Applying to KPMG

So, what do we look for in you? Well, being a high-calibre student with a good academic record is always a good start. But there’s much more to it than that. Our decision to offer you a place will be based on a well-rounded view, taking several factors into account. Naturally, your application form will play an important part in the first stage of our decision. Here we’ll be looking at three key areas: your academic results, experiences and interests – and of course, how you perform in our exercises.

Age 16+

Standard entry requirements - UK

Minimum 5 GCSEs – A*-C or 4 – 9, inc. Maths and English Language

Standard entry requirements – Scotland

Minimum 5 Standard Grades at grades 1-3 which must inc. Maths and English (or equivalent Intermediate/National 5 qualification)

Age 18+

Standard entry requirements - UK

Minimum of 104 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system or 260 UCAS points if completed studies before 2017 (e.g. BCC at A Level or equivalent qualifications, not inc. General Studies)

Standard entry requirements – Scotland

Scotland - Equivalent to 104 UCAS points under the new UCAS tariff points systems or 260 UCAS points if completed studies before 2017 at Highers/Advanced Highers (e.g. BBBB)

Applicants outside the UK, please be aware that you must have the legal right to work in the country, as we’re unable to consider anybody who needs a work permit. The requirements above are intended as a guideline. We’re more than happy for you to get in touch if you have extenuating circumstances, alternative qualifications or need some advice. Please contact us on apprenticeships@kpmg.co.uk. To find out more information about UCAS tariff points please visit the UCAS Tariff Points Calculator. Please note for the KPMG360°and KPMG360° Digital we do accept BTEC qualifications as equivalent qualification.

We’ve designed our application process to help us find out more about you. But we want it to give you a taste of what life is like with us too. That way we can decide if we’re right for each other. As well as giving everyone who applies an equal chance of performing at their best, we want you to benefit from the experience as well. 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. It just helps us to make any necessary adjustments and allows us to track how successful we are in recruiting talented people, irrespective of difference. If you feel you have any special requirements that need taking into consideration throughout the recruitment process, please get in touch by visiting our Contact page.

KPMG360˚, KPMG360˚ Digital, Audit Apprenticeship and Software Engineering Apprenticeship (2019 vacancies)

Stage 1: Online Application Form

This is your chance to tell us about your academic background, experiences and interests. You’ll also be asked to answer four short questions.

Stage 2: Digital Submission

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to a complete a digital submission. This short submission is an opportunity for you to demonstrate both your communication skills and your motivation towards a career at KPMG. In your digital submission, we will be assessing three of the KPMG Global Behavioural Capabilities, 'Makes an Impact', 'Career Motivation' and 'Demonstrates Innovation and Curiosity.' You will have three days to submit, so please make sure you have time to complete this.

Stage 3: Assessment Centre

If you’re successful at digital submission stage, we will then look to invite you to an assessment centre in the office to which you’ve applied. This will include an interview and some written exercises. We’ll give you more details about this part of the process once you’ve reached this stage.

KPMG360˚ Business Services (2019 vacancies)

Stage 1: Online Application Form

This is your chance to tell us about your academic background, experiences and interests. You’ll also be asked to answer three short questions.

Stage 2: Assessment Centre

If you’re successful at interview stage, we will then look to invite you to an assessment centre in the office to which you’ve applied. This will include an additional interview and some written exercises. We’ll give you more details about this part of the process once you’ve reached this stage.

Please note: KPMG recruits on a 'rolling' basis. This means that we don’t have a deadline for applications. However, some business areas and offices receive a large number of applications so we strongly advise you to apply sooner rather than later. The only exception to this is for applicants requiring a work permit, who need to submit their application by the April before the start date.

During the recruitment process, you might hear the phrase 'Behavioural capabilities' a lot. By this, we mean the skills and behaviours that every person here at KPMG shares. We come from diverse backgrounds and our behaviours unite us. We don’t just want to know how you act in certain situations – we want to see that you believe in the values that underpin our business.

For our 2019 vacancies, we will look at the nine key areas listed below. When preparing for the various stages of the recruitment process, you should consider how you’ve demonstrated these behaviours in your life. Think about specific things you’ve done in the last two to three years - occasions from hobbies and academia, to part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities. Remember what you did, the role you played and what challenges you faced.

1. Career Motivation

Deciding where to begin your career can be difficult. You might apply to a number of different organisations. But we want to see that you’ve identified why you want to work with us in particular, and have thought carefully about your chosen field. Have you:

• Thought about why you think you’d enjoy working at KPMG?
• Found out as much as you can about the work involved?
• Reviewed the careers website (www.kpmgcareers.co.uk) thoroughly and looked for any further information?
• Got an understanding of what you’ll be doing when you first start here?
• Found out as much as you can about the programme you are applying for and the qualifications you will be studying for whilst working?

2. Delivers Quality

To meet deadlines and work commitments efficiently, you’ll need to be able to plan, prioritise and prepare in advance. There are sure to be occasions in your KPMG placement where you’ll have less time than you’d like to complete a task. So, can you:

• Take a structured and methodical approach to your work?
• Keep track of your progress towards a goal?
• Manage multiple tasks and plan your time efficiently?

