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Our goal is to leverage our resources to provide real-world examples that bring these topics to life for your students. Modules are designed to be flexible so you can easily adapt them to the skill level of your students. Save material in your Briefcase to refer to later or download directly to your computer. KPMG is pleased to offer all educators access to course materials that have been developed for classroom use. These materials can be downloaded and duplicated for non-commercial, university educational purposes only. Using these materials for any other purpose, including but not limited to consulting practices, is strictly prohibited. KPMG recognizes and supports the doctrine of "fair use" as set forth in Section 107 of the U.S. copyright law when materials accessed through the KPMG University Connection are reproduced for educational purposes.

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ESG Impacts and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)

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Developing Accountants in the Data Age

As a recognized leader in audit, tax, and advisory services, KPMG has worked with the country’s leading business schools to create this forward-thinking, award-winning program.

An industry changing first-of-its kind program

Prepares students for the highly complex business landscape by combining the practical use of data and analytics (D&A) technologies with D&A-focused accounting curriculum. The KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics (MADA) program gives you the tools you need to meet the challenges of the data age.

The KPMG MADA program is a differentiator for our firm and for your future:

Audit professional skills have changed

Our increasingly data-rich world requires professionals to be savvy about D&A, plus have the critical thinking skills needed to translate data patterns and anomalies into relevant and meaningful business insights

Next Gen auditors need to build these skills early in their academic and professional careers – and the MADA program helps you do just that!

Investing in the future

Providing more than $7 million in scholarship funding over three years for students to obtain their Master of Accounting at one of fifteen participating universities.

Making a difference

Creating pathways for underrepresented future leaders to build thriving careers in the professional services industry and supporting our goal to be the employer of choice for top accounting talent.

Evolving the program

Launched in 2017, the level of collaboration established between academia and KPMG has accelerated the inclusion of data and analytics into master’s degree programs at leading business schools across the United States.

In 2022, KPMG is continuing the curriculum-driven focus of the program and expanding the universities we work with while aiming to set the tone for academic innovation and influence the broader academic community to pursue an advanced curriculum that includes D&A and technology.

We are incredibly proud of the success of the KPMG MADA program and its graduates and look forward to continuing to work with universities on D&A curriculum programs and providing more students access to technologies.

An investment in education and diversity

KPMG has 15 universities participating in the MADA program, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year. The firm is also providing more than $7 million in scholarship funding over three years to the participating universities participating.

This expansion aligns with the firm’s Accelerate 2025 commitments and is one of several ways KPMG is creating pathways for underrepresented future leaders to build their careers in the profession and with KPMG as an employer of choice.

From Audit Talent and Culture Leader

From kpmg vice chair - audit, “today’s professionals need a blend of accounting and stem skills..

The future accountant needs to be data-centric, with skills in data mining, analysis, and visualization. Auditors need to ‘speak the language of data’ and should be well-versed in artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain and other technologies as well as auditing standards and accounting practices.”

Audit Talent and Culture Leader

“Expanding the master’s program will help close the gap

between academic preparation and accounting career readiness. Importantly, our HBCU-focused investments will support underrepresented individuals and diversify our profession, better enabling us to deliver quality and innovation long-term.”

KPMG Vice Chair – Audit

Participating Universities

Through the MADA program relationship, KPMG provides financial assistance through scholarship gifts to participating universities to be awarded to recipients selected by the universities.

Below you will find background information on the participating universities’ graduate programs and details on how to be considered for the MADA scholarship at each university.

Please visit the websites for the participating universities for more information on how to apply to their graduate accounting program, their MADA scholarship application timeline, scholarship eligibility criteria and much more!

Advanced D&A Curriculum

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The Percy J. Vaughn College of Business Administration is dedicated to producing exemplary graduates who benefit from small class sizes, hands-on instruction, and experiential learning in a technologically enriched environment. The college embraces Alabama State University's HBCU legacy to create an inclusive and student-centered experience for students from all backgrounds. In addition to our five Bachelor's and two master's degrees, the college also houses a Small Business Development Center providing students the opportunity to hone their entrepreneurial skills by developing business plans and receiving expert advice.

To be considered for the scholarship, please apply for admission through the Graduate School Graduate Admissions | Alabama State University (alasu.edu) . If you would like to be selected as a KPMG scholar, attach a one-page statement on why you are deserving of the scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact the Dean's office at 334-229-4124 or email [email protected] .

Arizona State University

Each year, the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University hosts more than 18,000 students from around the world. Within America’s largest public university, the W. P. Carey School is committed to building a tight-knit community. Through small classes, team-based learning, and individualized attention, your W. P. Carey experience is uniquely your own.

To be considered for the scholarship, please learn more by visiting the university’s website or clicking here to apply directly.  If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] .

Baylor University

At Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, top-ranked programs combine rigorous classroom learning, hands-on experience in the real world, a solid foundation in Christian values, and a global outlook. Making up approximately 25 percent of the University’s total enrollment, undergraduate students choose from 13 major areas of study. Graduate students choose from full-time, executive, or online MBA or other specialized master’s programs such as MTax and MAcc, and Ph.D. programs in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, or Health Services Research.

To be considered for the scholarship, please apply to the program directly on the university’s website . If you have any questions, please contact Gia Chevis at [email protected] .

Bentley University

Since opening our doors more than 100 years ago, Bentley has been at the forefront of preparing students to thrive in accounting careers in public and private sectors both locally and internationally. Combining a core of accounting principles and practices with innovative technology and cutting-edge research, our curriculum will ensure that you’re ready to tackle the complexities of the accounting profession. Bentley was the first program in Massachusetts to gain separate accounting accreditation from AACSB International.

To be considered for the scholarship, please refer to the university’s graduate Tuition & Aid website for additional information on how to apply. If you have any questions, please contact Joy Gray at [email protected] or Len Pepe at [email protected] .

DePaul University

The School of Accountancy & Management Information Systems (SOAMIS) at DePaul University is one of the nation’s largest and most respected programs. It offers bachelor’s degrees in accountancy and MIS; specialized master’s degrees in accountancy, audit and advisory services, and taxation (with MSTAX also available online); combined BS and MS degrees, and MBA concentrations in accountancy and MIS. The faculty blends distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners who bring a real-world perspective to the classroom. SOAMIS is accredited by the Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a mark of excellence awarded to schools that meet rigorous quality standards. Part of DePaul’s Driehaus College of Business, SOAMIS is located in the heart of Chicago’s business district, which offers students a wealth of internships, experiential learning and post-graduation career opportunities.

To be considered for the scholarship, please visit DePaul's main scholarship site . If you have any questions, please contact Professor David Wang at [email protected] .

Florida International University

Florida International University’s College of Business (FIU Business), located in Miami, an international business center, plays a pivotal role in the development of global business leaders. With nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, FIU Business is widely recognized for its expertise in a wide range of business disciplines including accounting. The college offers a Bachelor of Accounting, a Master of Accounting program with specialization tracks in taxation or assurance, and a PhD program in accountancy. Florida International University is among the top 10 largest universities in the nation and recognized around the world as a leading institution, particularly in international business education.

To be considered for the scholarship, please download the application directly from the university’s Master of Accounting Scholarships page under KPMG MADA Scholarship, and submit it to Cynthia Teijeiro at [email protected] .

