FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions 

If there’s anything specific you’d like to know about making your application, you’ll probably find the answer below. If there’s anything else you would like to ask though, feel free to contact us by using the link at the top of the page.

Questions

1. Academic requirements

2. The application process and applying

3. International students

4. Deciding where to apply

5. Other general queries about applying

Answers

1. Academic requirements

What are your minimum academic requirements?

For graduates applying to join in 2011 the requirements are a minimum 2:1 degree, 320 UCAS points or equivalent, a grade B in GCSE Maths and a grade B in GCSE English or equivalent. Please note, that we only consider a candidate’s 'top' 3 A-level grades and do not accept General Studies. For more details click here.

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I don't meet your minimum academic requirements. Will I be rejected automatically?

No. However, our minimum academic requirements have been developed over time as a guide to how well trainees should be able to cope with the demands of professional exams and training and, as such, they are very important in the selection process. Nevertheless, if there are extenuating circumstances as to why you have not achieved these minimum requirements (such as illness, for example), you'll have the opportunity to include such information on your application form.

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What do you look for other than good grades in a potential employee?

In addition to your academic qualifications, we look at your competencies in eight key areas. By competencies we mean the skills and behaviours which you’ll need to demonstrate to be successful at KPMG. To view these competencies and an explanation of each one, please click here.

There’s no single type of person that succeeds at KPMG, but we do look for people with something special to offer. We’re just as interested in other aspects of your experience and other parts of your character. Overall, we’re looking for people who combine good technical skills, problem-solving abilities and commercial focus. We're also interested in people with a lot of integrity – good team workers who can build effective relationships, learn from experience and bring out the best in others.

When preparing for your interview and assessment centre, you should think about these areas carefully and consider how you’ve demonstrated these skills and behaviours in your life. This could have been through academic work, hobbies, part-time jobs or extracurricular activities.

We value any experience you’ve gained so far and will be interested in hearing about this. Try to think about some specific examples of things you have done in the last two to three years which relate to our competencies. Spend some time remembering what you did, what role you played and what challenges you faced.

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2. The application process and applying

When is the deadline for online applications?

KPMG recruits on a ‘rolling’ basis. This means that we don’t have a deadline for applications and all applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. The only exception to this is for applicants requiring a work permit. If you require a work permit, you should submit your application by the April before the start date.

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What happens if my computer crashes halfway through completing the application form?

This is not a problem, as long as you remember to save your answers as you go along. Even if it crashes in the middle of a test that you can take only once, the technology is sophisticated enough to know what's happened and should let you start again.

If you do experience any problems when taking the tests, please call us immediately on our freephone number 0500 664 665. The line is open 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday. If you have a problem outside of these times, you can email us at ukfmgraduate@kpmg.co.uk Please note that there's little we can do if you only inform us of your problem after you have received your results.

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Will my personal details remain secure?

KPMG takes online security very seriously and we use technology to help ensure your application is not accessible to anyone outside the application process.

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What happens after I've submitted my application form?

We'll look at your application and, for more than 90 percent of applicants, process it within one working day. We'll normally let you know by email whether your application has been successful or not. If you have been successful, you'll be invited to sit online verbal and numerical tests, and then attend an interview.

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I'm applying to several other organisations. Does this matter?

No. KPMG recognises that you may be interested in a variety of different training schemes. Applying to these will in no way affect your application for a place on KPMG’s graduate training scheme. We do, however, ask that if you decide to accept an offer of a position, either with us or with another organisation, that you inform all other potential interested parties at this stage.

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Is there an opportunity to describe any extenuating circumstances that may affect my application?

If you’d like us to consider something that has affected your academic results, please indicate it in the section provided on the application form. If you feel that you have a valid reason for not being able to use the online application, we’ll be happy to consider this as well.

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Does having a disability affect my application?

At KPMG we’re committed to encouraging diversity in the recruitment, retention and development of our people. Any data you provide will be held in strict confidence and will enable us to make any reasonable adjustments necessary and allow us to track how successful we are in recruiting talented people, irrespective of difference. Please contact us on our freephone help line 0500 664 665 if you have any special requirements (religious, disability or other) which should be taken into account or which need accommodating during the recruitment process.

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Who will have access to the information supplied on my application form?

KPMG treats any information supplied by you during the application process with the utmost confidentiality. By completing the online application process you’ll be deemed to have agreed to the processing of your data in this manner. However, if you’d rather we didn't contact you in the future, you can get in touch with the Graduate Recruitment team on freephone 0500 664 665. No information supplied will be passed to non-contracted third parties. See our privacy policy for more details.

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What practice would you advise for the online numerical tests?

We recommend that you practice as much as possible before taking both the numerical and verbal reasoning tests, even if you’ve taken them before.

• You should visit your careers service and try some sample tests. This may allow you to gain feedback, helping you to focus on areas that can be improved.

• Check out the books available; many have practical examples along with answers, so you can see how much you need to learn before you sit the real thing.

• Visit http://practicetests.cubiks.com for further examples and advice related to taking numerical and verbal reasoning tests.

Some other things to consider if you’re invited to sit the online tests:

• Make sure you're relaxed and prepared before you start.

• Make sure you take the tests yourself; you could be chosen as part of a random selection of applicants who will be re-tested later in the selection process.

• Don't expect to finish the tests; they’re designed to put you under time pressure.

• You may also find that the practice tests can sometimes seem easier than the real thing.

