Meet
KPMG
There is a clear value proposition for
you to join KPMG.
We offer you a lifestyle, not a job.
We are recruiting not just an
employee but a future business
leader who will thrive anywhere in
the world.
Graduate Recruitment
MEET KPMG | 1
Contents
KPMG2
Foreword3
Graduate Recruitment
4
Our Services
5
Stories from some recent joiners
9
How to apply
11
Personal Development
12
Global Opportunities
13
Mentoring 14
Career Progression
15
It’s not all Work
16
Commitment to our Communities
17
Our Leadership
18
Our Values
20
Your Future Workplace
21
6
13
11
15
2 | MEET KPMG
KPMG is a global network
of professional services
firms and is one of the
best-known names in
business. We provide
Audit, Tax, and Advisory
services to local, national,
and multinational
organizations.
KPMG member firms
help businesses respond to
opportunities and challenges,
improve their performance,
and increase their value.
We also work to strengthen
trust and understanding
between companies, investors,
government, and the public.
We strive to provide our partners
and employees with great career
opportunities.
Working at KPMG allows you to
access more than 137,000 colleagues
in member firms across 156 countries.
From Afghanistan to Zambia KPMG
people come from many different
backgrounds, but everyone shares a
common set of values and follows the
same code of conduct.
The history of KPMG spans three centuries,
however the current network was formed in
1987 with the merger of Peat Marwick and
Klynveld Main Goerdeler to form Klynveld Peat
Marwick Goerdeler or simply KPMG as we are
known the world over. In Africa KPMG operates
as one integrated advisory firm through separate
independent legal entities in 24 countries. Our
East Africa practice comprises Kenya, Uganda,
Tanzania and Rwanda with 14 partners and more
than 700 staff.
MEET KPMG | 3
Foreword |
Josphat Mwaura
CEO and Senior Partner, KPMG East Africa
At KPMG, our purpose is clear: To inspire
confidence and empower change.
It is about who we are, what we do, and why we
do it. These dovetail into our people culture, our
services and clients, and the markets and society
we serve.
We have long recognized that our purpose will
be delivered through the quality of the people
we bring into the firm. It is our people who are
the experts, have a global mindset, are forward
thinking, value-adding and passionate in ‘Delivering
the KPMG Difference!’
With the right people, with the right knowledge,
a high performance culture and industry
specialisation - we will be the clear choice
Every year, we go through a very elaborate
graduate recruitment process to achieve three
things;
1. Attract the best and brightest to make a career
with KPMG;
2. Share life-changing knowledge and experience
with the thousands more who engage in the
process but may not make it into the firm; and
3. Demonstrate best practice in the market.
At KPMG, we have put our People Agenda at the
core our strategy and culture. This requires us to
attract, engage and retain the best people.
People who will be ‘‘KPMG for Life’’ because we
truly bring the best out of them and provide a clear
path for them to realize their highest aspirations.
People who find purpose and meaning in KPMG,
whether this is through the close engagement with
leaders, interaction in and out of the firm among
our people, contribution through our Corporate
Social Investment initiatives and above all growth
through the value they add to our clients, and the
investments we make to develop, reward and
recognise them.
We are demonstrating to this market that it is
indeed possible to implement an equitable, fair
and objective recruitment process that is free
from any undue influence. A process that focuses
on your knowledge, skills and demonstrated
values as the key criteria. I invite you to bring your
whole and passionate self into this process. You
will experience learning that will benefit you well
beyond KPMG.
All the best!
4 | MEET KPMG
Graduate Recruitment
Every year between March and September,
KPMG East Africa runs the annual Graduate
Recruitment program which aims to recruit
graduating students from all public and private
universities in the region and across the world. The
process kicks off with a recruitment fair or visits to
the universities where students learn more about
KPMG and the career opportunities we offer.
After the awareness has been created, the
Human Resources team proceeds to shortlist the
candidates based on a pre-set criteria.
Those shortlisted sit for ability tests which include
tests of productive thinking, logical reasoning,
numerical and verbal capability.
Step 1
GR Fair
Step 2
Ability Tests
Step 3
Assessment Centre
Step 4
Manager and Partner Interviews
Step 5
Induction & Training
This is followed by assessment centres where
we assess students and test different capabilities
such as communication skills, leadership skills,
organisational skills and team dynamics. The
successful candidates are then invited for faceto-face interviews with Managers and later
with Partners where the final candidates are
selected. Offers are then made and the successful
candidates join KPMG to start an enviable career
and lifestyle. In the past two years KPMG has hired
a total of 343 new graduates from across East
Africa, 119 in 2012, 121 in 2013 and 103 in 2014.
