Getting ready for your KPMG interview can feel like a big task. You want to show your best self to one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, but you might feel unsure about what questions they’ll ask and how to stand out from other candidates. Many job seekers feel the same way, but with the right preparation, you can walk into that interview with confidence.
This guide gives you the inside track on the most common KPMG interview questions and exactly how to answer them. We’ve put together winning strategies and sample answers that will help you show the hiring team why you’re the perfect fit for KPMG.
KPMG Interview Questions & Answers
KPMG looks for candidates who can demonstrate technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a strong cultural fit. Here are the top 15 questions you might face in your KPMG interview, along with expert advice on how to answer them.
1. Tell us about yourself and why you want to work at KPMG
This question helps interviewers gauge your communication skills and learn about your background and motivation. KPMG wants to know if you’ve researched their company and if your career goals align with what they offer.
A strong answer focuses on relevant parts of your experience that match KPMG’s needs. Connect your skills, values, and career goals directly to KPMG’s culture and services. Make sure to mention specific aspects of KPMG that attract you to the firm.
For best results, keep your answer concise and professional while showing your personality. This question sets the tone for the rest of the interview, so use it as an opportunity to highlight your most impressive qualities and achievements.
Sample Answer: “I’m a certified public accountant with five years of experience in tax advisory services for mid-sized businesses. My background includes helping clients navigate complex tax regulations while identifying savings opportunities. I’m particularly drawn to KPMG because of your firm’s reputation for innovation and your commitment to digital transformation in accounting services. Your recent work with AI-powered tax solutions aligns perfectly with my interest in combining traditional accounting expertise with cutting-edge technology. I’m looking to grow in an environment that values both technical excellence and forward thinking, which is why KPMG is my top choice.”
2. Why do you think you’re a good fit for this position at KPMG?
This question tests whether you understand the specific role and can articulate how your skills match KPMG’s requirements. The interviewer wants to see that you’ve thoroughly researched both the position and the firm.
Your answer should clearly connect your experience, skills, and achievements to the key responsibilities of the role. Use concrete examples from your past work that demonstrate how you’ve successfully handled similar tasks or challenges.
Make sure to highlight both technical skills and soft skills that are relevant to the position. KPMG values team players who can work well under pressure and adapt to changing client needs.
Sample Answer: “Based on the job description, this audit senior role requires someone who can lead client engagements while mentoring junior team members. In my current position, I’ve managed audit teams for clients in the financial services sector, similar to the clients I’d work with at KPMG. Last year, I led a complex audit that required coordinating with international teams across three time zones. We completed the project on time despite several last-minute scope changes. I’m also passionate about developing junior staff—I created a training program that improved our team’s efficiency by 15%. My technical knowledge of IFRS combined with my leadership experience makes me confident I can hit the ground running at KPMG.”
3. How do you stay updated with current accounting standards and regulations?
This question assesses your commitment to professional development and staying current in the field. KPMG needs professionals who take initiative to remain knowledgeable about changes in accounting standards.
A good response outlines your specific methods for keeping up with industry developments. Mention professional organizations you belong to, publications you read regularly, and any continuing education you pursue.
You should also emphasize how you apply this knowledge in your work. Give an example of how staying informed about a regulatory change benefited your clients or employer.
Sample Answer: “I maintain my knowledge through a multi-pronged approach. I subscribe to the Journal of Accountancy and the FASB’s email updates to get timely information about new standards. I’m an active member of the AICPA, which gives me access to webinars and discussions with other professionals. I block off time each week specifically to read industry updates. Recently, this habit paid off when I caught early news about changes to lease accounting standards. I organized internal training sessions six months before implementation, which gave our team plenty of time to prepare our clients for the transition. Beyond formal resources, I also participate in several online accounting communities where practitioners discuss real-world applications of new regulations.”
4. Describe a time when you had to explain a complex financial concept to a non-financial person
This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to translate technical information for clients. KPMG values professionals who can build strong client relationships through clear communication.
Your answer should demonstrate how you assess the listener’s baseline knowledge and adjust your explanation accordingly. Emphasize how you use analogies, visual aids, or real-world examples to make complex ideas accessible.
Include a specific example that shows positive results from your communication approach. Mention how your ability to explain complex concepts strengthened client relationships or helped advance a project.
Sample Answer: “In my previous role, I had to explain the implications of the new revenue recognition standard to a technology client’s marketing team. I knew using accounting terminology would create confusion, so I created a simple flowchart that visualized the five-step process in terms of their customer journey. Instead of talking about ‘performance obligations,’ I used their product language and showed how each customer interaction might trigger revenue recognition. I also created a comparison table showing how their current marketing promotions would be treated under the new rules. The marketing team not only understood the changes but became actively engaged in restructuring their offers to optimize revenue reporting. The CFO later told me this was the first time the marketing team had willingly adjusted their strategies based on accounting input.”