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Can I apply for a graduate position if I'm part-qualified?

If you have already completed some professional exams, but do not have relevant work experience then we may be able to consider you for an Audit Graduate training contract. If you have passed a number of professional exams and have relevant work experience then please visit the Experience Professionals part of the website. There are a number of points which you need to be aware of:

Once you have submitted an application to us, providing you meet the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to provide details of your full academic history including all exam attempts.

Should you wish to continue studying for your current professional qualification we will review any previous exam results obtained against KPMG’s exam training policy and pass marks and will only consider applications from candidates who meet our required standards and pass marks.

Part qualified ICAS trainees wanting to join Audit can only join Scotland as ICAS is not offered by KPMG elsewhere in the UK. Part qualified ACA students cannot join Scotland as trainees based in Scotland study towards the ICAS qualification.

Graduate Recruitment are only able to accept applications from part qualified ACCA trainees who have no related work experience i.e. purely academic ACCA exposure. Part qualified ACCA trainees with relevant work experience counting towards their ACCA qualification should visit the Experienced Professionals part of the website.

If you have already started a professional qualification at another firm and have had your training contract terminated due to exam failure, you cannot apply to study for an alternative qualification at KPMG.

If you have been affected by personal circumstances which have had an impact on your previous exam performance then we may take this into account. You will need to provide us with further information, details of which will be discussed with you during the application process.

If you have already passed some exams then you will not need to sit the same exam again.

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I've got an interview - what can I do to prepare for it?

To find out what to expect at your interview and how to prepare for it, take a look at our section on application advice.

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I was unsuccessful in my application - how long do I have to wait before reapplying?

If you were rejected after initial application, online tests or interview you are required to wait twelve months from the date of your first application. If you are rejected after assessment centre you are only required to wait six months from the date of your previous application. If you have applied for a vacation programme and have been rejected you do not have to wait a specified time before you are able to apply for a graduate position provided you are eligible to apply.

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3. International students

I'm an international student. Can I apply to KPMG?

Yes. We welcome applications from residents of all countries, although competition for places is strong.  We can apply for a work permit on your behalf if your application is successful, but any job offered is subject to successful attainment of a work permit. Fluency in written and spoken English is also a prerequisite for all positions. Visit the International Students section to find out more. Please note that the deadline for applying to join in Autumn 2010 if you require a work permit was 30th April 2010, this is due to the time needed to process a work permit application.

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I have studied overseas - will you be able to understand my academic details?

Please list your academic qualifications as originally awarded to you. If you'd like to work out what the equivalent grades are, please visit our International Qualifications Calculator

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I hold a Post Study Tier 1 visa – do I still have to apply before 30th April?

No, provided that you currently hold a Post Study Tier 1 visa you can apply after the 30th April deadline. Should you join us on our graduate programme, we would work with you to obtain a Tier 2 visa as soon as possible. Please note that we recruit on a rolling basis, so applying early is recommended.

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4. Deciding where to apply

If I don't have much experience in finance, how do I know which area I'd be best suited to e.g. tax, audit?

Our recruitment process is the same for all our graduate programmes. You need to demonstrate that you have the eight skills and behaviours needed to be successful at KPMG. Your choice over which programme you’d like to apply to should therefore be based on what you’re interested in.

You can find this out by ensuring that you do thorough research into the different career paths available. Make use of employee profiles and other sections on our website and other company websites. You can research online using web search engines, online careers services and even Professional Institute websites (for example, ICAEW, CIOT, ICAS, CFA) to find out more information. Additionally, your university Careers Service will be an invaluable source of information on a career in Audit, Tax or Advisory.

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5. Other general questions about applying

I'm interested in applying for a business placement during my third year at university – does KPMG offer this?

KPMG offers a One Year Business Placement in Audit for undergraduates on a four-year sandwich course. As we recruit on a first come, first served basis we would recommend submitting your application early. For further information about this placement and the application process, please click here.

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Can I defer my application for a year?

If you want to take a year out between graduating and beginning your career, we may be able to offer you a deferred starting date. This will depend largely on what you plan to do with your year and whether we believe it can broaden your experience. In many cases a year out is an excellent thing to do, provided you’ve thought through how to use your time effectively. If you do wish to defer your application, you’ll need to speak to a member of the Graduate Recruitment team to discuss what opportunities are available for deferred entry.

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I have already graduated. Can I still apply to the graduate training scheme?

Yes. We welcome applications from people who have already graduated or who are studying for a postgraduate qualification - we value any extra experience or skills you may have gained during the extra time spent working or studying. Approximately a third of our annual intake join us with this additional experience. People who already have significant professional experience or professional qualifications should, however, visit our dedicated website for experienced professionals.

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Do you only accept applications from 21 year olds?

Age is not important to us; all applicants are judged on their demonstrated abilities.

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Do you have an age limit?

No. KPMG is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. KPMG prides itself on its commitment to creating the kind of inclusive workplace that treats everyone with respect, and where people can be themselves and still achieve their potential. As long as you meet our minimum academic criteria, you can apply to KPMG.

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Can I apply to the vacation programme if I’m in my final year and going on to study for a Masters’ degree?

Our vacation programme is open to candidates in their penultimate year of study. If you’re currently in your final year and going on to study a one year Masters’ degree, you’re eligible to apply for the vacation programme. You’ll need to provide suitable evidence that you’ve secured a place on a Masters’ degree in order to apply.

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