Requirements for GR applicants
Age: 21-25
Second Upper Degree/GPA 3.5 – all specialisations
Minimum B in KCSE with B- in English & Math
Professional qualifications are an added advantage
Community Work - Minimum 15 Hours
No work experience required
MEET KPMG | 5
Our Services
Audit
The objective of Audit is to provide assurance
that a company’s profit and loss account and
balance sheet represent a true and fair view of its
financial activities. If you want to work in a varied
environment and discover what makes a business
tick, if you have an analytical mind and great
communication skills, then a career in Audit may
just be the place for you.
Audit is a great way for you to experience how
businesses operate and what makes a business
successful. You will need to understand the
dynamics of the business being audited and how
key business risks affect financial results. From the
beginning of your career you will be in contact with
clients, working in a team and taking on greater
responsibility as you progress in the firm.
The extensive training programme that you receive
from the very beginning of your work will equip
you with technical skills, comprehensive industry
knowledge, and people management skills required
to succeed in a career in Audit.
Notes
6 | MEET KPMG
Tax
Tax policies and legislation
are constantly evolving,following
political and economic changes
which influence them. Taxes
cross borders and are a part
of every single commercial
deal, and are therefore a key
concern for business. KPMG
Tax professionals advise clients
on every aspect of tax that may
affect their business.
If you thrive on intellectual
challenge, enjoy researching
and analysing problems, and
have skills for communicating
complex concepts in a clear,
concise manner, then a career
as a Tax Advisor will give you the
opportunity to develop these
abilities.
As Tax law becomes more
complex, KPMG’s Tax practice
continues to grow rapidly.
Our challenge is to monitor
and anticipate changes in
Tax legislation and respond
quickly with advice tailored to
meet our clients’ commercial
requirements.
Notes
MEET KPMG | 7
Advisory
Today’s business world is fast paced. There
are new, more stringent regulatory requirements;
shifting market demands and industry
consolidation; continuing pressure for better
returns; and more transparency. At the same time,
new opportunities are presenting themselves.
KPMG’s Advisory Services help organisations
to meet these challenges and harness the
opportunities.
Depending on your focus, you could be working
on activities such as Mergers & Acquisitions,
Notes
Financing, Internal Audit, Business Process
Improvement, Security and Continuity,
Restructuring and Outsourcing,Intellectual Property,
Fraud Investigations or Internal Financial Reporting.
You will be working in multidisciplinary teams
of Advisors to deliver a portfolio of services that
reflect the changing circumstances of our clients
and the markets in which they operate. This will
give you excellent opportunities to work and gain
experience on a broad range of projects across
countries in Africa.
8 | MEET KPMG 2015
Business Support Services
To succeed as a global network, we have to
support and enhance our own business just as
effectively as we provide support to our clients.
To do this we have to: attract, develop and retain
talented people (Human Resources), manage our
brand and support the growth ambition (Marketing,
Knowledge and Communication), manage our
finances (Finance), run our IT infrastructure (IT
Services), ensure that we continuously provide high
quality work (Risk Management) and take care of all
the other tasks involved in the smooth running of
our offices (Administration).
A role in business support services offers varied
and stretching challenges, working as part of a
team at the heart of our firm.
MEET KPMG 2015 | 9
Some KPMG staff members’ stories
By Denis Nyanja,
Senior
‘‘I am a morning person,
so I am always in the office by
6:30am; an hour before most of
my colleagues. I spend the first
30 minutes going through my
email, reading online papers, and
planning my day. My schedule
for the first hour is flexible. An
avid writer, I could quickly put
together an article such as this
one. At times, I spend this hour
studying an accounting standard
(IFRS) that I need for my ongoing
client engagement. Other times,
I get right to work if extra hours
are needed to meet a deadline.
The official working hours at
KPMG start at 8:00am. I often
catch up with my colleagues, as
we get our morning tea or coffee.
Soon, everyone runs around,
grabbing laptop bags, and then
we are on our way to the client.
How long we stay at the client
depends on the season; during
busy times, we could go to late
evening, sometimes 8:00pm and
beyond. During the slack season,
we sign out at 4:30pm.
Audit involves working in teams.
The seamless audit environment
makes them go beyond being
typical bosses, as it ensures
that we interact a lot more with
them. From this association,
I have realised that they take
more of a tutorial and guidance
role, and have a human side.
