KPMG Assessment Centre 8th September

hey i'm attending that assesment centre too...is urs split assesment centre?

Hi guys, just wondering how long ago you booked your assessment centres? I'm set to have one soon but they said they are going to get back to me with some dates.

hey i was told on like the 6th of aug that id been fast tracked to a final assesment day..I only got a call yesterday with the dates!

Hey..
My name is Nabila... I am attending on the 8th of september. Its not a Split AC. I also got fast tracked. did you apply for 2010 or 2011. What service you applied for. I applied for Tax. They told me on the 18th of august.. are you both applying for London..

Okay thanks. I was told today about being fast tracked, so I guess I'll be on a later assessment day.

what are u applying for.. TAx audit?

Nope - Risk and Compliance Technology

hey im applyin for tax 2010..r u applyin4 2010 intake nabila?

yup/// but if i did get the offer i will differ it to 2011.. im in tax as well. loll.. competition hhahah.. howz ur presentation coming along.. whats ur name.. i will be seeing u at the ac.. u at london office right

how comes u wud defer it? If you are going to definatly going to defer it youshould tell them because u may have a bigger chance of getting it then as ther will be more vaccancies for next year??
lol its taking me AGES to decide wot company to choose! hows ur s coming along?
preya..wot uni did u go 3? yes london office :)

also im on the 9th now not the :s!
jus got a phone call! r u still ont he 8th?

where did my reply go.. lol..

 I think i have to write it again.. 

I still havent received any calls yet.. why they changing AC dates???

I might talk abt my defer tomorow.. with a grad recruitor

I did start on my presentation.. but i m not geting enuf time bc i need to submit a project to finish off my BSc hons.. I am doing it from Oxford brookes. its in combination with ACCA

I am scared abt the partner presentation.. i have a feeling i am going to freeze lol.. n forget what i have to say...

I hope we both get in..

Are u good on commercial awareness side...

did you apply to any other firms..

R u a student in the UK. ??

Judging by the email I got, they probably have a lot of candidates to organise ACs for and are reshuffling people where possible over a number of AC dates.

yeah very true

Just wondering - have you been sent a brief of what you're required to prepare for the AC/ partner interview?

I haven't been sent anything yet because my date isn't confirmed but I'm quite keen to prepare. I understand it would be some presentation on a business but please would someone message me with the full thing if that's okay?

Thanks

kk will do it in a min

got it?

hey ravness ye we have been sent the brief..its the same as on the wikijob - kpmg app process.. the general page which runs through everything...n gives info on the presentation

im confused nabila.. so ur going 2 complete ur acca this year?? i jus graduated ..Warwick - economics degree..n yep im from the uk wot bt u

well in terms of commercial awarness..doing econ I had to have some sort of level of commercial awareness.. and i read business pages from bbc news everyday..in terms of the ft..sometimes! wo bt u

Thanks guys. Nabila, got the brief you sent.

Regarding commercial awareness - reading the business/economy news regularly and FT would help but you could also look at magazines intended directly at Accounting/Tax professionals which offer interesting articles & insights.

I am going to complete acca by december 2010.. n i just need to send one project to complete bsc.. ACCA and Oxford brookes made a partnership sort of thing that allows acca students to get a bsc degree if they pass their project... the degree is called Applied Accounting

Warwick is nice uni.. gud stuff.. iam from UK as well.. London..

I read the City Am regularly.. FT i dont.. I think I should..

I think I need to work on that side...

Let me know ravness when u get ur AC date..

Do u guys know when their autum session actually starts..??

Sure I will do. I'm pretty sure its an early October start date but I could be wrong!

ohh ok

Hey everyone

As I have recently been offered a training contract at KPMG for tax, I feel I should share my own experiences of the application process as I have benefitted considerably from the information that has been posted by others on wikijob.

Application Form

This is fairly straight forward, and only three questions need to be answered. My advice for this part is to thoroughly read KPMG's website. They provide a lot of information on the various business areas and the company values and culture. The other important element is the PAPI test. This is simply a personality test designed to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Very few other companies do this, and my advice is to answer as honestly as you can.

Online Testing

I found out the day after I submitted my application that I had been successful in moving to the next step...the verbal and numerical tests. These are without doubt the hardest out of the Big4, so practice is highly advisable. Don't be fooled by the ease of the practice questions, and these tests are time pressured. I finished the verbal test, but only managed 19 out of 24 of the numerical questions. I think with these tests it is important to work quickly, but also accurately. My advice here is not to guess. Answer each question as quickly as you can, but if you feel you are spending too much time on one question then move on. Two days after completing the tests I was invited to a first round interview.

