pad – which is currently administered virtually.

Throughout the recruitment process, it is important to bear in mind the 11 Key Behavioural Qualities that KPMG seeks in all its employees, and make sure you are demonstrating them wherever you can. There’s more detail on these at the end of this article.

Online application form

The online application is much like any other; you need to provide personal details, contact information and your education and experience. The basic application requirements are:

• Maths and English GCSE – at least a B (Grade 5/6 in the new system)
• 3 A-Levels (or equivalent)
• 2:1 Undergraduate degree in any discipline (predicted or actual)

There is space for you to provide details of any mitigating circumstances that might mean you haven’t reached the academic qualifications necessary, and these will be taken into account.

You are also able to record any relevant work experience or previous professional qualifications that might support your application.

The application form is assessed against the entry criteria before any progression through the process. You can only apply once every application cycle (usually once a year).

Be thorough and take your time. Answer accurately and with integrity, so that you can demonstrate your suitability for the role and make it simple for the recruitment team to put you through to the next round.

KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment

KPMG assessments look slightly different from other aptitude tests that you might take because they don’t have separate ‘papers’ for each type. Instead of sitting a situational judgement test, a verbal reasoning test , a logic test and all the others, KPMG has created a scenario-based assessment.

The first part of this assessment is titled ‘Transforming Small Businesses’. You will be provided with information in the form of videos, podcasts, articles, voicemails and emails, which you are expected to use to help you form answers to the various questions.

The scenario provides an experiential assessment that is a journey into working life at KPMG, with a fictional but realistic narrative.

In the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, you will be evaluated on how you respond to scenarios, using the information given. This will include situational judgment as well as verbal and numerical reasoning skills . You will be able to find sample questions online to prepare.

You will be able to complete this at home, and it is an untimed test. KPMG has suggested that this will take around 90 minutes, and it is better to complete it in one sitting. It needs to be completed within five calendar days.

After this part of the assessment, you will receive a Strength Report. This will show your top two strengths as well as two less developed areas, with tips and practical advice to help you improve.

This personalised report is not linked to the assessment in any way, but is useful to provide you with more information on how you can work on your weaknesses.

If you are successful in the first assessment, you will be invited to take the second.

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KPMG Delivering Outcomes Online Assessment

In a similar way to the transforming small businesses assessment, the KPMG Delivering Outcomes online assessment is blended, so it combines situational judgement skills with written exercises and video interviews.

Moving deeper into the fictional but realistic scenario, you will have insight into your chosen business area, and will need to rank your response to questions based on what you would do in each situation.

You will also be asked to answer some questions on paper, and provide answers through video in some cases too. The video portion gives you two minutes to clearly and accurately answer the questions and provide more information for each question, with some preparation time beforehand.

The recruiters want to see you answering confidently, looking at the camera rather than notes, and demonstrating your knowledge and opinions clearly.

Again, this test is untimed, with the only expectation that it is completed within five calendar days. KPMG suggests that this part of the assessment will usually take about 60 minutes.

If you are successful, you will be invited to complete the third assessment.

This is a timed assessment that takes place online, facilitated by a member of the recruitment team.

You will be invited to a Microsoft Teams meeting along with other candidates, and with your audio muted and your video connected, you will be asked to complete 10 numerical reasoning questions across two sections.

You will have 30 minutes to complete this test, and if successful you will be asked to attend the next stage: the Virtual Launch Pad.

In previous years, the Launch Pad was an all-day event, with a few hundred attendees looking for roles across all sectors. Starting with breakfast and a presentation, applicants were invited to take part in group exercises , analysis projects, one-on-one interviews and given the opportunity to network.

This is what is known as an assessment centre, and we have some tips to help you be successful at these .

The Virtual Launch Pad is both a final assessment and an opportunity for applicants to learn – from meeting personnel to understanding more about each business area. Moving online, the Virtual Launch Pad offers the same opportunities for recruiters to assess you, just in an online environment.

You can expect to take part in the following activities:

Group Exercise . In small groups, you will have a brief and some tasks to complete. This is an opportunity to demonstrate both teamwork and leadership skills.