Howard University

Howard University's Accounting Program is the first to be accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International in Washington, D.C. and the metropolitan area, and one of approximately 150 accredited accounting programs in the United States. The accreditation for the School of Business is highly regarded by both employers and potential students. The unique additional accreditation for the department of accounting is also highly regarded and has resulted in Howard University being one of the few HBCUs, which are on the national recruiting list for many of the major accounting firms and Fortune 500 organizations.

Howard University’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to enter and sustain productive careers in the accounting profession and be eligible to sit for and pass the Uniform CPA exam. The degree builds upon a broad framework established in an undergraduate accounting program at an accredited institution. Within the MAcc program, class sizes are limited to encourage close faculty-student interaction.

To be considered for the scholarship, you need to first apply and be admitted to the Master of Accountancy program. Once admitted to the program, you will receive the invitation to apply for the MADA scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] .

North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

The Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&T State University is home to top-ranked undergraduate and graduate business programs according to U.S. News and World Report rankings for public HBCUs. The Department of Accounting and Finance has historically been the top producer of African American CPAs and was the first HBCU to gain separate accounting accreditation by the AACSB in 1986.

To be considered for the scholarship, please apply for admission to the MACC Program and submit an application for the scholarship award. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kecia Williams Smith, MACC Director at [email protected] .

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state of Texas. It is a historically black college/university that has opened its doors to those seeking a first-class, university experience. The PVAMU College of Business is committed to empowering students from diverse backgrounds with an education designed to transform them into ethical leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals with a global outlook. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the college offers an undergraduate degree program in business administration – Bachelor of Business Administration – and graduate degree programs – Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Business Administration with an Executive MBA option, and a Doctor of Business Administration. A diverse and dedicated faculty, with representation from those with a doctorate and others with a real-world professional experience, serves nearly 1,450 undergraduate and graduate students with cutting-edge programs to build their skills for success.

Application information coming soon.

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business has been producing leaders since 1916. Fisher prepares its students to transcend the expectations of business education through its top-ranked programs and its vast network of partnerships that reaches from the surrounding business community to multinationals, nonprofits, and startups around the globe. The college has produced leaders who are uniquely prepared and highly sought after by Fortune 500 companies and leading organizations throughout the world.

To be considered for the scholarship, you need to first apply and be admitted to the Master of Accounting program . Once admitted to the program, you must file a FAFSA and list Ohio State University as a recipient of your FAFSA to be considered for this award. If you have any questions, contact the MACC Admissions office here .

University of Georgia

As the first business school in the South, the Terry College of Business is steeped in a tradition of providing cutting-edge business education to its students. Our challenging curriculum, exceptional faculty, and close-knit alumni network ensure that Terry students are prepared to become the next generation of leaders.

To be considered for the scholarship, please refer to the university’s graduate Tuition & Financial Aid website for additional information on how to apply. For questions regarding scholarship eligibility, please email [email protected] .

The University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state’s flagship university. Ole Miss’ main campus is frequently named as one of the nation’s most beautiful and is located in Oxford, which is considered one of the best college towns in the country. The Patterson School of Accountancy has been the only independent/autonomous accountancy school in the U.S. since 1979 and is ranked among the nation’s top accounting schools. Patterson School alumni hold leadership positions in business organizations nationally and internationally.

To be considered for the scholarship, you must complete the Patterson School of Accountancy Financial Aid Application. You’ll be given access to that application when you’ve completed the Graduate School admission application process. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer McClure, Director of Master’s Programs, at [email protected]

University of Missouri

The Trulaske College of Business, founded in 1914, has four academic units – accountancy, finance, management and marketing – and enrolls approximately 5,000 students. Among its offerings are an undergraduate degree in business administration; a 150-hour program that confers both undergraduate and master’s degrees in accountancy; four online master’s degree programs, including the Crosby MBA; and PhD programs in accountancy and business administration. The college takes great pride in its students, its graduates and its highly ranked programs. More than 41,000 alumni contribute their expertise to the public and private sectors throughout the United States and around the world.

To be considered for the scholarship, please apply to the program directly on the university’s website through the standard financial aid process. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Ferguson at [email protected] .

Villanova School of Business

The Villanova School of Business is known for academic rigor, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1922, the school provides hands-on and service learning opportunities, a firm grounding in ethics, and an applied education that prepares students to become outstanding leaders and global citizens within the ever-changing, complex, and fast-paced world of business.

To be considered for the scholarship, please apply to the program directly on the university’s website and reach out to Ally Dotzman at [email protected] if you are interested in the scholarship or have any questions.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business offers nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting and information systems, business information technology, management, finance, hospitality and tourism management, marketing, and real estate. Pamplin emphasizes data analytics and decision sciences, entrepreneurship that leads to innovation and innovative companies, programs that promote improvement of the human condition, real-world learning, and an inclusive collaborative community.

To be considered for the scholarship, please navigate to the university’s MACIS website where you will find more information and a separate link to apply.

Explore a graduate curriculum tailored to help you succeed in today’s complex, data-centric environment

The demanding coursework at participating universities goes beyond traditional accounting principles and tax regulations to include use of technologies and methodologies used in today's highly complex, data-centric accounting environment. Universities determine how best to integrate D&A into the existing master of accounting degrees with the support of KPMG. The curriculum will feature coursework that is enhanced with Data and Analytics subject matter, which may include:

• Data Analysis and Visualization
• Accounting Information Systems
• D&A in Taxation
• Statistics for Accounting Analysis
• Auditing Analytics
• Innovation, Accounting Analytics, and Emerging D&A
• Data Mining
• Fraudulent Financial Reporting
• IT/systems capabilities

KPMG, through case study development and the MADA program, is working to provide resources to assist faculty with integrating data and analytics into the classroom. If you are interested in learning more about what is available to faculty to use in the classroom, please visit KPMG University Connection today to register for access to a wide variety of instructor resources.

The future of audit in present tense – a case study on KPMG’s smart audit platform named “Clara”

• Presenter: James Schultz CA(SA)
• Level: Advanced
• Study time: 1 hour
• Date: 1 August 2024 08:00 - 09:00 

Embark on a journey into the future of auditing with our insightful webinar, "The Future of Audit in Present Tense – A Case Study on KPMG's Smart Audit Platform Named 'Clara'." Tailored for auditors, finance professionals, and technology enthusiasts, this session unveils the innovative landscape of audit practices through a case study on KPMG's cutting-edge smart audit platform, Clara. Join us as we explore the features, benefits, and real-world applications of this transformative real-time audit technology that is reshaping the audit profession.

Who Should Attend:

• Auditors and accounting professionals.

• Technology enthusiasts interested in audit innovations.

• CFOs, finance leaders, and decision-makers.

• Anyone keen on understanding the transformative impact of smart audit platforms.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the future of audit in action. Register now to gain valuable insights into KPMG's Clara, understand its implications for the audit profession, and position yourself at the forefront of audit innovation. In completing this learning engagement, you will be developing the following professional competencies  in the green section below.

What's included?

• 1 Live event
• 1 Certificate

Transformative real-time audit technology

Link with saica competency framework.