To excel in a typical audit day, I
have learnt to practice efficient
personal management. I have
taken cognisance of client and
internal deadlines to beat in order
to ensure expedient conclusion
of an engagement. Other
departments such as HR and
Risk will have set timelines for
us to meet our development and
learning goals, risk assessments
and other deliverables.
To cap it all, audit operates in a
matrix reporting environment
which requires that we report
to different people for different
engagements. Worry not
however, like most before you,
you will get the hang of it. But
wait a minute it’s never about
work all the time! I have enjoyed
team lunches and dinners,
outdoor excursions, staff parties
My Typical Day in Audit
The beauty of it is that we get a
lot of coaching and support in our
work, which quickly transforms
us from greenhorns to experts.
We also get to interact a lot
with clients, which improves
our people skills and confidence
levels.
At KPMG,
you will
never walk
alone
The Managers and Partners
have high expectations and
strict deadlines for the team; but
looking at the glass differently,
this means they regard us highly
and have confidence that we
have what it takes to deliver.
and departmental retreats in the
Mara.
My advice to a new joiner in
audit? Work smart and always
remember to have fun while you
are at it. Above all remember, at
KPMG, you will never walk alone.
10 | MEET KPMG
My Typical Day in Tax
By Titus Nguhiu | Tax Senior
Whenever I mention that I am a tax consultant, the
most common response is whether I go around
calculating people’s taxes and chasing those
who have not paid. In as much as this statement
contains some truth, it is far from it.
Tax consulting is a dynamic field that involves
the interplay of numbers and various laws. Tax
consulting is much more than just reviewing the tax
compliance status of individuals and companies. It
also incorporates the provision of proactive thought
and insights to clients on the tax implications of
various transaction.
Tax being one of the most dynamic fields of
consulting in terms of inflow and nature of work
requires you to have a clear plan of the output
expected from you.
In order to ensure that I deliver on the work
assigned to me at the beginning of every week
when I get to the office, I jot down the deliverables
for the week and rank them in order of urgency. At
the end of each day, I review the work done and
track the progress of completed tasks. However,
tax staying true to its dynamic nature, when you
check-off two tasks from your to-do list, five other
new and urgent tasks that were previously not part
of the week’s workload sneak into the top of your
list.
Learning to balance and correctly prioritise work
has enabled me effectively work at KPMG Tax. In
addition, the collaborative and accommodating
team at Tax provides a conducive environment for
growth both at a personal and professional level.
For me, KPMG tax experience has created
memorable experiences with a mix of both tough
learning points and enjoyable moments to savour.
.
My Typical Day in IDAS
By Harleen Thati | Manager, International Development Advisory Services (IDAS)
Consulting work means that you are always busy –
both delivering to clients and chasing new work. A
typical day doesn’t exist. But an ideal day is arriving
at the office before the morning rush, being able
to deal with the multitude of requests that come
in via email by at least 8:30 am in the morning,
and then beginning on the really interesting stuff
– sinking your teeth into the technical aspects of
managing a trust fund in Somalia, for example, or
understanding and documenting the best way to
consolidate and utilise the knowledge we, as a
department, have gained through carrying out a
range of similar assignments so that our delivery is
bigger, better and more incisive than anyone else’s.
Working at a firm like KPMG is not easy, and that’s
why it gives you the exposure that is essential
to make you grow. I encourage you to take the
plunge – it will be worth it.
MEET KPMG | 11
How to apply
1:
Visit our website
www.kpmg.com/
eastafrica
2:
Fill in the GR
Application form
3:
Click on “submit”
button to send
the form to us
12 | MEET KPMG
Personal Development
The skills, knowledge and
capabilities of our people are
central to the success of KPMG.
We invest a significant amount
of resources time and energy
in developing our people and
offering them great opportunities
to be personally stretched and
challenged. As a new KPMG
employee you will start your
learning the moment you walk
through the door! Our Induction
programme will give you a
solid background in accounting,
auditing, tax and internal
procedures.
Regardless of your level or
function, you will follow a clear
training path which is delivered
locally, regionally and within the
wider KPMG network. We have
made significant investment to
develop one of the strongest
learning and development
packages you will find anywhere,
–a powerful combination of
technical training, coaching,
skills building programmes,
development centres and
milestone events which focus on
celebrating promotions.
Ongoing personal
development
is part of our
culture, that’s
why you can
be sure of our
superb learning
and development
opportunities
What we offer is not only
traditional classroom learning and
experiential workshops, but also
other learning processes like selfstudy, e-learning courses and onthe-job training by working with
experienced KPMG professionals
tackling real client issues. We
also encourage our staff to study
for professional qualifications
(such as ACCA, CISA, CIA and
other local qualifications).