3. Drives Collaboration and Inclusion

Building relationships is a big part of success at KPMG. Ours is a diverse and inclusive culture. Whichever area of our business you join, you’ll work as part of a team on a regular basis. So we’re looking for people who enjoy sharing and discussing ideas. Client contact is also a huge part of what we do, so being able to make lasting connections is crucial. Do you:

• Understand the needs of different audiences and adapt your communication style and method accordingly?
• Try to get everyone involved when you're working with other people?
• Avoid blaming others and help your team to learn from any mistakes?

4. Strives for Continual Improvement

As you can imagine, the opportunities available at KPMG are huge. If you want to develop both professionally and personally, we can offer you the tools to go far. But you’ll drive a big part of that journey yourself. So we expect you to have the motivation to achieve your potential. Do you:

• Actively seek feedback on your performance and learn from your experiences?
• Have a realistic view of your strengths and weaknesses?
• Believe that other people may be better placed to guide you?

5. Exercises Professional Judgement

At KPMG, we’ll look to you to provide solutions. We will give you the autonomy to make decisions. So we need to be sure you have the ability to analyse information and provide your solution with clarity and confidence. Do you:

• See the key issues and then tackle them in a rational and logical manner?
• Feel comfortable analysing numerical data and extracting key information?
• Think through all the options systematically before making a decision?
• Grasp information quickly?

6. Makes an Impact

To make an impact with diverse colleagues and clients, you must be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both in person and in writing. It’s important that people are confident in what you have to say. We expect you to articulate points in an appropriate way. Can you:

• Communicate your ideas persuasively, both verbally and in writing?
• Stick to the point and not get distracted?
• Cut through jargon to provide a clear message for your audience?

7. Seizes Business Opportunities

It’s vital that our people are genuinely interested in business and commercial issues. Everyone here needs to understand the external marketplace and the issues our companies face. We really want you to be passionate about the business world.

• Have you had a job/work experience where you gained insight into the factors affecting a business?
• Did you identify areas where the business could be further developed?
• Do you keep up-to-date with business news?
• Can you offer ideas about how businesses could improve their operations?

8. Demonstrates Innovation and Curiosity

To solve problems in innovative ways, you must be able to think creatively. So we look for strong problem-solvers who can go beyond the obvious solution.

• Can you think laterally about a problem you’re faced with?
• How do you cope when circumstances change?
• Are you happy to adapt?
• Are you generally curious about why things happen in the way they do?

9. Resilience

We’ve all faced times when challenges must be overcome to achieve a goal. What’s important is how we react to these challenges and keep motivated in difficult situations. The workplace is no different. There will be times when you face a challenge or obstacle and/or have to work under pressure.

• Do you get your projects completed on time, without too much panic, loss of sleep, or missing out socially?
• Can you think of setbacks, in education or work, that you've overcome?
• Are you looking for a career in a challenging, fast-paced environment?

Applicants for our Apprenticeship Programmes should be aware that Tier 2 visas cannot be obtained for those who do not have the right to work in the UK under current UK immigration laws. Unfortunately, due to current Home Office restrictions, KPMG cannot use a Tier 2 working visa to sponsor individuals for our Apprenticeship Programmes.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we’re not able to provide advice on this.

Dependency Visas

Those who have the right to work in the UK because of a Dependency Visa need to ensure that they will have the right to work in the UK for the entirety of the programme to attain their qualification. If you have any questions on this, please do contact us.

Entry requirements

In order to join us, you’ll be required to meet our academic requirements. If you’ve studied overseas, make sure to check the equivalent of the UK requirements.

Once you receive an offer from KPMG, your future career’s ready and waiting for you. We’re certain you won’t be disappointed. Read on to find out about the different ways you can keep in touch, find out more about us and get ready for your first day.

Your Smart Contact

Upon receiving your offer we’ll put you in touch with your Smart Contact. They can give you information and advice on general KPMG questions, as well as insider knowledge when it comes to the best places to live around your office and so on.

Dedicated online new joiner groups

Once you’ve received our offer, you will be invited to join one of our new joiner Facebook groups, where you can meet others who are joining the same programme. To be accepted to join the group as soon as possible, make sure your Facebook name is the same full name you used on your application form.

You’ll also be sent details on how to join KPMG’s new joiner website. It’s designed to give you more insight into the firm and the things you’ll need to consider in advance, so hopefully, you’ll feel better prepared when you join.

Keeping in contact

You’re welcome to visit us again if you have a specific question or just want to get a better feel for your office. Our Student Recruitment team is available to contact, so if you do have any queries, visit our Contact us page.

You’ll also be invited to one of our new joiner events that run at various points throughout the year, where you have the opportunity to come into a KPMG office and network with staff and future colleagues. From time to time we’ll also send you emails and other communications about getting the most out of life at KPMG as a New Joiner.