Analysis . You will be provided with a brief, and asked to write a report based on the available information. In the report you will need to include detailed recommendations including specific actions around profitability, as well as highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

Partner Interview . In this one-on-one interview, you will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the KPMG team, who will ask you behavioural questions that will align with the key KPMG values.

You will also have a chance to really demonstrate your interest in the role by asking questions of the interviewer.

KPMGs 11 Key Behavioural Capabilities

Keep these 11 characteristics in mind throughout the recruitment process, and use them to structure your responses:

Career Motivation

Why did you choose to apply for KPMG in particular? What role do you want to perform, in what programme and in what sector? The recruiters want to see that you have done your research, you understand KPMG and the way the business works – and that you want a career with them.

Drive Quality

Employees at KPMG are always expected to achieve exceptional results using their initiative and personal drive – for partners and for customers.

Demonstrate Integrity

All employees are expected to support an ethical environment, value rules and act in accordance with regulations. Decisions need to be made with integrity in mind.

You will be given the autonomy to make your own decisions, so it is important that you can critically evaluate and interpret information to drive your next move.

Resilient Performer

Throughout your life, both professionally and personally, you will have challenges that need to be overcome. To be successful at KPMG, it is not about avoiding challenges, but rather how you react to perform at your best.

Leverage Technology

Technology changes quickly, and at KPMG employees are expected to embrace what is new, and be knowledgeable about the latest disruptors.

Communicate Effectively

Passionate and professional communication is at the heart of KPMG. Positive lasting impressions are made with colleagues and customers through effective communication.

Foster Innovation

A career at KPMG is an environment of increasing change, so applicants and employees need to be comfortable with uncertainty and able to be flexible in their approach to new tasks. Innovation and initiative helps change be positive.

Credible Connector

If you thrive on teamwork, know how to build deep relationships and enjoy discussing ideas, then you are a credible communicator – and exactly what KPMG wants to see in their employees.

Show Curiosity

KPMG is a company that wants employees to have the drive to develop. It provides the tools to help you grow in your role; all you need to do is provide the curiosity and willingness to learn.

Purposeful Collaborator

Every single employee has a unique perspective, and the diversity that can be found in thought and experience will deliver great results if collaboration is purposeful.

Practice Aptitude Tests is not associated with KPMG. We provide preparation services for KPMG psychometric tests. Our tests are not designed to be identical to any style, employer or industry. Visit https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/careers.html to find out more.

Sample KPMG Tests question Test your knowledge!

In planning for a digital transformation project, it was observed that one department's operational sequence could be optimized by integrating certain tasks. Identify the logical approach to optimize the sequence?

The existing process involves five steps: gathering data, manual data entry, data analysis, report generation, and distribution of insights. The proposed integration aims to automate data entry and couple it with the data analysis phase.

• Automate the data entry and immediately process the analysis within the same system to avoid delays
• Increase the frequency of report generation to improve insights
• Hire additional staff to handle manual data entry
• Create a new team dedicated to distributing insights

During an audit process, a company’s financial report shows an average yearly revenue growth of 6%. If the revenue was $1 million 4 years ago, what would be the expected revenue for the current year using this growth factor?

• $1.262 million
• $1.120 million
• $1.500 million
• $1.024 million

A report details several recommendations for business process improvements. After reading the report, which suggestion aligns with current best practices in workflow management?

• Implementing an automated scheduling system
• Scheduling weekly status meetings
• Incorporating regular team-building exercises
• Streamlining communication through a unified messaging platform

A consultant is reviewing client feedback for different service lines. The report notes that 70% of clients gave positive feedback for Tax services, 60% for Audit services, and 80% for Consulting services. Which service line needs the most improvement based on client feedback?

• Audit services
• Tax services
• Consulting services
• All are equal

In a proposal for a new technology system, the integration strategy states that the system must be able to interact efficiently with existing software. Which aspect of the proposal should be critically evaluated to ensure compatibility?

• The system's API and data interchange formats
• The color scheme of the user interface
• The brand of hardware used for servers
• The location of the company headquarters

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KPMG Tests Tips

1 understand the format.

Get to grips with the structure of KPMG’s tests before diving in. Familiarity with the format will help you use your time wisely during the actual assessment.