• Competencies covered in Professional values and attitudes; Enabling and future competencies groups and Technical competencies

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Hacking the Case Interview

For those interviewing for KPMG advisory or consulting roles, KPMG interviews consist of case interviews, a written case interview, and behavioral or fit interview questions. There are typically three rounds of interviews that candidates go through before receiving a KPMG job offer, but the interview process slightly varies by office.

Typically, you should expect an interview process similar to the following:

• First round : Two 30-minute interviews. One interview will be focused on a case interview while the other is focused on behavioral or fit interview questions.
• Second round : A 30- to 40-minute behavioral or fit interview, a 30- to 40-minute case interview, and a 60-minute written case interview for a total of three interviews.
• Third round : Some candidates may be given a third round of interviews. Expect two to three 30- to 40-minute interviews. These interviews are typically focused on behavioral or fit interview questions, but you may also be given case interviews.

If you have an upcoming KPMG advisory or consulting interview or are expecting to interview with them, we have you covered.

While KPMG does provide  eight KPMG interview tips , their advice is fairly generic and not that useful. In this article, we’ll go into more detail on exactly what to expect in your KPMG advisory or consulting interview. We’ll cover:

• The 4 steps to solve any KPMG case interview
• KPMG case interview examples
• How to ace the KPMG written case interview
• The 10 most common KPMG behavioral or fit interview questions
• Recommended KPMG case interview resources

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

The 4 Steps to Solve Any KPMG Case Interview

A case interview, also known as a case study interview, is a special type of interview that nearly every single consulting firm uses. KPMG case interviews simulate what the consulting job will be like by placing you in a hypothetical business situation in which you are asked to solve a business problem.

You will need to ace every single case interview in order to land a KPMG job offer.

KPMG case interviews are all candidate-led. You will be in the driver’s seat of the case interview and will be expected to ask the right questions, perform the right analyses, and decide the direction of the case.

Follow these four steps to solve any KPMG case interview or case study interview:

1. Understand the case

The case will begin with the interviewer giving you the case information. While the interviewer is speaking, make sure that you are taking meticulous notes on the most important pieces of information. Focus on understanding the context of the situation, the company, and the objective of the case.

Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you do not catch something. If you are not familiar with the industry, it is completely acceptable to ask how it works. Sometimes, repeating the information back to the interviewer is helpful to confirm your understanding of the case.

Finally, make sure to verify the objective of the case. Not addressing the right business question is the quickest way to fail a case interview.

2. Structure the problem

Develop a framework to help you tackle the business problem. A framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. With a framework, you’ll be brainstorming different ideas and organizing them into different categories.

It is completely acceptable to ask the interviewer for a moment of silence so that you can collect your thoughts and think about the problem.

Once you have identified the major issues or areas that you need to explore, walk the interviewer through your framework. They may ask a few questions or provide some feedback.

For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .

3. Solve the problem

Once you have developed a framework, you can begin to solve the problem. To solve the case, you’ll likely need to answer a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions.

When solving quantitative problems, make sure to walk the interviewer through your approach before doing any math. Check if the interviewer has any further information for you before making your own assumptions. Finally, neatly label your calculations and write out all numbers so that the interviewer knows exactly what you are doing. 

When answering qualitative questions, try to structure your answer in a logical way to make it easier to brainstorm or communicate your point of view.

For both quantitative and qualitative questions, make sure to go beyond just answering the question. Think about how your answer impacts the answer to the case. Always try to tie the implications of your answers to the case objective. This will help you develop a hypothesis for what a potential recommendation could be.

4. Make a recommendation

In the last step of the case interview, you’ll present your recommendation and provide the major reasons that support it. You do not need to recap everything that you have done in the case, so focus on summarizing only the facts that are most important.

It is also good practice to include potential next steps that you would take if you had more time or data. These can be areas of your framework that you did not have time to explore or lingering questions that you do not have great answers for.

KPMG Case Interview Examples

Below are some examples of KPMG case interviews or case study interviews that past candidates have received. These should give you an idea of the types of cases you may see on your interview day.

For more practice, check out our article on 23 MBA consulting casebooks with 700+ free practice cases .

Example #1: National Zoo

Your client is one of the oldest national zoos in the United States. The zoo hosts over 2,000 animals in its 150-acre park. Your client is looking to increase revenues and profits and is considering purchasing a giant panda from China to place in its newest exhibit. You have been hired to help them make this decision. What would you recommend?  

Example #2: Brewing Company

Our client is the largest American beer brewing company. The American beer market is dominated by three large players. The rest of the market is comprised of small mom and pop breweries.

What would happen to our client if the second largest and third largest American brewing companies decided to merge?

Example #3: Chemical Company

Your client is a privately owned chemical manufacturing company that specializes in producing car wash chemicals. After a series of aggressive acquisitions, your client has become the market leader in car wash chemicals, but revenue growth has been flat over the past few years.

Your client is looking to increase revenues by 20% without reducing profit margins over the next two years. How would you go about achieving this?

Example #4: Yoga Studio

Your client is Ms. Johnson, the proud owner of an up-scale yoga studio in New York City. Her yoga studio is known for high quality instruction and a relaxing atmosphere. Ms. Johnson has been operating the studio for the past five years.

Over the past year, your client has made a few major investments, but has noticed that her profits have been declining. How would you determine what is causing the decline in profits and what should be done to address it?

Example #5: Pharmaceutical Company

Your client is Pfizer, an American pharmaceutical company that develops and produces medicines and vaccines in a wide range of therapeutic areas. The CEO is worried about the company’s financial performance five years from now, when three of their blockbuster drugs come off patent.

What can Pfizer do to ensure that it continues to grow and be profitable?

Example #6: Insurance Company

Our client is an American auto insurance company. They are the second largest auto insurer in the United States and provide coverage for more than 30 million motor vehicles and more than 20 million policy holders.

Until recently, most car insurance is sold to car owners by insurance brokers. Insurance companies pay brokers a commission for each policy sold. Recently, car owners have started buying insurance directly from insurance companies over the phone.

You have been hired to help our client determine whether they should invest more in selling policies direct to customers over the phone.

How to Ace the KPMG Written Case Interview

Here’s how the KPMG written case interview works:  

• The interviewer will give you a packet of 20 – 40 pages of graphs, charts, tables, notes, and other text
• You’ll have anywhere between 45 - 60 minutes to analyze the information in the packet and make slides to present your analysis and recommendation
• Afterwards, you will present your slides to the interviewer who will ask follow-up questions on your analysis and findings

Follow the steps and tips below to ace your KPMG written case interview.

1. Understand the business problem and case objective

The first step in completing a written case interview is to understand what the objective is. What is the primary business question you are trying to answer with the data and information provided?

Answering or solving the wrong business problem is the quickest way to fail a written case interview. Therefore, the first thing you should do is to read the instructions and the case background information so that you clearly understand the primary question you are trying to answer.

2. Read the list of major questions

Some written case interviews will provide you with a list of 3 – 4 key questions that you will be expected to address or answer.

Once you understand the overall business problem and case objective, read through the list of key questions. This will tell you what the most important areas of the case are. These will be the questions that you want to investigate and answer first.