First Round Interview

This is a one hour long competency interview. In the email inviting you to the interview it states which competencies you will be asked questions on. I prepared two or three examples for each competency listed here, and also prepared some extra examples in case they wanted more examples. I felt I could then tailor the examples to the questions being asked.

I actually turned up 5 mins late for my interview, but thankfully my interviewer was also running behind schedule. While I do not advise being late, the rush to get to the office on time meant that I did not have time to be nervous at all. When the interviewer collected me from reception, she was very chatty and this again put me at ease and made the experience less stressful.

I don't remember the exact questions that I answered in my interview, but having prepared some examples in advance I was able to adapt them to the situation and provide suitable answers. One thing I will advise is ensuring that your commercial awareness is uptodate. I read the Wall Street Journal every day and also skim through the Economist, so I was prepared for these questions. It is also a good idea to know about a company that is doing well and a company that is not doing well. One of my questions centered on a company that isn't doing well at the moment, and while BP is the company that will spring to everyone's mind, the fact I had kept uptodate with business affairs meant I was able to talk about a different company.

Other than this I had the standard questions about "Why KPMG, Why Tax" etc. and as long as you can genuinely display evidence that you have an interest in the company and the area you wish to join and also are aware of some of the tasks you are likely to be doing then you should be fine.

Overall I thought the interview went very well, and the following week I received an invite to an assessment centre.

Assessment Centre

This was a day long session at KPMG's London office. The day involved the E-Tray exercise, a group exercise and a Partner interview/Presentation.

E-Tray Exercise

For me this was actually highly enjoyable. The exercise itself is split into two sections: the first section requires responding to 24 emails in 70 minutes and the second section is a written exercise requiring you to respond to two emails in 50 mins. Both of these exercises look at your ability to analyse information quickly and accurately.

For the first section you will be provided with a booklet with all the necessary information you need to process the 24 emails. Initially you will only see about 6 or 7 emails, but as you start to respond to the emails, more emails will come in based on your responses. The emails themselves are processed when you select one of the available options at the bottom of the email (multiple choice). My strategy involved spending the first 10 mins sifting through the information booklet and familiarising myself with the data. This was so that if an email required information about a certain company, then I would be able to find that page in the booklet without much trouble. A lot of the emails require some judgement calls, and some require basic calculations (formulas are given within the information booklet). In all I answered 22 emails, In retrospect I feel i probably should only have spent 5 mins reading the information as this would have allowed me to answer all the emails. The exercise is seriously time presured, and one of the competencies it tests is your time management skills, so it is important that you work quickly.

At this stage we had the choice of continuing straight on or we could take a break before starting the next section. I chose to take a break as the first section was very intense, and I believed the second section would be just as intense! I think this definitely helped me as it gave me the chance to relax for a few minutes before recomposing myself for the written exercise.

The second exercise requires a written response to two emails. Again, the data is provided to you, and it simply requires analysing and justifying your choices. I chose to spend 35 mins on the first email and 15 mins on the second email. While they are equally weighted, there is more information for the first email, and therefore my response to this was longer. There are no right or wrong answers, but it is very important to justify your choices. I followed the advice on wikijob to write my concluding paragraphs first so that I would have an end for the emails in case I ran out of time. (Note that this exercise is completed on a laptop, and therefore when the time runs out, the window will close automatically). This is also severely time pressured, but again accuracy is important. There is no spell check, so make sure your SPAG is correct!

Lunch

After the E-Tray exercise, we were taken to lunch by a couple of people doing their first year on the Tax and Audit grad scheme. This isn't assessed and is therefore a good opportunity to enjoy the food and ask questions about the company and workplace. This is really relaxed, and very long as well, but it was a good opportunity to find out what the grad scheme is really like!

Group Exercise

Straight after lunch we had the group exercise. This was based on one of the company's from the E-Tray exercise. Again we were all given a booklet of information, and had 10 mins reading time in which to gather our thoughts. After this we had 30 mins discussion time during which we had to suggest two urgent and two less important tasks the company should undertake to improve their weaknesses. Finally, we needed to do a 10 min presentation outlining our findings. There are a number of strategies people use in the group exercise. I personally like to be the first to speak. Mainly I outline what our task is and then let others talk as well. It is important to include everyone in the discussion, and also make sure you listen to what the others in the group are saying. There will be assessors in the room, so it is important to remain professional and respectful throughout. The groups are usually small (we only had 4 people in our group), and therefore everyone will get a chance to speak up!

