Hi guys,

I've an interview with KPMG coming up within the week and I was hoping anyone who's in the know could tell if they ask anything technical in the interview, or require case studies? This is for TS. I haven't touched anything resembling the IFRS for a while due to how I structured my units in university. I'm not worried so much about the psychometrical, numerical and English competency tests since I've done a few of those, but I would be gutted if they touch on anything technical.

Thanks.

Just received a verbal offer for KPMG's TS. Woohoo.

Anyway, can anyone confirm if KPMG audits Net Edge Online (parent of Edge Financials)? That would be a great help!

I doubt 3. CGPA is all too necessary if you can back it up with a good EC and work experience. Got in with <2.5.

+1

During my interviews I didn't even touch salary/allowances. I only asked about industry exposure, breadth of experience and training/study support. I like to think just focusing on those helped me get through all my interview stages. Because honestly, between two equal candidates, if A asks about what the job can do for him in the long term and B talks about monetary compensations/benefits, I'd pick A over B any day. Everyone wants more money, but at least A is looking at the bigger picture.

Far as I know from talking to the audit people they don't really specialise in any particular industry. Parking is RM1/day at dataran. RM2 if you're too lazy to walk that far during the morning and park at Jusco and then repark the car. Though OU is increasing the parking fee so it'll cost minimum RM5ish if you go the reparking route.

Honestly as far as parking goes KPMG has got all the other accounting companies beat. And choice of food.

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Added on August 14, 2011, 12:18 pmAnd can I just make a note here, you shouldn't be asking anyone other than yourself in choosing between audit and tax. Those are two different service lines that could in some ways lead to vastly different career paths. It's really up to you to research and see which line you like best. And I don't mean research as in, "oh I heard tax don't really have peak periods and I don't want to end up staying in the office too long so I'll take tax instead." It should be really in depth and the path that you choose should be in line with your career goals.

If you haven't determined your career goals this is a good time to start, because as far as I'm concerned switching between tax and audit will most probably see you starting over at the bottom.

And please think long term. Mobile phone allowances should not trump over better career prospects regardless of how you try to argue.

This post has been edited by home.aziz: Aug 14 2011, 12:18 PM

Yep. It's right beside new wing. You can either walk through the mall to KPMG or take the shuttle bus provided by the firm. Can't tell you much about the bus, though, I always walk out of habit.

Just rechecked the client list for audit depts, and yep, they've got quite an eclectic mix in there. Depending on teams you're in you'll be seeing a lot of different clients.

Yep, totally depends on you. The four years contract is their way of ensuring your servitude, provided you don't know how to manage your money in any way. Basically if you stay with them for four years you don't have to pay back a cent. If you leave in say, within two years of signing the contract, you have to pay back whatever they've forked out for your study costs plus a 'fine' for leaving too early. The amount that you have to pay on top of cost shouldn't even reach RM1k, depending on the course and firm.

And I believe it's pretty much the same for all firms, though when my sister started out in PwC the firm met halfway and she wasn't bonded. This was 8 years ago though, and she was in advisory.

Actually if you ask me unless you're an absolute millionaire and say, RM20k is nothing to you then the contract is definitely worth it. Why fork out your own money now, when you can use the money to invest now? Because at the end of the day if you see yourself leaving within two to three years, you will still have to fork out your own money. It's just a question of now or later, and I'd rather pay back the firm later when I'm earning more and have some money put aside.

Haha my bad. I was totally thinking about my own study costs.

If I'm not mistaken they do have add overtime schedule for the shuttle buses, but I don't really need to use it so I'm not entirely sure. Did you walk through the mall itself or outside? If you're doing OT after 10 it's probably best to walk in a group.

Not entirely sure about the experience, but I suspect they'll take it into consideration depending on the size of the firm. They'll definitely support you for your studies even if you've done a few papers. No worries for that one.

What's "so so"?

Do you have any extra curriculars?

Just apply anyway. There's absolutely no harm in applying. The worst that could happen is that they reject you.

Though if it were to me to interview I'd ask the one question anyone would ask: what the hell have you been doing in uni then?

You might think that's harsh, but the reality is, an interview at any company/firm that's worth a damn would ask you about what you do outside of studies/work. You'll be working in teams, can't have a weak link.

With that said, if you still have time go work or be active in clubs/hobbies. Social skills is incredibly important if you want to move up.

_______________________________________________________________

Since I'm here and I don't often visit this place, I want to do a quick reminder to hopefuls not only for the Big 4, but any position out there.

GO JOIN CLUBS/VOLUNTEER/DO SOMETHING WORTHWHILE!

For goodness' sake.

Employers really look highly at extracurriculars and work experience during studies, even if they're not completely related to your course. Perhaps it's not as important as in the West, but I see signs of it gaining popularity in Malaysia.

EC gives you skills you'd be hard pressed to gain by studying alone. Leadership skills, ability to work under pressure etc. Passing your assignment doing it last minute because you were too drunk or had to raid a dungeon or whatever it is kids do on video games these days doesn't count. Try doing it because you have a student club to run and a part time job as a side income. That's what employers look for, and at the very least it'll give you something to talk about during interviews. Show the interviewer that you cared enough to even try.

Let us be honest. If you're an interviewer, you have two candidates, A being a 3.5 CGPA with nothing else and B being a 2.9 and worked part time plus president of a student club. Who do you think will survive having to work full time AND study part time, AND support his/her colleagues.

It's common damn sense.