If the written case interview is more open-ended and does not provide you with a list of key questions, skip this step and move onto the next step.  

3. Quickly flip through the material to identify what information exists

The next step is to flip through the information packet that is provided to see what information is available. Identify what data you have and what data you do not have.

If the written case interview has provided you with pre-filled slide templates, make sure to flip through those as well.

The goal in this step is not to read and analyze every slide. That would take too much time.

Instead, you want to get a sense of what data and information is out there. This will help you decide and prioritize which slides are most important to read and analyze in more detail later.

4. Create a framework

Before you begin reading and analyzing the information in the slides in more detail, you should create a basic framework to help guide your analysis.

Select 3 to 4 broad areas that you think are the most important to analyze. In other words, what are the 3 to 4 things you need to know to answer the primary question of the written case interview?

If the written case interview has provided you with a list of 3 – 4 key questions, make sure to include these important areas in your framework.

Sometimes, these 3 – 4 key questions are your entire framework and you will not need to add anything else. Other times, you may identify important areas from flipping through the slides that you want to add to your framework in addition to these 3 – 4 key questions.

If the written case interview has provided you with pre-filled slide templates, these slides often provide clues on what the most important areas are.

5. Match information that exists to areas in your framework

Now that you have a solid framework to guide your analysis, the next step is to identify what information you can use to answer each area of your framework.

Since you have already flipped through the material and catalogued what information exists, you can match different pieces of information that exist to areas in your framework.

6. Read and analyze the material

The framework you created tells you what questions you need to answer. From the previous step, you know which slides the information is in to answer each question. All that is left to do is to read and analyze the information that is relevant to each area of your framework.

As you answer the major questions in your framework, make sure to write a one or two sentence summary of the key takeaway or answer. This will help you remember the work that you have done and make it easier to decide on a recommendation.

7. Decide on a recommendation

Once you have finished reading and analyzing all of the important and relevant material, you should have a list of key takeaways or answers to the major areas of your framework.

In this step, you’ll read through the key takeaways and decide on what recommendation they collectively support.

You should not expect every key takeaway to support your recommendation. Often, you’ll have key takeaways that support your recommendation, but also key takeaways that go against your recommendation.

If this is the case, you’ll need to mediate conflicting insights and decide on which insights are the most important. Remember that there is typically no right or wrong recommendation. As long as your recommendation is supported by data and evidence, you will be in great shape.

8. Structure your presentation slides

When you have decided on a recommendation and have the supporting data and evidence for it, you’ll want to create a structure for your presentation slides.

A simple, but effective structure you can use is:

• Slide 1: Present your recommendation and the three reasons that support it
• Slide 2: Present your first reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 3: Present your second reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 4: Present your third reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 5: Summarize everything that you’ve covered so far
• Slide 6: Present potential next steps

If the written case interview has already provided you with pre-filled slide templates, the structure of your presentation slides may already be decided for you. If not, you can incorporate the pre-filled slide templates into your overall presentation structure.

9. Fill in your slides

Once you have the structure of your presentation slides, the next step is to fill in the slides with content.

When filling in slides, make sure you use descriptive slide titles that clearly communicate the main message of the slide.

Additionally, try to make your slides easy to digest. Each slide should have one key message.

10. Review your slides and prepare for potential questions

If you have time remaining, review your slides one more time to check for any mistakes or errors. You can also spend some time cleaning up the slides to make them look neat and polished.

Afterwards, you can brainstorm potential questions the interviewer may ask you during your presentation. They may want to know how you performed your analysis or reached your conclusions. They may also challenge your assumptions or interpretations of the data.

Preparing for potential questions that could be asked will help your presentation go much more smoothly and you’ll feel much more confident while presenting.

For a full guide on written case interviews, check out our consulting written case interview step-by-step guide .

The 10 Most Common KPMG Behavioral or Fit Interview Questions

In addition to case interviews, you will likely be asked a few behavioral or fit interview questions. There are ten questions that are most commonly asked.

1. Why are you interested in working at KPMG?

How to answer: Have at least three reasons why you’re interested in working at KPMG. You could mention that you loved the people that you have met from KPMG so far. You can talk about KPMG’s massive global presence and expertise in nearly every industry and function. You can speak to KPMG’s work culture and their emphasis on work life balance. Finally, you can mention their investment in their consultant’s professional development through their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) courses.

2. Why do you want to work in consulting?

How to answer: Again, have three reasons why you’re interested in consulting. You could mention the fast career growth opportunity, the opportunity to develop soft and hard skills, or the level of impact that you can make by working with large companies on their most challenging issues.

3. Walk me through your resume

How to answer: Provide a concise summary of your work experience, starting with the most recent. Focus on emphasizing your most impressive and unique accomplishments. At the end, tie your experiences to why you are interested in consulting.

4. What is your proudest achievement?

How to answer: Choose your most impressive, unique, or memorable accomplishment. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work.

5. What is something that you are proud of that is not on your resume?

How to answer: This is a great opportunity to highlight an accomplishment that is not related to your professional work experience. Perhaps there is a non-profit that you volunteer at, a side project or business that you work on, or a hobby that you have won awards or recognition for. Choose something that is impressive and interesting.

6. Tell me about a time when you led a team.

How to answer: If possible, choose a time when you directly managed a person or a team. For this question and the following questions, make sure that you structure your answer. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work. This is known as the STAR method and is commonly used to answer behavioral or fit interview questions.

7. Give an example of a time when you faced conflict or a disagreement.

How to answer: When answering this question, focus on emphasizing the steps you took to resolve the conflict or disagreement. Speak to the interpersonal skills you had to use in order to mediate the situation. Interviewers want to know that you are a great mediator and that you can handle conflict in a constructive way.

8. Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone.

How to answer: Choose a time when you were able to change someone’s mind. Focus on emphasizing the steps that you took to persuade that person and what impact and results this had. Interviewers want to know that you are a great communicator and a good people person.

9. Describe a time when you failed.

How to answer: Choose a time when you failed to meet a deadline or did not meet expectations. Focus on emphasizing what you learned from the experience and how you used that experience to deliver even better results in the next opportunity that you got. Interviewers want to see that you don’t get discouraged from failure and that you treat those experiences as learning opportunities.

10. What questions do you have for me?

How to answer: This is a great opportunity to get to know the interviewer on a more personal level. Ask them questions about their experience in consulting or their career. Express genuine interest in what they have to show and ask follow-up questions. The more you can get the interviewer talking about themself, the more likely they will have a positive impression of you.

For more help on KPMG behavioral or fit interview questions, check out our complete guide on consulting behavioral interview questions .

Recommended KPMG Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to land a KPMG consulting offer:

For help landing consulting interviews

• Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple consulting interviews

For help passing case interviews

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
• Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with a former Bain interviewer.
• Hacking the Case Interview Book   (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.

For help passing consulting behavioral & fit interviews

• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer.

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Customer Case Study: KPMG Clara AI and Microsoft’s Semantic Kernel

Today we’re featuring KPMG on our Semantic Kernel blog for their work on Clara AI in KPMG. You can learn more about the solution here:

KPMG Announces AI Integration into Global Smart Audit Platform, KPMG Clara

KPMG Partnership with Microsoft’s Semantic Kernel

Here’s a quote from KPMG on the partnership, “Microsoft and KPMG entered a strategic alliance to modernize the work of KPMG professionals. KPMG Clara AI demonstrates the impact of that alliance. Built on Azure AI, KPMG Clara AI provides the latest in AI advancements to KPMG audit professionals in a responsible manner. By using Microsoft’s Semantic Kernel, our development team quickly delivered complex, agentic AI workflows that empower the engagement team. To learn more about KPMG Clara and our Trusted AI capabilities, visit kpmg.com/trustedAI  or kpmg.com/kpmgclara”

Learn more about KPMG’s AI work here: KPMG Announces AI Integration using Microsoft Semantic Kernel

From the Semantic Kernel team, we want to thank the KPMG team for their time. We’re always interested in hearing from you. If you have feedback, questions or want to discuss further, feel free to reach out to us and the community on the Semantic Kernel GitHub Discussion Channel ! We would also love your support, if you’ve enjoyed using Semantic Kernel, give us a star on  GitHub .

Thanks again to the KPMG team for their amazing work and partnership!

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The KPMG Case Interview

KPMG , a well-established firm in audit, tax, and advisory services, has built a strong global presence through its consistent focus on quality. In the ever-changing field of consulting, KPMG's interview process, especially the case interview , stands as a crucial test for candidates aspiring to join the firm. This stage of the interview evaluates analytical skills in the context of practical business scenarios.

Table of Contents

• Seven Key Facts About the KPMG Case Interview
• The KPMG Ethos: Beyond Just Numbers
• The Preparation
• Crafting the Blueprint
• Navigating the Data Maze
• Eloquent Communication
• Embracing Fluidity
• The Growth Mindset
• Embarking on the KPMG Voyage: The Road Ahead
• Further Reading

The following are seven tips that you should read, before you start to prepare for your case interview at KPMG to get your dream job.

At its core, KPMG seeks individuals who resonate with its values and vision . While technical expertise is crucial, the firm places equal emphasis on cultural fit, interpersonal skills, and a genuine passion for consulting .

Tip: KPMG's ethos revolves around integrity, excellence, and collaboration. As an aspiring consultant , aligning your mindset with these principles can be the key to unlocking the doors of KPMG.

Consulting is vast and ever-changing . KPMG's case interviews often mirror real-world scenarios, underscoring the importance of a holistic preparation strategy.

Tip: Dive into industry reports, stay updated with global events, and immerse yourself in KPMG's past case studies. The more diverse your preparation, the more equipped you'll be to tackle unexpected case twists.

A structured approach is the backbone of any successful case analysis. KPMG values candidates who can systematically dissect problems, prioritize issues, and weave actionable solutions .

Tip: Frameworks are invaluable, but they're just the starting point. Customizing your approach based on the case's nuances can set you apart. Think of frameworks as tools in your arsenal , not rigid templates.

In today's data-driven age, q uantitative acumen is indispensable . KPMG's cases often involve intricate data analysis , demanding both speed and precision.

Tip: Regularly challenge yourself with diverse quantitative exercises . From market sizing to financial modeling, mastering the numbers can be your secret weapon.

The most brilliant solutions can falter if not communicated effectively. KPMG cherishes candidates who can articulate complex ideas with clarity and impact.

Tip: Storytelling is an art. Practice weaving your analysis into a compelling narrative. Remember, your audience isn't just looking for answers; they're seeking insights.

Real-world consulting is replete with surprises. KPMG's case interviews emulate this dynamism, challenging candidates to adapt on the fly.

Tip: Cultivate a flexible mindset . When the case throws a curveball, embrace it. Use new information as a pivot, not a stumbling block.

KPMG is a bastion of continuous learning. The firm values individuals who view feedback as a growth catalyst , not just post-interview commentary.

Tip: Every piece of feedback is a treasure trove of insights. Internalize it, act on it, and let it guide your consulting journey.

The KPMG case interview is more than an evaluative hurdle; it's a microcosm of the consulting universe. It's a realm where challenges are opportunities, where every problem is a story waiting to be unraveled . As you stand on the cusp of this journey, remember that success at KPMG isn't just about cracking the case; it's about crafting a legacy.

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THE CHEMISTRY OF AUDIT FAILURE - A Case Study of HBOS audit by KPMG

The Big 4 global accounting firms are not passive in their interpretation and application of accounting. They actively influence the practice of accounting and its integrity, quality and reliability. The 2008 global financial crisis has also been a global audit failure, and raised a lot of questions about audit culture and effectiveness and the sincerity of the Big 4’s claimed independence. Research has been lagging behind in exposing this power and influence because of the significant challenges of obtaining objective evidence about the Big 4’s conduct, ethics and audit quality. Their inner workings, strategies and practices are often an impenetrable opaque box. Arnold (2009) and Cooper and Robson (2006) call for research on their active role in the processes of ‘financialisation’ of the global economy and the power and influence they wield in the finance industry. In this study, we examine the performance and relationships of KPMG in the audits and advisory work for HBOS, one of the UK’s largest Banks and most serious failures in recent history. Seven years after the event, KPMG have successfully managed to fend off any regulatory investigation of their conduct. The theoretical framework adopted here draws from the literature on audit quality, independence and ethical and cultural transformation. Access to a key early whistle-blower and previously confidential documents, and the detailed interviews, press reports, primary documents and interrogation by the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards are pieced together forensically to unearth the ways in which KPMG influenced and endorsed the accounting, management, regulation and governance of HBOS. The evidence shows the significant role played by KPMG in endorsing the risk-taking at HBOS. The findings reveal the depth and range of the conflicts of interest, the reach of KPMG’s alumni networks, political and regulatory influence, and the methods by which it covered up its failure and successfully avoided investigation. Unravelled in this study is a pro-active and strategic process of ‘regulatory risk management’ by these audit institutions – the key ingredients of this policy are unravelled in this study for the first time. Far from mitigating risk, the research shows how their practices increased risk to society for which a huge multi-billion pound price has already been paid just in this one case.

Related Papers

Critique of Anthropology

New calculative techniques of management and accountancy are having a transforma-tive effect on organisations, individuals and society. These processes are often associated with contemporary neoliberal capitalism, but what exactly is driving the proliferation of these measurement systems and how is this change actually occurring? We address these questions by exploring the history of the Big 4 international accountancy firms and their role in spreading audit culture and the rationalities of financial accountancy. Since the 1990s, the expansion of their remit from traditional auditing to a growing emphasis on consultancy services has increasingly blurred the boundary between their public watchdog role and their commercial interests. Combined with the changing values, career trajectories and 'habitus' of audit company professionals, and the weaknesses of self-regulation, this has resulted in problems for ethics and corporate social responsibility. Using ethnographic examples, we examine the metamorphosis that occurs as accountants, originally trained in the disciplines of financial probity, become more entrepreneurially oriented when they ascend to senior positions as company managers and partners. If the calculative practices of accountancy are central to modern forms of audit, we argue they are also transforming accountancy firms themselves into evermore calculative and financialised entities. We conclude by

