What's your job about?
KPMG employ people from a range of backgrounds into various unique roles. Each division has its own value proposition. In Consulting, we inspire confidence and empower change – providing true business insights to our clients, we enable them to reach their goals. Delivering this value proposition comes in many shapes and sizes, multi-year and month-long engagements, large and small clients, and a focus that could be on strategy, policy, processes, quality, risk, or much more! At KPMG, you will gain experience delivering value in several ways, each tailored to fit the needs of the client.
In my role as an Advisor, day-to-day activities vary dependent on the team, client, industry, and scope of work at the time. I work with teams across the country, alongside people in Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga, Hamilton, and Auckland. The range of industries is just as diverse having so far been involved with Financial services, Maori Business, Government, and Agriculture to name a few. Project management, data testing, interviewing, report writing, and researching are all examples of tasks my role involves day-to-day. Your tasks may change according to your skill set, interests, and scope of work. You will also be mentored by senior employees, developing skills beyond your role profile to equip you for success in future roles.
What's your background?
Born in Auckland, raised in Christchurch, and attending University in Dunedin, I call Aotearoa my home. My working life began washing dishes in a local restaurant, following that I have worked in supermarkets, trade stores, an orchard, and my own car (Uber Eats delivery driver) until my first professional services role as a Consultancy Services intern at ASB.
I have been in my position at KPMG for 7 months as I write this, and I believe a key part of what got me here is a wide range of experiences that shaped my personal and professional skillset. Academics are important, but employers can provide you with necessary technical knowledge, there is no substitute for life experience.
Some of my most memorable experiences are travelling overseas as well as our own backyard! 3 of my most memorable are living in Portugal while on an exchange, taking a campervan to Milford Sound, and going to New York on a school trip. I love sports (especially surfing and snowboarding) and socialising – one of my favourite things about KPMG is the work-life balance that allows me to do the things I love!
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes. Having an Accounting/Finance background provides a foundation of technical knowledge which could be considered a head start on someone with a different background. The more important aspect is having the transferrable skills such as an ability to learn, communicate, and co-operate that will enable you to succeed in this job. Characteristics such as being able to work in a team environment, learn and adapt, being self-motivated, and manage time effectively are all important skills to bring to the job. With adequate soft skills and the training provided at KPMG, someone from any background could perform in my role.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about my job is the opportunity to take your career path in a direction that interests you. Having exposure to many different industries and clients helps to figure out what excites you and where you can succeed. Support networks at KPMG will assist you in developing your skills, experience, and professional qualifications to get you where you want to be. Working at KPMG is investing in your future, which is a very rewarding part of the job.
What are the limitations of your job?
The flip side to working in a fast-moving, high-performance environment is that you only get out what you put in. KPMG has provided me with an excellent work-life balance, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t some late nights and early mornings. To maximise your potential for learning and development, it is important to be motivated and organised. Sometimes there are days where you can’t give 110%, but if you don’t think you can commit to hard work most of the time, you might find yourself unfulfilled in this role. If you are prepared to challenge yourself, then there will be reward and recognition for your efforts, and this is the place for you.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
I was given advice as a student that I would give to myself again. Everyone knows grades are important, but good grades alone don’t stand out. I would recommend any student to strive towards these 3 things: