KPMG Assessment: Guide and Tips (2024)
Updated November 20, 2023
The KPMG application process is rigorous, with a hiring process that includes:
- An online application
- The first online assessment – KPMG Transforming Small Businesses
- A second online assessment – KPMG Delivering Outcomes
- A final assessment centre – Launch Pad
Preparation is key at all stages, so brush up on your KPMG knowledge and look at its latest news so you are up to date.
Remind yourself of the core values and competencies that KPMG is looking for and have relevant anecdotes or examples from your life to hand.
Practise taking sample assessments so that you get familiar with the format of the KMPG aptitude questions that will be coming your way.
What Is KPMG?
KPMG is well known as one of the Big Four financial firms in the world. It offers Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG employs nearly 250,000 people worldwide and has revenues of $32.2bn.
As such a big company, KPMG is continually looking for applicants who are willing to learn, with good academic records and who show strong communication skills – with a demonstrable interest in business.
As it is such a reputable firm, passing the KPMG application process is difficult and demanding. Its graduate programme has a strict hiring process, which includes the KPMG assessment.
What Is the KPMG Assessment?
KPMG’s recruitment takes place online. Once you have filled out an application form and are successful in proceeding to stage two, there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses.
Only if you pass this KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, will you proceed to the next stages and the final KPMG assessment center. This part of the process is untimed, though KPMG recommends you set aside 90 minutes for it and that you complete it in one sitting.
This KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment gives you information about three fictional small businesses. Each of these faces its own specific business challenges and you will be asked to analyse information and rank your judgement to certain scenarios.
If you perform well, you will be invited to stage three, which is called Delivering Outcomes. This is when you drill down into one of the businesses that you worked on in the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment.
In the KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment you might be asked to record around four video responses via a camera on your computer, as well as give written answers and face more situational judgement tasks. There will be approximately 40 questions at this stage.
This KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment is also untimed – though 60 minutes is suggested to complete it (again in one sitting).
In both this one and the previous KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, you will have five calendar days for completion.
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Example KPMG Assessment Questions
Previously the KPMG assessment tests were split up into different sections, like verbal and numerical, but now they have a 'blended assessment'.
In this KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment you have to answer a mix of behavioural questions and situational judgement ones, as well as the verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning items.
Make sure you carefully study the KMPG online assessment answers and explanations to ensure you understand how to find the answers.
Below are some examples:
KPMG Transforming Small Businesses Online Assessment Questions with Answers
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If they were working together, Serena, Tina and Susie would need three hours to varnish a six-foot-long bench.
If she was working alone, Serena could complete the task in six hours.
Tina has arthritis and cannot work as fast so she needs 12 hours to varnish the bench if she were by herself.
If Serena and Tina take the day off, how many hours would it take Susie to varnish the bench by herself, assuming she is able to keep to the same pace throughout?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 6
d) 12
There is a relationship between the words in the following group:
Pharmacist, Optician, Doctor
Which of the following words fits best with the group above?
a) Pink
b) Hairdresser
c) Physiotherapist
d) Busboy
KPMG Delivering Outcomes Assessment Questions
For the KPMG Delivering Outcomes assessment, there are video and written tasks to test your aptitude.
There are no time limits on the writing, but you should use your best judgement on how to summarise the information and make it presentable in a clear and concise way.
Here are some example questions for the Delivering Outcomes assessment:
Video yourself for two minutes explaining how your personal strengths align with KPMG and the specific role you are applying for.
A co-worker is causing difficulties for you and your team. There is friction and as a result, you may not be able to reach your weekly target.
They have sent you the following:
'Thomas, I am frustrated with your complaints. You are wasting everyone’s time. Just get on with the job.'
How might you draft an email to address this?
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How to Prepare for the KPMG Assessment
To prepare for the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment there are several things you should do. First, to build your confidence you should practise as much as you can. You will be able to find some sample questions here to help.
Brushing up on your maths and English can be really important. Getting a feel for the different types of questions when you prepare will also help you to hone your style and ensure you show your true potential.