Critical Perspectives on Accounting

Hugh Willmott

Managerial Auditing Journal

SSRN Electronic Journal

Shann Turnbull

AUDITING: A Journal of Practice & Theory

Susan Shu , Billy Soo

fathilatul zakimi abdul hamid

Rainer Lenz

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and discuss potential reasons why the internal auditing (IA) profession has been marginalized in the governance debate on solutions after the financial crisis that started in 2007, also noting recent studies questioning the value of IA’s work. The key aim of this paper is to make readers aware of ambiguities concerning the ultimate customer of IA and its core business, and to stimulate critical reflection thereon. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual discussion of this paper is based on an objective review of relevant literature, both practitioner and academic. Findings – Positioning IA as agent to the board/audit committee and, at the same time, as partner to management is challenging in practice. The IA function should clarify the customer dimension in ist organizational context. Furthermore, this paper argues for a consolidation of internal audit around ist core function of providing assurance when seeking to establish IA as a profession. Practical implications – Practitioners will benefit as this paper demands fundamental questions to be addressed in the organizational context, about the ultimate customer and the core business of the IA service rendered. The Institute of Internal Auditors will benefit from this paper and subsequent discussions in academia and practice, supporting its pursuit to gain universal recognition for IA as a profession. Originality/value – This paper may open a new research area in IA that addresses a more critical way of evaluating IA practices. Keywords Internal auditing, Corporate governance, Professions Paper type Conceptual paper

Dennis Knutson , Timothy Fogarty

… (see http://www. lse. ac. uk/ …

Rihab Khalifa

Pre-Enron, there was much anticipation that developments in risk-based audit methodologies were in the process of better systemising the knowledge base of auditing and enhancing its operational effectiveness. Post-Enron, those claims have been ...

Prem Sikka , Hugh Willmott

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KPMG Inspection Cheating Case Wraps But Painful Lessons Linger

By Amanda Iacone

One of the worst ethics breaches in the modern era of auditing ended with a fizzle recently as the last criminal conviction tied to a scheme to falsely inflate KPMG’s inspections results was tossed out.

The federal criminal case may have crumbled but that doesn’t negate the legacy of the inspections cheating scheme that tarnished the reputation of one of the largest firms in the US and undermined a process that is meant to protect investors.

KPMG paid a $50 million penalty. CPAs lost their licenses and livelihoods. Reforms were adopted. And the lessons for a profession that bills itself for being trusted, independent arbiters remain intact.

“The profession demands, expects integrity and this is just blatant defiance of all the professional standards,” said Bob Conway, an author and former inspector with the US audit regulator.

Congress in 2002 formed the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in the wake of frauds that toppled Enron and WorldCom auditor Arthur Andersen, giving the regulator authority to inspect routine audit work and investigate failures.

Inspection results offer an important gauge of firm performance. KPMG in 2017 uncovered that some of its most senior staff conspired to rely on stolen details about which audits the regulator planned to review and then doctored its work to lift its results.

Top leaders of KPMG’s audit practice plus former PCAOB employees—two the firm poached and one who stayed at the regulator—were among those involved in the plot. The combination of regulatory staff and high-ranking auditors sets the scandal apart from other recent ethics probes from auditors cheating on training exams to the leak of the Australian government’s tax plans.

Regardless the outcome of the criminal case, a rash of rules, laws, and professional obligations remain in force that police auditors and any temptations to skirt those requirements.

“The PCAOB does not tolerate any improper sharing of its confidential information, and we will strictly enforce our rules, standards and ethics code to maintain the integrity of our oversight on behalf of investors,” board Chair Erica Williams said in a statement.

KPMG declined to comment.

Six people involved in the scheme were convicted of federal fraud charges and some were sentenced to prison or supervised release. One was deported as a result of his guilty plea.

But in August 2023 the federal government’s criminal case fell apart over the definition of property.

The US attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York sought to dismiss charges against David Middendorf, former national managing partner for audit quality at KPMG, and Jeffrey Wada, a former inspections leader with the US audit regulator.

Prosecutors determined that the audit board’s inspection plans at the heart of the case weren’t “an object of fraud” under US wire fraud statutes, citing recent court rulings.

“It had value only in the ‘exercise of regulatory power,’” and not in the government’s role “as property holder,” prosecutors said in court filings.

Dropping the charges “was just and long overdue,” Middendorf’s lawyer Nelson Boxer, a partner with Petrillo Klein & Boxer LLP, said in a statement. “Mr. Middendorf never committed a crime.”

Co-defendants David Britt, Thomas Whittle, and Brian Sweet successfully petitioned the court to vacate their convictions on similar grounds.

Cynthia Holder , a former PCAOB inspector who left to work for KPMG, became the last to have her conviction vacated on March 8.

“Mr. Britt is obviously relieved that the courts have recognized the fatal flaws in these criminal charges and is very much looking forward to finally being reunited with his family,” his lawyer Rob Stern, a partner with Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP, said in a statement. Britt remains in Australia where he was deported.

Attorneys for Whittle declined to comment. And lawyers representing Holder and Sweet didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Consequences

The threat of a criminal record wasn’t the only consequence facing the auditors.

The firm’s former vice chair for audit Scott Marcello agreed to a $100,000 penalty for not intervening to halt the inspections scheme.

The six who faced criminal charges also were barred from appearing before the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most lost or surrendered their CPA licenses.

Wada and Middendorf also faced additional administrative penalties but the SEC dropped the case due to a server access issues that led to 42 cases in total being dismissed.

“The entire regulatory system is threatened by this kind of behavior and so they threw the book at these people,” said Michael MacPhail, a securities lawyer and partner with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.

Lessons Learned

No audit is perfect and mistakes happen. But the incentives to produce effective audits or to limit inspection findings don’t always hit their mark.

The inspections plot offers a case study of what happens to auditors under tremendous pressure: they will make poor judgments, Conway said.

“It is a delicate dance between respecting the process and being so overly fearful that you would do anything to escape the punishment,” said Kecia Williams Smith, an assistant accounting professor at North Carolina A&T State University.

Regulators who second-guess auditors’ work add to the stresses that these accountants face. Yet those routine reviews are meant to ensure auditors serve as an effective check against corporate managers and deliver reliable financial reporting into the hands of investors.

They also serve as a backstop for auditors. They can point to the board’s rules and scrutiny when they need to rein in clients who would stretch the bounds of US accounting rules.

“Expect someone to come in and mark our homework,” said Paul Dunlop, chief operating officer of Sóta Signal Analytics. “Nobody likes to have someone looking over their shoulder—but that’s the game.”

How firms respond to errors or inspection findings also matters, Williams Smith said.

Firms need to support frontline auditors to learn from those mistakes. That takes resources and planning up front to set up auditors for success—from assigning the best auditors to the highest risk clients to giving staff the tools and training they need to do the work, Williams Smith said.

“That’s the kind of culture that will really move quality forward,” she said.

Both KPMG and the board rolled out a series of reforms to prevent similar abuses in the future.

At the PCAOB , that included stronger security controls around its internal data. The board also set up an internal ethics tip line and created an enterprise risk management office.

KPMG , which agreed to $50 million settlement with the SEC, pulled its internal inspections staff outside the audit practice. The firm also added independent directors to its governance board and invested heavily to modernize its suite of audit tools.