2 Simulate Testing Conditions

Practicing under exam-like conditions can boost your confidence. Time yourself and work in a quiet environment to mirror the pressures of test day.

3 Analyze Your Mistakes

After each practice round on Practice Aptitude Tests, review your answers. Understanding where you went wrong is key to not repeating the same errors.

4 Rest and Rejuvenate

Give your brain a break. Rest well the night before your test to ensure you’re mentally sharp and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

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KPMG Tests FAQs

What are the kpmg tests.

KPMG uses a variety of assessments in their recruitment process depending on the role—these often include numerical reasoning, logical thinking, and situational judgement tests that evaluate how you would handle situations you might encounter while working there.

Are the KPMG tests hard?

The KPMG tests can be challenging as they are designed to measure a variety of skills and aptitudes relevant to the job. However, with thorough preparation and practice, they are very manageable.

How do I prepare for KPMG tests?

The best way to prepare for KPMG tests is through thorough practice and familiarization with the types of questions you’ll face. Practice Aptitude Tests offers a range of practice tests that mimic the actual assessments you’ll encounter.

How long does the recruitment process take at KPMG?

The recruitment process at KPMG can vary in length, but typically the entire journey from application to offer can take a few months, with assessment days usually occurring between October and December.

What are KPMG's core values?

KPMG’s core values include integrity, excellence, courage, together, for better. These principles guide how KPMG professionals engage with each other, their clients, and their communities.

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How to Prepare for a Case Interview at the Big 4 Firms

If you are applying for a role within management consulting for one of the Big 4; Deloitte, EY, KPMG or PwC, you may be asked to undertake a case interview. A case interview is a type of job interview in which you will be presented with a specific business situation, and asked to answer questions on how you would handle this specific situation. It may be a situation you are likely to encounter in your day to day job or it could be a question unrelated to your role. For example, you may be asked how you would determine the market for a new product launch, and you’d need to be able to ask questions and extract information to be able to determine this. Case interviews can be complex, but it is important to take a deep breath and think things through carefully before you start.

Interviewer Expectations

A case interview may be different to what you’ve done before, and as such, it can be difficult to know exactly what is expected of you from the interviewers. The good news is that there isn’t really a right or wrong answer to the question, the interviewer is looking to see how you reach your solution. This includes the questions you ask and the logic you use. They are looking for you to ask questions which will help you reach a solution and to carefully consider the information you have to reach a final conclusion.

Case Interview Topics

As you are being interviewed for a management consulting role, there are general case interview topics which will usually be used by most organisations. These include:

Business Analysis – the question may be related to your ability to analyse a specific business. This may include understanding its market potential, profitability, growth etc. For instance, you may be asked whether the company should start exporting to a specific country. In this case, you would need to determine the cost, and calculate the profitability to reach a conclusion. This type of question would come down to your ability to ask the right questions, to make calculations and to problem solve.

Estimations – it is not always easy to know the answer in business. For example, you might be asked to estimate the company profits over the next 5 years’. In this case, the interviewer is looking for your ability to extract information, calculate, problem solve and reach a conclusion, without having hard facts on hand. There is no way of knowing exactly what you will be asked during the case interview, but by looking up business case studies, you’ll get a good idea of how to work out the answer. It’s more about structure and problem solving, than anything else. If you can reach a strong conclusion, all the better.

How Do You Succeed in Case Interviews?

Case interviews, especially with one of the Big 4; Deloitte, KPMG, EY or PwC can be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to prepare for these. Practice

Like most things in life, practice makes better and by understanding exactly what is expected of you, you’ll be in a better position to be able to answer the questions. Reading cases and practicing online case study tests will help you get prepared for the interview. If you can get a buddy to help you practice, this will also benefit you. Ask for feedback from a friend, as this will give you a better understanding of what you’re doing right and what you need to work on. If you can’t find a buddy, practice by reading the cases aloud. The key to success with the case interviews is preparation and practice. It is also a good idea to practice calculations too, as this may be part of the process during case interviews. You may need to work out numbers and it’s important to have an understanding of how to work these out, especially when you’re on the spot.

Confirm the question

Make sure you completely understand the question before you start, as if not, you may go down the completely wrong track with your calculations and answer. The interviewers will not be concerned if you need clarification of the question. They would much rather that you communicate with them and ensure you understand everything before you start. This approach is the one they’d expect you to take with a client, so don’t feel like you’ll mess it up by asking for reassurance.

Slow and steady

Candidates often think that they shouldn’t take their time when it comes to interviews, and rushing through them usually ends with making mistakes. There’s no need to rush through the case interview, it is much better if you take your time and carefully consider the question. If you rush, you are more likely to make mistakes. If you go slowly and carefully, you will make better progress with the interview. If you don’t understand anything at any point, just ask for clarification.

Ask questions

The interviewer will start by giving you details about the case. They will then usually ask if you have questions – always say ‘yes’ to this. This is your only chance to obtain as much information as you need to be able to answer with clarity. Make sure you understand what the situation and problem is. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification. If you show you are genuinely interested in the case, you will come across well to the interviewer. Think about it more in real terms than just trying to pass your interview, and ensure your listening skills are as good as your verbal communication skills. The interviewer will be expecting you to ask questions to be able to reach your conclusion. Don’t worry about asking questions, the interviewer will be more concerned if you don’t ask anything.

Engage with the interviewer

Try and think about the case interview as a conversation between two people. Use positive language and try to build rapport with the interviewer. The more you engage with the interviewer, the more likely they will be to give you additional information and maybe even some clues. In the Big 4 organisation; Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and EY, you will be expected to be able to engage well with a wide range of different people. It is important that this comes across during the interview.

Follow a Structure

In order to deal with a case correctly, it is a good idea to follow a structure. The interviewer will be looking for you to follow a logical process and to figure out your answer from this structure, not just ‘winging it’ to get a result. It will also make it much easier for you to reach a conclusion. For example, if you were asked how to determine the market for a product. You might start by defining the characteristics of the product and asking related questions to break down the answer into components. This will make it easier for you to draw a conclusion. If you get to the end and you decide that the answer isn’t right or you need more information, you will still have a basic format to work with, rather than having to start from the beginning again. Even with case interviews for the Big 4; EY, PwC, Deloitte and KMPG, the interviewers are not specifically looking for a ‘right’ answer, they are looking to understand how you reach your conclusion. This is often more important than the answer itself.

What are interviewers looking for?

The case study interview is firstly, about your ability to communicate – both listening, speaking and writing. The interviewer is looking for your ability to engage and extract the right information. Don’t just ask questions for the sake of it, ask questions which will help with problem solving and reaching a conclusion. The interviewer is also looking to see a desire and motivation to problem solve. For example, establishing the most relevant information, connecting facts together with evidence to reach a conclusion. They will want to see that you are questioning yourself and A strong structure will also be important to the interviewer and your ability to make calculations. It is highly likely that your case study will include problem solving and numerical abilities, as ultimately, business success comes down to profit and loss.

The Structure

A good way to create a structure for the case interview is to look at the problem or the question you are trying to answer. This is the first part of the building blocks. An issue tree can be a good way to break your problem down to sub-problems, in order to reach your conclusion. For example, should we sell our product in China? This can be further divided into what the product is, what the market is for the product, what the demographics are in China, what the cost would be etc. The structure is about dividing each issue into further issues until you reach a final conclusion. Then you should make recommendations based on this. It might not just be one straightforward answer, you may have many different recommendations based on your studies.

47 case interview examples (from McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

One of the best ways to prepare for   case interviews  at firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, is by studying case interview examples. 

There are a lot of free sample cases out there, but it's really hard to know where to start. So in this article, we have listed all the best free case examples available, in one place.

The below list of resources includes interactive case interview samples provided by consulting firms, video case interview demonstrations, case books, and materials developed by the team here at IGotAnOffer. Let's continue to the list.

• McKinsey examples
• BCG examples
• Bain examples
• Deloitte examples
• Other firms' examples
• Case books from consulting clubs
• Case interview preparation

Click here to practise 1-on-1 with MBB ex-interviewers

1. mckinsey case interview examples.

