Emperors new clothes, circular firing squad mode - Senior Manager KPMG Employee Review

2.0
Nov 2, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There are some really talented and driven managers, assistant managers and analysts who are a joy to work with, real shame for them that grad scheme is 3 years unlike competitors at 2 years who pack in much more development and training.

Cons

Partner culture of back-patting, lack of outside reference, all browbeaten into compliance. Any central firm issues not worth talking about as they clearly don’t have a health feedback culture between partners and leadership. Clearly last CEO (Bill “stop moaning” Michael) was as incompetent as he was out of touch, and he casts a long shadow, no one wants to solve problems, just stay in lane and survive. Result: Byzantine office, decision making, processes. Back office technology and facilities worse than the competitor I joined had in late 2000s. KPMG staff trying to compete with ball and chain attached. Each year that goes by spending time using incomprehensible and inconstant finance systems is time competitors are solving client problems and developing propositions. Very weak, mediocre, unimpressive partner group (with a few bright exceptions) that will not lead the firm to catch up with others. 7 standing desks per floor, only about 30 MS teams enabled conference rooms in entire office, more screens and functionality at desk rendering meeting rooms irrelevant. The idea of forcing people back to this office 5 days a week shows current CEO does need a bit of a reality check. Do not go here, go to one of the other firms.

Explore other reviews about KPMG

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good mentorship and nurturing environment

Cons

Nothing really. A good accounting firm.

4.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It might sound cliche but the Pro for me is the people that I work with. I'm lucky enough to be staffed in a team with great leadership. Managers are actually willing to coach junior members and be a real mentor. I very much appreciate their efforts.

Cons

Long hours and office politics. This is pretty basic and obvious for any public accounting firms. Every time a quarter end, year end, or a special filing is going out, you can expect 10-14 hour days. It might be fine in your early career but it gets really tiring after a few years.

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