“It’s one of those horrific experiences that nobody wants to go through again. And so the firms learned painful lessons; the individuals learned painful lessons,” Conway said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Amanda Iacone in Washington at [email protected]

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jeff Harrington at [email protected] ; Meg Shreve at [email protected]

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KPMG Case Interview 2024: Format, Technique & Tips

KPMG is a highly desirable workplace for many people, making the competition to land a job quite fierce. One of the challenging assessments you must encounter to become an employee at KPMG is the KPMG case interview, a practical screening tool used to assess a candidate's analytical and problem-solving skills.

Overview of KPMG case interview

KPMG case interviews are often candidate-led. The candidate will be leading or taking control of every step ahead to solve the case. This includes structuring the problem, drawing frameworks, asking for data, synthesizing findings, and proposing solutions. 

The KPMG case interview occurs in the last stages of KPMG’s recruitment process and typically lasts 30-45 minutes.

KPMG case interview occurs in the last stage of the recruitment process

There are three standard stages that occur during the KPMG recruitment process: Online application ⇒ Online assessments ⇒ Interviews.

Stage 1: Online application

The application stage for KPMG is relatively straightforward, which involves filling out an online form and submitting your resume and cover letter. These documents must showcase your relevant skills, educational background, and achievements in previous work. By that, KPMG can assess your potential and suitability for the job.

Stage 2: Online assessments

KPMG Online assessment is designed to assess potential candidates for their mental capability, problem-solving skills, and work personalities. There is no consistent test format across locations and positions; however, there are some common test formats, as follows:

Game-based behavioral assessment: psychometric games, such as “KPMG Ready” and “Cognify and Emotify”, assess the cognitive capability and decision-making style of candidates.

Aptitude test: a computer-based test type that comes in three parts: numerical, verbal, and inductive reasoning.

Scenario-based test: a situational judgment test including given scenarios and a series of questions, which tests your working behavior and personal fit.

Stage 3: Interviews

The KPMG interview stage typically consists of several rounds, depending on the location and specific role. These interviews are usually conducted in person or through video conferencing. However, regardless of interview formats, two types are always included in the KPMG interview stage: the case interview and the behavioral interview.

Case interview: often lasts 30-45 minutes, assessing a candidate’s ability to analyze and solve business problems.

Behavioral interview: often lasts 30-45 minutes, assessing a candidate’s experience, competencies, motivations, and personality fit.

What does KPMG look for in candidates?

During the KPMG case interviews, candidates should be able to demonstrate traits that align with KPMG's five values : Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better. 

Integrity : Make decisions based on goodwill

Excellence : Keep learning and improving

Courage : Think and act decisively

Together : Respect and be ready to help each other

For Better : Do meaningful acts

KPMG case interview format is candidate-led

KPMG case interviews are candidate-led, where you are expected to take the lead. Specifically, candidates need to develop their own approaches to break down issues, identify the root causes, and gather data from the interviewer to test their hypotheses. 

Candidate-led cases focus less on being right

The primary goal of candidate-led cases is to examine HOW you solve problems rather than getting a specific solution. In candidate-led case interviews, you are asked to break down the problem independently, with little help from the interviewer. As a result, a higher margin of error is acceptable, unlike interviewer-led ones, where you are effectively guided through the process.

Candidate-led cases focus on one big problem

A candidate-led case interview involves solving a problem entirely rather than relying on breakdown questions like an interview-led case. To solve one big problem, you need to apply the top-down approach, which means breaking it down into smaller parts and tackling each. This is a regular consultant task, showcasing your organized and structured manner.

Candidate-led cases are flexible

In candidate-led case interviews, candidates can explore the case with their own strategy. The interviewer usually has a “universe” of information about the client and their problem, which the candidate can freely use to research. Additionally, the interviewer can “make up” new data to support your ideas if you develop new solutions and approaches.

To ace the candidate-led case interview, you need to understand the fundamentals of a candidate-led case. Our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program features countless instant-result tips and techniques for case interviews to help you maximize your performance!

After learning the tips and some sample cases, you will need exclusive feedback. Book a meeting with our coaches at MConsultingPrep now! Those ex-consultants will help you practice specific candidate-led case interviews, give you the most detailed and concrete feedback, and suggest the most suitable improvement methods. 

Fundamental frameworks for KPMG case interview

To solve the KPMG case interview, you need to develop an issue tree to break down your case. To create a suitable issue tree, you can use five common frameworks for case interviews: Profitability framework, Business situation framework, McKinsey M&A framework, 4P/7P marketing mix, and Porter’s five forces model. 

To further enhance your case interview performance, you can also apply five effective tools (or mini-frameworks): External vs Internal, Quantitative vs Qualitative, Costs vs Benefits, 2x2 Matrix, and SWOT analysis. 

Five common frameworks for case interview

Profitability framework is mostly used to mathematically break down problems before switching to the qualitative framework for solutions. To use the profitability framework, candidates will split profits into revenues and costs.

Business situation framework is used to analyze a company situation in four area - Company, Competitor, Customer, Products (3C-1P). This 3C-1P framework is flexible for many purposes, however it may be too generic and need customization depending on the situations. 

McKinsey M&A framework is used to assess a proposed merger and/or acquisition on three aspects: standalone values of each involved company, their synergy, and other factors. This framework is MECE and promotes customizations, and is one of the best M&A frameworks. 

4P/7P marketing mix in marketing for tangible work analyzes the 4P - Product, Price, Place and Promotion; while in service marketing three other Ps will be added in - People, Process, and Physical evidence. This framework focuses on the marketing aspect, hence unsuitable for multi-function strategies. 

Porter’s five forces model analyzes the industry surrounding a business in five aspects - Suppliers, Customers, Competitors, New entrants, and Substitutes. This framework is used to get an industry overview and understand the client’s context.

Five effective tools for case interview

External vs Internal method is quick and easy to segment information about a particular entity. The internal branch concern what is inside or intrinsic of the said entity, and the external branch concerns the outside factors. 

Qualitative vs Quantitative mini-framework is used for evaluations. Dividing items into two MECE groups reduces confusion and minimizes the risk of missing an essential item. 

Cost vs Benefit in the decision-making process is very straightforward - if the benefits of an option outweigh its costs, that option can be chosen.

2x2 Matrix is a decision-making tool where options are examined using two criteria, each of which forms an axis of the matrix. 

SWOT analysis mini-framework is seldom used in case interviews for being too generic. However, it can be used for a quick and easy evaluation of a company’s positioning within the industry context. 

To have a deeper understanding of the common framework used in the case interview, you can check our free article on Case Interview Framework .

How to prepare for the KPMG case interview?

You can follow our five-step preparation to prepare for the KPMG case interview.

Step 1: Familiarize with candidate-led case examples

To become familiar with KPMG candidate-led case interviews, you can look at some official examples on KPMG’s website.

Case study 1

Case study 2

Case study 3

You can also try out practice cases from other prestigious consulting firms like BCG or Bain . 

However, consulting companies only provide a minimal number of sample cases for your reference. Check out our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program , where you can find standardized exercises and deep-dive guides to ace any case, not just ones from KPMG!

Step 2: Practice consulting math

Consultants require math skills to handle massive amounts of quantitative data. Some tried-and-true math practice tips are:

Use Your Head: Do all your daily calculations mentally unless an EXACT answer is required.