5. How do you handle tight deadlines and pressure?
This question assesses your ability to perform under the time constraints common in public accounting. KPMG needs team members who can maintain quality work while managing the stress of busy seasons and client demands.
A strong answer outlines your specific strategies for organization, prioritization, and stress management. Provide a concrete example of how you’ve successfully handled a high-pressure situation in the past.
Make sure to emphasize both your personal coping mechanisms and your ability to work with teams during stressful periods. KPMG values professionals who can stay calm and help others remain focused under pressure.
Sample Answer: “I thrive in deadline-driven environments by combining careful planning with adaptability. At the beginning of each project, I create a detailed timeline with built-in buffer periods for unexpected issues. I use a digital task management system to track progress and flag potential bottlenecks early. During tax season last year, we lost a team member right before three major client deadlines. I reassessed our workflow, identified the highest-priority tasks, and redistributed the work based on each team member’s strengths. I stayed an extra two hours each day to review additional files and maintained open communication with clients about our progress. We ultimately met all deadlines with complete accuracy. To manage personal stress, I maintain a regular exercise routine even during busy periods, which helps me stay focused and energized when working long hours.”
6. Give an example of a time you identified an error in financial reporting and how you handled it
This question tests your attention to detail and ethical standards. KPMG places high importance on accuracy and integrity in all client work.
Your response should walk through your process for identifying, verifying, and addressing the error. Emphasize your commitment to transparency and proper procedure when dealing with mistakes.
Highlight both the technical aspects of correcting the error and how you handled the human elements, such as communicating with team members or clients. KPMG wants to see that you can address problems professionally while maintaining relationships.
Sample Answer: “While reviewing a client’s quarterly financial statements, I noticed discrepancies between the cash flow statement and changes in the balance sheet accounts. After investigating further, I discovered that $2.3 million in capital expenditures had been misclassified as operating expenses. First, I documented my findings and double-checked my work to confirm the error. Then, I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss the issue before approaching the client. Together, we prepared a clear explanation of the error, its impact, and the correction needed. When we met with the client’s CFO, I explained the situation factually, without placing blame, and presented our recommended adjustments with supporting documentation. The CFO appreciated our thoroughness and approved the corrections. Following this experience, I developed an additional reconciliation checklist that our team now uses to catch similar issues earlier in the review process.”
7. How do you approach building relationships with clients?
This question evaluates your client service orientation and business development potential. KPMG values professionals who can establish trust and maintain strong client relationships.
A good answer outlines your strategy for understanding client needs, demonstrating value, and building rapport over time. Provide specific techniques you use to learn about clients’ businesses and concerns.
Include an example of how you’ve successfully developed or strengthened a client relationship. Show how your approach resulted in greater client satisfaction, expanded services, or other positive outcomes.
Sample Answer: “I build client relationships on three principles: understanding their business deeply, consistently delivering value, and maintaining open communication. Before meeting any new client, I research their industry, company history, and recent news to identify potential challenges and opportunities. During initial meetings, I focus more on listening than speaking, asking thoughtful questions to uncover their true needs, which often go beyond the stated scope of work. With a manufacturing client last year, this approach revealed concerns about upcoming tariff changes that weren’t part of our original discussion. By addressing these proactively, I established immediate credibility. I maintain relationships by creating regular touchpoints beyond required meetings, sharing relevant articles or updates that might benefit their business, and always responding to inquiries within 24 hours. I also practice radical transparency about both progress and challenges. When we fell behind on a deliverable due to unexpected findings, I immediately contacted the client, explained the situation, and proposed a revised timeline. They appreciated the honesty and ultimately expanded our engagement to address the newly discovered issues.”
8. Tell us about a time you had to adapt to a significant change at work
This question assesses your flexibility and resilience—key qualities for success at KPMG, where client needs and industry regulations frequently evolve. The interviewer wants to see how you handle uncertainty and continue to perform during transitions.
A strong answer details a specific change you experienced, your initial reaction, the actions you took to adapt, and the positive outcome you achieved. Show that you can maintain a constructive attitude while adjusting to new circumstances.
Emphasize both your personal adaptation process and how you might have helped others through the change. KPMG values team players who can support organizational transitions.
Sample Answer: “When my previous firm merged with a larger company, our entire team had to adopt new audit methodology and software with only six weeks’ notice during our busiest season. Initially, I was concerned about the timing, but I quickly recognized the long-term benefits of the new system. I volunteered to be part of the transition team and attended advanced training sessions. I created quick-reference guides for the most common tasks and organized lunch-and-learn sessions for my colleagues. I also set up a troubleshooting channel where team members could share solutions to common issues. For my own work, I dedicated early morning hours to practice with the new software before client meetings began. By the end of the transition period, our team had the highest adoption rate in the company, and we actually completed our audits three days ahead of schedule. This experience taught me that with the right mindset and systematic approach, major changes can become opportunities to improve efficiency rather than obstacles.”