• Beautify case interview (McKinsey website)
• Diconsa case interview (McKinsey website)
• Electro-light case interview (McKinsey website)
• GlobaPharm case interview (McKinsey website)
• National Education case interview (McKinsey website)
• Talbot Trucks case interview (McKinsey website)
• Shops Corporation case interview (McKinsey website)
• Conservation Forever case interview (McKinsey website)
• McKinsey case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
• Profitability case with ex-McKinsey manager (by IGotAnOffer)
• McKinsey live case interview extract (by IGotAnOffer) - See below

2. BCG case interview examples

• Foods Inc and GenCo case samples  (BCG website)
• Chateau Boomerang written case interview  (BCG website)
• BCG case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)
• Written cases guide (by IGotAnOffer)
• BCG live case interview with notes (by IGotAnOffer)
• BCG mock case interview with ex-BCG associate director - Public sector case (by IGotAnOffer)
• BCG mock case interview: Revenue problem case (by IGotAnOffer) - See below

3. Bain case interview examples

• CoffeeCo practice case (Bain website)
• FashionCo practice case (Bain website)
• Associate Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
• Consultant mock interview video (Bain website)
• Written case interview tips (Bain website)
• Bain case interview guide   (by IGotAnOffer)
• Digital transformation case with ex-Bain consultant
• Bain case mock interview with ex-Bain manager (below)

4. Deloitte case interview examples

• Engagement Strategy practice case (Deloitte website)
• Recreation Unlimited practice case (Deloitte website)
• Strategic Vision practice case (Deloitte website)
• Retail Strategy practice case  (Deloitte website)
• Finance Strategy practice case  (Deloitte website)
• Talent Management practice case (Deloitte website)
• Enterprise Resource Management practice case (Deloitte website)
• Footloose written case  (by Deloitte)
• Deloitte case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

5. Accenture case interview examples

• Case interview workbook (by Accenture)
• Accenture case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

6. OC&C case interview examples

• Leisure Club case example (by OC&C)
• Imported Spirits case example (by OC&C)

7. Oliver Wyman case interview examples

• Wumbleworld case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
• Aqualine case sample (Oliver Wyman website)
• Oliver Wyman case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

8. A.T. Kearney case interview examples

• Promotion planning case question (A.T. Kearney website)
• Consulting case book and examples (by A.T. Kearney)
• AT Kearney case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

9. Strategy& / PWC case interview examples

• Presentation overview with sample questions (by Strategy& / PWC)
• Strategy& / PWC case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

10. L.E.K. Consulting case interview examples

• Case interview example video walkthrough   (L.E.K. website)
• Market sizing case example video walkthrough  (L.E.K. website)

11. Roland Berger case interview examples

• Transit oriented development case webinar part 1  (Roland Berger website)
• Transit oriented development case webinar part 2   (Roland Berger website)
• 3D printed hip implants case webinar part 1   (Roland Berger website)
• 3D printed hip implants case webinar part 2   (Roland Berger website)
• Roland Berger case interview guide   (by IGotAnOffer)

12. Capital One case interview examples

• Case interview example video walkthrough  (Capital One website)
• Capital One case interview guide (by IGotAnOffer)

12. EY Parthenon case interview examples

• Candidate-led case example with feedback (by IGotAnOffer)

14. Consulting clubs case interview examples

• Berkeley case book (2006)
• Columbia case book (2006)
• Darden case book (2012)
• Darden case book (2018)
• Duke case book (2010)
• Duke case book (2014)
• ESADE case book (2011)
• Goizueta case book (2006)
• Illinois case book (2015)
• LBS case book (2006)
• MIT case book (2001)
• Notre Dame case book (2017)
• Ross case book (2010)
• Wharton case book (2010)

Practice with experts

Using case interview examples is a key part of your interview preparation, but it isn’t enough.

At some point you’ll want to practise with friends or family who can give some useful feedback. However, if you really want the best possible preparation for your case interview, you'll also want to work with ex-consultants who have experience running interviews at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, etc.

If you know anyone who fits that description, fantastic! But for most of us, it's tough to find the right connections to make this happen. And it might also be difficult to practice multiple hours with that person unless you know them really well.

Here's the good news. We've already made the connections for you. We’ve created a coaching service where you can do mock case interviews 1-on-1 with ex-interviewers from MBB firms . Start scheduling sessions today!

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