Flatten the Learning Curve: At the beginning, a piece of scratch paper and a 5% margin of error may help; once you feel confident, throw the paper away and reduce the margin.

Establish a Routine: Allocate some time for daily practice. This may seem hard at first, but you can feel the improvement once you’ve overcome the inertia.

Step 3: Develop business intuition

Case interviews are easier to pass if you have good business sense. Getting better at business intuition takes time, so start early, practice every day, and be patient. Step by step, these business insights will begin to feel natural to you. You can improve your business sense in two ways:

Written Sources: I suggest reading business papers daily; you can also visit McKinsey, Bain, and BCG websites for their excellent articles. Beware though – it’s not the pages you read that count, but the insights you draw from them.

First-hand Experience and Observations: Don’t just come to your workplace to work; examine what senior managers are doing – what’s the rationale for their decision, and how has it impacted the organization?

Step 4: Learn the fundamentals and frameworks

To excel at case interviews, you’ll need a solid understanding of the fundamentals and structured approaches. Case interview fundamentals such as hypotheses , MECE , issue tree , and other frameworks are the backbone of any case, so try to master their application in case interviews.

Read more on our comprehensive Case Interview Guidebook to familiarize yourself with crucial terminologies, concepts, and problem-solving fundamentals.

Step 5: Perform mock interviews

The best strategy to prepare for a case interview is to practice as many mock cases as possible. During your practice, take time to study and review your cases thoroughly so that you can identify your areas of improvement and develop specific approaches for each question type.

The video below provides examples of candidate-led case interviews, the format used in the KPMG hiring process. This video also includes step-by-step instructions to help you understand this case type deeply:

Nine tips for the perfect KPMG case interview

Tip #1: understand the procedure of a candidate-led case interview.

There is a five-step procedure to approach the KPMG candidate-led case interview. 

Taking the case: You need to take notes on all information regarding the clients and the case situation. Keep your notes organized to refer back to them easier.

Clarifying: You will have time to gain more information and/or clarify the points you haven’t fully understood about the cases.

Structuring: You will need to break down the case business problem into smaller components to create the issue tree , allowing you to solve it in an effective and cohesive manner.

Hypothesizing: You must develop the hypothesis based on evidence and available data about the problems and find the root cause. If the initial hypothesis in a branch of the issue tree no longer makes sense, go to the next branch. If the hypothesis matches, stick to it to find the root causes and solutions.

Pitching: The pitch is your case interview's final product, where you summarize all findings and recommendations to solve the case. You need to deliver the pitch in a structured, top-down manner.

Tip #2: Have a perfect case opening

There are four reasons to make a good case opening while you deliver your case interview:

First, it shows you have complete control of the upcoming problem-solving process, which is critical in candidate-led cases.

Second, you can demonstrate your whole leadership and relationships with proactiveness - aligning yourself with KPMG’s qualities mentioned above.

Third, a good case opening creates a great first impression. Consultants are expected to perfect everything from the beginning to the end, so this could make a good head start for a 30-minute interview.

Finally, this is an opportunity to align during the interview. After the interviewer has outlined the case details, explain the case to the interviewer in your own words to ensure you grasp the issue and align with the interviewer.

Watch more: How to open a case perfectly?

Tip #3: Map your next moves

Pause occasionally to summarize where you are and where you’re going next. It gives you a sense of direction and authority; additionally, you get plus points in the interview for an organized approach. 

This also gives your interviewer a chance to help you with your mistake. If your interviewer gives you advice, take it – assume it’s intended to be helpful.

Tip #4: Be consistent with your intended hypotheses

Always speak with the current hypothesis in mind, and that hypothesis must be in the issue tree. The sole purpose of the hypothesis-driven approach is to have your efforts and problem-solving steps guided and structured. 

Therefore, to avoid being overwhelmed by piles of data in your case interview, do a sanity check by returning to your issue tree. If your action does not correspond to your present place on it, go back immediately!

Tip #5: Deliver your pitch in one structured manner

This is the most important tip because you need to show that you own the consultant qualities - being structured and straight to the point. Present your analyses in a perfect, insightful, top-down, concise, and captivating final pitch.

Find a way to structure the problem; this will guide your discussion with the interviewer. Briefly explain the framework you plan to use, allowing the interviewer to comment. In general, the simpler the framework, the better. Once the interviewer endorses your framework, stick to it.

To structure your speech:

Begin with a summary line that states the key takeaway/intention.

Separate what you want to say into distinct sections. As much as possible, avoid jumping back and forth between items.

Number your items so you and your interviewer can keep track of them. It's even better to specify how many things you'll be discussing beforehand.

Make your recommendation based on the conclusions you reached from your discussion, even if you are unsure with so little data and time to discuss all the issues.

Tip #6: Make a personalized script

Make a script of what you will say and rehearse it a hundred times. Practice all of the formulaic phrases, such as the opening or data request. With enough practice, those lines will become second nature to you.

The secret to seeming professional in a case interview is to talk in a systematic and formal manner. Using scripts also saves brainpower, which you will undoubtedly want in case interviews.

Tip #7: Keep your notes organized

Neat note-taking greatly assists with your train of thought, making storing and organizing information easier. You're also demonstrating to the interviewer that you're well-organized and meticulous.

Divide your notes into three categories to make them easier to read and interpret: data, presentation, and scratch paper. When the interview begins, take three pieces of paper and name them appropriately. Here is the content that should be on each type of note:

Datasheet: note down and process any data the interviewer gives you and your calculations.

Presentation sheets: draft things you’ll say to the interviewer.

Scratch paper: anything else you need to write, such as brainstorming ideas.

Tip #8: Avoid long pauses

Take a minute to think; don't be afraid of the silence. If you need silence to think, ask for a timeout or announce think-out-loud mode. However, taking it too long will backfire, especially if you can’t come up with something worthy of the long wait. Use the pause prudently, and always try to think as fast as possible while still being “correct”. 

Tip #9: Find and ask for more insights

Try your best to be in-depth and comprehensive with your analysis. Always ask yourself, “Am I overlooking something?” and “Can I drill down further?”. 

This is also helpful when you are stuck in your analysis. You can try asking for insights from the interviewer (remember to state your purpose clearly) like this:

If you have a piece of data and don’t know what to make of it, ask for benchmarks to put the data into perspective.

If you are unsure which framework to employ, consider "segmentation" - look at how the customer or the industry often segments that item. If you need to know how they do it, ask the interviewer.

When you cannot see the problems in the case (probably resulting from the “MECE” of your issue tree), ask the interviewer nicely for a way out.

However, remember to manage your time well. If you take too long, the interviewer might force you to move on, and you will lose the time to solve the case holistically.

Find a former consultant to support your practice; they've been through numerous case interviews, so they understand what's expected of a candidate. Our experts from prestigious consulting firms will give detailed feedback on your performance, a personalized study plan, and reliablxe training resources for case interviews. Book a coach right now to make practicing easier!

Want to explore more candidate-led case examples? Sign up now for our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program and discover reliable, standardized mock cases along with detailed instructions. In this program, you also have a chance to get instant-result tips as well as a complete study plan to ace KPMG case interviews.

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