9. How do you handle disagreements with team members or clients?
This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities. KPMG professionals must work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage client relationships even when viewpoints differ.
A good response outlines your approach to understanding different perspectives and finding constructive solutions. Show that you can remain professional and focused on objectives even in challenging interpersonal situations.
Include a specific example that demonstrates how you’ve successfully resolved a disagreement in the past. Highlight the positive outcome and what you learned from the experience.
Sample Answer: “I approach disagreements as opportunities to arrive at better solutions through diverse perspectives. When a senior colleague and I disagreed about the materiality threshold for a client audit, I first made sure I fully understood his position by asking clarifying questions and restating his concerns. Instead of pushing my view immediately, I suggested we list the pros and cons of both approaches. This created a more objective discussion focused on client risk rather than personal opinions. We ultimately identified that our difference stemmed from varying interpretations of the client’s risk profile. We agreed to gather additional data about the client’s internal controls before making a final decision. This collaborative approach led to a more thorough assessment and a materiality threshold we both felt confident defending. From this experience, I learned that most professional disagreements stem from different underlying assumptions rather than flawed reasoning, and addressing those assumptions directly leads to stronger outcomes than debating surface-level positions.”
10. How do you prioritize tasks when everything seems urgent?
This question assesses your time management skills and decision-making under pressure. KPMG professionals often juggle multiple clients and deadlines, making effective prioritization essential.
Your answer should demonstrate a systematic approach to evaluating urgency versus importance. Explain the specific criteria you use to rank tasks and how you communicate priorities with stakeholders.
Include an example of successfully managing competing priorities. Show how your prioritization method helped you meet critical deadlines while maintaining work quality.
Sample Answer: “I use a structured approach to prioritization that considers both urgency and strategic importance. First, I identify true deadlines versus preferred timelines by consulting with stakeholders. Then I evaluate each task’s impact—whether it affects critical financial reporting, regulatory compliance, or is a dependency for other team members’ work. During a particularly challenging month when three client deadlines coincided, I created a priority matrix that visually mapped all tasks according to deadline proximity and strategic importance. I shared this with my manager and team, proposing that we front-load the highest-impact items first. For lower-priority but still important tasks, I identified which could be delegated or streamlined. I also proactively communicated with clients whose deadlines weren’t regulatory to negotiate short extensions where possible. This systematic approach allowed us to meet all regulatory filing deadlines while managing client expectations for other deliverables. The experience reinforced that effective prioritization requires both analytical thinking and transparent communication with all stakeholders.”
11. What experience do you have with data analytics tools?
This question assesses your technical skills in an area becoming increasingly important to KPMG’s service offerings. The firm is investing heavily in data analytics capabilities to enhance audit and advisory services.
A strong answer details your specific experience with relevant tools and how you’ve applied them in professional contexts. Mention both the technical aspects of your experience and the business insights you generated.
Even if your experience is limited, show your willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies. KPMG values candidates who demonstrate curiosity and aptitude for developing new skills.
Sample Answer: “I’ve worked extensively with several data analytics tools, including Tableau for visualization, Alteryx for data preparation, and SQL for database queries. In my current role, I led a project to analyze three years of accounts payable data for a retail client. Using SQL, I extracted and cleaned the data, then used Alteryx to identify duplicate payments and unusual transaction patterns. This analysis revealed approximately $450,000 in recovery opportunities. I created interactive Tableau dashboards showing spending patterns by vendor, department, and time period, which helped the client identify additional cost-saving opportunities. Beyond these tools, I’ve completed basic Python courses focused on data analysis and am currently learning PowerBI to expand my visualization capabilities. I’m particularly interested in KPMG’s approach to embedding analytics throughout the audit process and would be excited to contribute to these initiatives while continuing to develop my technical skills.”
12. How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your work?
This question evaluates your attention to detail and quality control processes. KPMG maintains high standards for all client deliverables, making quality assurance an essential skill.
Your answer should outline your systematic approach to ensuring accuracy. Detail specific checks, reviews, or verification steps you take before considering work complete.
Include how you balance thoroughness with efficiency. KPMG values professionals who can deliver high-quality work within time constraints.
Sample Answer: “I maintain quality through a multi-layered approach. First, I start with proper planning—identifying potential pitfalls before beginning the actual work. For analytical tasks, I test my methodology with a small data sample before processing the entire dataset. I’ve developed personal checklists for different types of deliverables based on common errors I’ve observed over time. For financial analyses, this includes steps like comparing totals to source documents, checking that formulas capture all relevant data points, and verifying that assumptions are consistently applied. I also build in time for a ‘fresh eyes’ review—setting work aside briefly before a final review when deadlines allow. On team projects, I organize peer reviews focused on specific aspects rather than general feedback, which produces more thorough results. Last year, I implemented a quality control matrix for my team that reduced review notes by 30% by clarifying expectations for different types of deliverables. This systematic approach allows me to maintain high standards while still meeting deadlines.”