If you are feeling nervous then researching and preparation will also help allay your stress. Taking good care of yourself physically and mentally is important. The KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment can be tiring so candidates need to eat healthily, drink plenty of water and rest well the night before taking it.
Since you have a five-day window in which to take the online test, you can plan to do so when you are likely to give your best performance. For instance, if you’re a night owl, taking the test in the evening will likely provide better results.
Try some practice tests to work out your best window. Don’t be so excited that you have got through to the second stage that you are tempted to do the test as quickly as possible – rather than preparing thoroughly and planning ahead.
Make sure you have properly organised your technology needs and that your Wi-Fi is stable. The KPMG assessments are held virtually, so you need to be sure you have zero distractions and that you feel comfortable and confident in having a professional-looking space to be video-calling from.
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What Happens if You Do Well on the KPMG Assessment?
Once you finish the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment you find out your top two and bottom two KPMG core values. These include:
- Integrity – Doing what is right
- Excellence – To never stop learning or improving
- Together – Respecting each other to draw strength from differences
- Courage – Thinking and acting boldly
- For better – We do what matters
However, this information does not define if you go through to the next stage or not.
It will take some time to hear back after the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment. KPMG says that within six weeks you will know if you are through to the Delivering Outcomes assessment stage.
At every stage KPMG grades your ability on a five-point scale. KPMG believes that if you show the core capabilities it is looking for and get ‘perfect fives’ then you’ll be a match for the company. To stand out, therefore, you need to be scoring at this level.
The KPMG Assessment Centre
If you are successful at all the previous stages, you will be invited to the final KPMG assessment centre stage: Launch Pad.
In stage four, the final chance to impress, you will be combining assessment with the opportunity to learn and network with KPMG staff.
The company will be looking for you to demonstrate soft skills and strengths when you meet those within the business area you have applied to, from partners to graduate trainees.
In terms of activities you can expect, there will likely be:
- An e-tray exercise
- Role plays
- A group exercise (always balance leadership with teamwork skills)
- A self-assessment form
In some cases, you may also have to do an additional task – a presentation made to a KPMG partner.
There are also likely to be several formal and informal KPMG interviews throughout the day.
If you successfully make it through this fast-paced final stage of the KPMG assessment centre, you could have a job offer within two days.
In the event you don’t make it through, you will be offered the option for feedback, from which valuable lessons can be gleaned.
Preparing for the KPMG Assessment Centre in 2024
The KPMG assessment centre is either three hours online or an entire day if you are invited in person – and it will include a variety of assessments that are designed to tax you.
Even more than the other stages, you will need to be at your physical and mental best.
Ensure you get a good night’s rest the day before and eat a protein-rich breakfast.
Keep a bottle of water with you and a portfolio of all your application materials to hand – being organised and punctual will make a strong impression.
Preparation is key, so brush up on the KPMG basics and look at its latest news or social media feeds, so you are up to date.
Remind yourself of the core values and competencies it is looking for and have relevant anecdotes and examples to hand.
KPMG wants to know how you are living the values that are important to the company.
If you are nervous about meeting KPMG staff with regards to networking and small talk, make sure you practise some of these skills in advance with friends or a professional coach.
Have thoughtful and insightful questions prepared in advance that you can ask and impress with.
There may be several other candidates you meet and work with – you will be assessed on how you interact with them also.
Frequently Asked Questions
As it is such a reputable firm, passing the KPMG application process is difficult and demanding. Its graduate programme has a strict hiring process.
Once you have filled out an application form and are successful in proceeding to stage two, there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses.
Only if you pass this KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, will you proceed to the next stages which get progressively harder, and then the final KPMG assessment centre.
The KPMG assessment centre (Launch Pad) is an all-day event (or three hours if you do it online) and it will include a variety of assessments that are designed to tax you. Even more than the other stages, you will need to be at your physical and mental best.
You should familiarise yourself online with the KPMG core values before even making an application.
To prepare for the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses first online assessment there are several things you should do. First, to build your confidence you should research as much as you can.
You will be able to find some sample questions here to help. Getting a feel for the types of questions you can expect will help you hone your style and ensure you show your true potential.
If you progress, you will end up at the KPMG assessment centre (Launch Pad). As mentioned above, you can expect an e-tray exercise, role plays, a group exercise and a self-assessment form. You may also have to make a presentation to a KPMG partner and will likely participate in interviews throughout the day.
At every stage KPMG grades your ability on a five-point scale. KPMG believes that if you show the core capabilities it seeks and get ‘perfect fives’ then you’ll be a match for the company. Therefore, you need to score at this level to stand out.
Successfully completing the KPMG assessment centre could result in a job offer within two days.
You can find some sample questions here to help you prepare. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself online with the KPMG core values and to research as much as you can to build your confidence.
Remember to prepare for the formal and informal KPMG interviews you are likely to participate in as well throughout the assessment day.
The majority of open roles at KPMG do not require a particular degree discipline, but there are a small number of exceptions that do. Requirements are clearly set out on the relevant KPMG graduate programme job descriptions.
Occasionally there is an emphasis on science, technology, engineering or maths undergraduate degrees and priority is given to those who have these. You cannot apply for the KPMG assessment process in the same intake year if you failed recently.
KMPG says that if you fail at any stage of the graduate application process you cannot reapply again for the same intake year. It does however allow your reapplication for the next graduate intake year.
You will be able to find sample questions here and can also familiarise yourself online with the KPMG core values.
Be prepared for a range of potential activities at the KPMG assessment centre (Launch Pad), such as an e-tray exercise, role plays, a group exercise and a self-assessment form.
You can also practise making a presentation to friends and family and answering mock interview questions to prepare for the interviews you will very likely participate in during the assessment day.
Once you have filled out an application form for KPMG and are successful in proceeding to stage two, there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses.
If you perform well, you will be invited to stage three called Delivering Outcomes. Here you will drill down into one of the businesses that you worked on in the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment.
In both this one and the previous KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, you will have five calendar days for completion.
If you are successful at all the previous stages, you will be invited to the final assessment centre stage: Launch Pad.
This is the final stage and combines further assessment with the opportunity to learn and network with KPMG staff.
There are various stages to the KPMG application process. If you fill out an application form for KPMG that should take 30 minutes (though this doesn’t include your research and preparation time).
Then there are a series of assessments. The first is called Transforming Small Businesses and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, although it isn’t timed.
If you perform well, you will be invited to stage three, Delivering Outcomes, which takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, although again, it isn’t timed.
For both this stage and the previous KPMG Transforming Small Businesses online assessment, you are given five calendar days for completion.
If you succeed in all the previous stages, you are invited to the final Launch Pad stage. Here you will combine assessment with the opportunity to learn and network with KPMG staff. This can be three hours online or an entire day if you are invited in person.
The first KPMG assessment is called Transforming Small Businesses. If you perform well, you will be invited to the next, which is called Delivering Outcomes.
This is when you drill down into one of the businesses that you worked on in the KPMG Transforming Small Businesses assessment.
Successful completion of these stages leads to the final assessment centre stage.
At every stage KPMG grades your ability on a five-point scale. KPMG believes you will be a good fit for the company if you show the core capabilities it seeks and get ‘perfect fives’ throughout the assessment stages.
Successfully completing the intense final stage of the KPMG assessment centre could lead to a job offer within two days. If you do not successfully pass the final assessment centre, you will be offered the option for feedback, which provides a useful learning experience for future job applications.
Final Thoughts
As described, there are several stages to get through when applying to KPMG. It’s a competitive process and KPMG is looking for recruits who are hardworking, enthusiastic and able to be real team players.
To this end, KPMG holds two online assessments (Transforming Small Businesses and Delivering Outcomes) after your initial application form and then a final stage assessment centre (Launch Pad).
In summary, it’s important to remember that KPMG assessments at every stage are rigorous.
You must thoroughly prepare to impress, both in the psychometrics and at the assessment centre.
Keep in mind the key KPMG behavioural capabilities, and find ways to demonstrate your ability to match each one whenever and wherever you can.
With effort and practice, you are likely to impress and succeed in securing a job offer – we wish you luck on your journey.
Bibliography
https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduate/applying-to-kpmg/application-process/