MEET KPMG | 13
Global Opportunities
Change extends your horizons. We give you a
fresh perspective and the opportunity to learn from
others. That’s why at KPMG we make it easy for
you to move between member firms and across
different functions.
International opportunities range from shortterm assignments of three months to long-term
assignments of one to five years.
Opportunities vary according to the line of
business you work in and your level of experience.
For instance, as an Auditor you may consider a
global secondment in Europe or America for 18
months.
This gives you a chance to experience working
with international clients from other KPMG
members firms; the opportunity to work with
colleagues from different countries; and of course
the chance to spend some time travelling and
experiencing a different country, people and
culture. Senior professionals may opt for a longterm assignment to work in a member firm’s global
client or help transfer knowledge in emerging
markets.
KPMG gives you the support and assistance you
need to adjust to your new role, from help with
relocation to mentoring support. This allows you to
get the most out of your new experience.
14 | MEET KPMG
Mentoring
Enter the exciting world of Mentoring
with KPMG; you get to select a
mentor early in your career from
amongst Senior Management staff
within the Firm.
They say “It does not matter how tall
your grandfather was, you’ve got to
do your own growing”. At KPMG we
make the growth time ‘shorter’.
Think
Career
Mentor
Think
Personal
Mentor
Mentor
Think
Financial
Mentor
Think
KPMG
Mentoring
MEET KPMG | 15
Career Progression
Senior Associate/
Senior Team Member
Associate/ Team Member
Senior Manager
Manager
Director
Partner
Career
Progression
16 | MEET KPMG 2015
It’s Not All Work
Anyone starting a career with a new company
has one big question they are afraid to ask: “Am I
going to have a life?”
That’s because the stereotype of a modern
professional is one who is glued to either a mobile
phone or a laptop, making decisions 24/7, and living
life from one project to the next.
At KPMG we don’t hire stereotypes. We hire
people, and we give them the opportunity to excel
in an environment where it is possible to achieve a
balance between personal livelihood and work. On
joining KPMG, you will become part of a vibrant,
dynamic organisation, which thrives on hard work,
but also ensures there are plenty of opportunities
for you to enjoy yourself in the process.
At KPMG, our people participate in social activities.
Throughout the year you will have a chance to take
part in various events arranged within your team,
practice and country.
MEET KPMG | 17
KPMG lifestyle
Corporate Responsibility
We focus on “giving back”to the communities in which we
serve. At KPMG we derive personal satisfaction by helping
those in need, be it in making financial contributions or in giving
our time and effort to the disadvantaged people. This way we
develop our interpersonal skills and enhance team building and
communication. We learn how to cope with adversity and turn
difficult situations into rewarding experiences.
18 | MEET KPMG
Our leadership
Josphat Mwaura
Salim Bashir
Benson Ndung’u
Eric Aholi
Richard Ndung’u
Charles Appleton
MEET KPMG | 19
Anis Pringle
Brian D’Souza
David Leahy
Edgar Isingoma
Jacob Gathecha
Julio Mirapeix
David Gachewa
John Ndunyu
Ketan Shah
Joseph Kariuki
20 | MEET KPMG
Our Values
We lead by example
We seek the facts
and provide insight
We work together
We are open and
honest in our
communication
Above all, we act
with integrity
We respect the individual
We are commited to
our communities
MEET KPMG | 21
Your future workplace
KPMG Kenya
8th Floor, ABC Towers
Waiyaki Way
PO Box 40612, 00100 GPO
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 280 6000
KPMG Tanzania
11th Floor, PPF Tower
Garden Avenue/Ohio Street
PO Box 1160
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: +255 22 2122003
KPMG Uganda
3rd Floor, Rwenzori Courts
Plot 2 & 4A Nakasero Road
PO Box 3509
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: 256 414 340315/6
KPMG Rwanda
5th Floor, Grand Pension Plaza
Boulevard de la Revolution
PO Box 6755
Kigali, Rwanda
Tel: +250 252 579790/1/2
22 | MEET KPMG
“Where do you
see yourself in 5
years?”
The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or
entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as
of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate
professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. KPMG and the KPMG logo are registered trademarks of KPMG
International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.
© 2015 KPMG Kenya, a registered partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated
with KPMG International Cooperative (KPMG International), a Swiss entity. Printed in Kenya