13. What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the accounting profession today?
This question tests your industry knowledge and forward thinking. KPMG wants professionals who understand broader trends and can help clients navigate changing business environments.
A thoughtful answer demonstrates awareness of regulatory changes, technological disruptions, and shifting client expectations. Show that you stay informed about industry developments beyond your immediate responsibilities.
Connect these challenges to opportunities for innovation or service enhancement. KPMG values candidates who can identify both problems and potential solutions.
Sample Answer: “The accounting profession faces several significant challenges that are reshaping how we work. First, automated accounting systems and AI are changing the technical skills needed, shifting focus from basic compliance to higher-value analysis and advisory services. This requires accountants to develop new capabilities in data interpretation and business strategy. Second, regulatory complexity continues to increase globally, with standards like IFRS 17 for insurance and ongoing tax reform creating implementation challenges for clients. Third, cybersecurity and data privacy concerns have elevated the accountant’s role in risk management beyond traditional financial risks. I see these challenges as opportunities for accountants who can adapt. For example, I’ve been focusing on developing advisory skills that help clients use their financial data for strategic decision-making rather than just compliance. I’m also particularly interested in how KPMG is using technology to transform audit processes while maintaining professional skepticism and judgment. The firms that will thrive are those that can balance technological efficiency with the human expertise clients still very much need.”
14. Describe a situation where you had to influence someone to accept your recommendation
This question evaluates your persuasion skills and business acumen. KPMG professionals must often persuade clients or colleagues to take specific actions based on their analysis.
A strong answer walks through a specific scenario where you needed to influence a decision-maker. Detail how you built your case, anticipated concerns, and communicated your recommendation effectively.
Emphasize both the logical and interpersonal aspects of persuasion. Show that you can support recommendations with data while also addressing stakeholders’ emotional or practical concerns.
Sample Answer: “As a tax consultant, I identified a potential R&D tax credit opportunity that could save a manufacturing client approximately $300,000 annually. However, the CFO was resistant because a previous advisor had told them they didn’t qualify, and they were concerned about audit risk. Instead of simply presenting the tax code provisions, I prepared a comprehensive approach. First, I documented three similar companies who had successfully claimed the credit, including one who had gone through an IRS review. Next, I created a detailed analysis showing exactly which projects and expenses would qualify under current regulations. I also prepared a risk assessment that outlined potential audit triggers and our documentation strategy to mitigate them. When presenting to the CFO, I acknowledged their concerns upfront and explained how our approach addressed each one. I also emphasized that we would handle the entire documentation process, minimizing disruption to their team. After two meetings and providing responses to follow-up questions, the CFO agreed to pursue the credit. The company has now successfully claimed it for three consecutive years, and they’ve expanded their R&D investment knowing they can partially offset costs through tax savings.”
15. Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?
This question assesses your career ambitions and whether KPMG fits into your long-term plans. The firm invests significantly in employee development and prefers candidates who see potential for growth within the organization.
A good answer shows thoughtful career planning while expressing commitment to developing within KPMG. Be specific about skills you hope to build and contributions you aim to make.
Balance ambition with realism. KPMG appreciates candidates with clear goals, but your timeline should reflect an understanding of typical career progression in the firm.
Sample Answer: “In five years, I aim to be a manager at KPMG with specialized expertise in financial services auditing, particularly for fintech companies where traditional banking meets new technologies. I’m attracted to this path because it combines my technical accounting background with my interest in innovation. To reach this goal, I plan to first excel in the senior associate role by building strong client relationships and developing industry-specific knowledge. I want to become known for helping clients navigate regulatory challenges while implementing new technologies. I also hope to contribute to KPMG’s thought leadership by researching emerging accounting issues in digital banking. Beyond client work, I’m interested in mentoring junior staff—I find teaching others reinforces my own knowledge while helping build the next generation of professionals. What appeals to me about KPMG is the clear progression path combined with the opportunity to work across different types of engagements, allowing me to build a well-rounded skill set while still developing specialized expertise.”
Wrapping Up
Preparing for your KPMG interview takes effort, but the right answers can set you apart from other candidates. By understanding what KPMG values—technical excellence, client focus, and adaptability—you can frame your responses to highlight how you embody these qualities.
Practice your answers to these questions, but avoid sounding scripted. The best interviews feel like natural conversations where your personality and strengths shine through. Good luck with your KPMG interview, and with the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to landing that job offer!