Partner Interview/Presentation

A lot of people find this the most nervewracking experience, but I actually found it the most enjoyable. The interview started with the partner giving a brief introduction of himself and what his job is within KPMG. We then moved onto the 10 minute presentation. I chose to do this on a relatively large US company. There are pros and cons to choosing a large firm, and the grads that took us to lunch actually suggested going for lesser known companies as there is smaller chance that the Partner will know a lot about them. Fortunately for me my partner didn't know an awful lot about the company I chose, and so I was able to speak freely. I structured the presentation as follows:

-Brief history
-Revenue Streams
-Industry Analysis
-Problems
-Recommendations

I finished the presentation in about 11 mins. Again it is advisable that you know the company well as the partner will ask questions at the end. I only had to answer two questions on the revenue streams and my recommendations, but I know of other people who have spent 15 mins answering questions on their company.

After the presentation, the partner simply sifted through my application and CV and asked me questions regarding my background. I didn't get any competency questions other than commercial awareness, and even that was along the same lines as the questions in the first interview. My advice at this stage is to be as honest as possible. The partners are much more knowledgable about business issues than we are at this stage, and therefore there is no point in pretending you know more than you do. I didn't know the answer to one of the tax specific questions that was asked of me, and in fact asked the partner to explain it to me!

Thankfully, I received a phone call an hour after I had left their office saying I was going to be offered a position! I am absolutely thrilled, and have now accepted the offer, so I will hopefully see you all at the induction!

Good luck with your assessment centres! And let me know if I can help in any way!

hey stratman! thank youuu for all your help... :) and congrats on gettin the offer!

wen is the start date? also r they doin ICAS or ACA? what is thedifference apart from 1s scottish n other english n welsh...r the 1st9 months completly just studying 4 qualifications ?

hey pre100, thanks! I'm really pleased to get the offer as KPMG is my first choice!

I didn't actually get the start date in the contract, but was told it will be in September. The programme is based on the joint ICAS and CIOT qualifications. I don't know what the differences are within the qualifications, but I guess they are pretty similar!

The first nine months are spent studying at KPMG's tax business school in London. They build in study leave and holidays into the 9 months, but it is supposed to be very intensive, and as I understand it, we will have completed most of our exams by the end of the 9 months. I think we will get more details during the induction, but you could also ask the grads that take you to lunch during your assessment centre.

Let me know if I can help any further!

hey guys ...

any one for kpmg birmingham ...
i am waiting for my assessnebt center dates ,,,

its taking long ,,,

(

i just want to be there ...cant wait ....

also i am applying for audit ..i have an ACCA background and ICAEW exemptions on basis of ACCA .

really anxious to know ..if any one ..for AUDIT/ACA 2011 programm, birmingham...

I actually hav the same background.. but i m applying for tax... in london

why tax?

im worried.. everyone seems 2 have an accountancy background :( apart from me!!
stratman, I choose a company n then realised kpmg r their auditors.. ive read that its better not 2 do a kpmg client.. do u thin i should change it.. if i do carry on with it...would I explain how kpmg r helping and the other help/recommendations ? As they hve kpmg as their auditors.does that mean that they cant have them as their consultnts ??

i actually prefer tax over audit.. i find tax more interesting...also i cannot commit to the amount of outdoors involved in audit

Hey Pre100
But u have an econonmics background... Which I think will go greatly in ur favour....

i am still waiting for my assessment center date ... :( i have started to get worried now .. KPMG never takes too long to reply ... any one .. who is through to assessment center and waiting for dates??

Hi rainbow,

I was waiting for quite a while for my AC date and I just got an email this morning asking me to book one so they are getting round to candidates - they must be really busy so just be patient or give them a call if you don't hear soon.

The dates I could choose from were 8th, 9th and 15th of September I think. I chose the 8th...is anyone else here going on that day?

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to know if KPMG ask for your GCSE certificates , because i cannot find mine.

Thanks

hi Ravness.

I am glad for you. I had my 1st interview on 19th of August. Please tell me the exact time period u had to wait.

Also are you taking CV and other certificates with you?

Which scheme have you applied for? Mine is audit, Birmingham.

Thanks for your re[ply

Thanks

hey nabila! my ac is on the 8th now so shud c u 2moro..iv alrdyhad my partner interview..went fine ( i hope) ..partner was rly nice....does any1 have any idea of how many vaccancies there r left for tax 2010?

Hey people

I see a few people on here worried about KPMG interviews etc ,

I come from a Business Management, Law and Corporate Governance background and I applied to Tax Birmingham and submitted my application in the Middle of August around the 18th and I had the assessment centre last week and partner interview Monday and have been offered a position with them this afternoon. I think the whole process for me from application to offer has taken around 3 weeks which is pretty quick turnaround.

I am conscious from the forum some of you are going to the assessment centre tomorrow so you may not read this post before but if you do some quick tips.

Etray Excercise

Make sure you keep a eye on the clock its demanding but dont waste too much time on a question usually teh answers are in front of you if you look hard enough but you may not realise that but I woudl say make sure you read everything carefully and clearly.

Group Excercise - Make sure under no circumstances you don't dismiss anyone ideas but if you don't agree with any try and find a constructive way on building on someone idea showing enthusiasm and teamwork. Do not be overbearing and do not control people remember the other candidates are not your competition. The only competition is the Benchmark KPMG set for you and if your all good enough they will take you all on. Additionally try and be creative and keep to the key agenda and be confidant and clear in what you say. Also body language is of major importance so no defensive folding your arms or twitching or fluttering your eyes all over the room. GET INVOLVED you only have 30 minutes to impress them!

Presentation

This is a quick ten minute presentation (and that means quick lol). Do not run over the time and be concise and succinct in what you say. Have clear strategies developed and recommendations to justify them. Ensure that you are well informed about your chosen company and if you can relate that not just to the area you have applied for but the wider KPMG organisational structure (ie if you applied for tax show the linkages of your strategy and relate to issues such as Pension deficits, VAT rises, corporation tax increases etc but also show how the other assurance and Advisory departments can integrate and share knowledge and information across the client to make it a success. Other than that the rest is down to your own presentation skills so clear and quietly confidant should do the trick.

Partner Interview

This was the best part and the most comfortable. Remember at this stage its not about your technical skills but more whether you fit in with KPMG. Show an interest in your partner the area you have applied top but above all i must stress know the motivations why you have applied and also do not try and be too clever as the partners are at the top of their profession and can see a faker. Try and be yourself and relax. I found that asking the partner the right questions really helps. In my interview i found the partner really engaged with me and I feel the questions helped to show my wider commercial knowledge and interest in the company.

If any of you do read this post and want to ask me anything email me. Im aware the assessment centre is tomorrow and you might not but if you would like to call me instead send me an email and I will give you a number to call me on..

Anyway good luck and I wish you all the best

Regards
IPZ17

thank you IPZ17 for your advice. I read ur post before sleeping.. The assesment day was okay..just waiting for the outcome

Has anyone heard yet?

NOPE

same :(

has any1 else hrd?

nooooo not yet :(

I was assured I would have an answer by Friday but haven't heard anything. Guess it only means one thing!

thankuuu for every1 for your help :) !! i had a split assesment centre monday and wed.. and got a phone call 2day 2say ive got the grad offer 4 tax - 2010 london ..start this coming monday!! so 2 ppl who still applyin in other locations...if u dont hear from them within 24 hours it doesnt necessarily mean ur rejected!!
Ii fount the help on this website very useful...if any1 wants any help or wants 2 ask any qs please feel free to msg me...

Hey Pre100 Congrats on starting the Tax programme.

I have applied to the same program but in bham and I have to go to London on Monday to start as well to the Tax Business School....

However I mite have to defer as I haven't got enough time to relocate or find a place etc as I only got 4 days notice to sort something out..

Do you know what are the best areas to live in or avoid? Do you know any other people who are flat sharing etc in or around London?

Please let me know as I would have liked to have started mpnday but may have to defer till next year..

Thanks
IPZ17

Has anyone been given instructions for Monday? I got a call from KPMG on friday saying they would make me a formal offer and an email to confirm that... but no indication of what to do for monday.

any help?

 ye i got a call on friday 2!! I was gna ask the same thing.. we have to be at the tax business school which is ritenear south quay (DLR) station... i dont know whether its 9 or 9.30 tho!????

is there anywhere I can find this information on the website?

i take it you were at the 8th sept ass centre? Were you in my group?

Mitul Patel

Hey i wasnt in your group for the group excercise!! bt yes i was there on 8th sep
um were r u the guy who has worked at FSA?

No there isnt information! i think we just got 2 be there on monday and they will give us our timetable etc!