KPMG Careers

Key Insights

Apply to Advisory Only: If you want consulting exit opportunities, always apply to KPMG Advisory and avoid Tax, Audit, or internal roles.
Career Path Is Structured: KPMG follows a clear six-level progression from Analyst to Partner, with most people spending two to three years at each early stage.
Referrals Boost Your Odds: Getting even one employee referral can increase your chances of landing a KPMG role by over 80 percent.

KPMG careers span audit, tax, and advisory services across more than 80 U.S. offices, making it one of the largest employers in professional services. The firm hires thousands of entry-level analysts and interns each year, with the strongest consulting opportunities sitting inside its Advisory division. KPMG is also one of the "Big 4" tax/audit firms. Even though it is one of the Big 4, KPMG is the underdog of the group, with a lower profile than its counterparts.

What Is KPMG?

KPMG is one of the Big 4 professional services firms, alongside Deloitte, PwC, and EY. It has over 100 years of history, revenues exceeding $30 billion, and has averaged roughly 10 percent year-over-year growth over the last decade. In the United States alone, KPMG employs more than 80,000 people across more than 80 offices. While it is considered the underdog of the Big 4 in terms of public profile, it still carries strong brand recognition and provides solid career development opportunities.

Life at KPMG

Day-to-day life at KPMG depends heavily on which division you join. Understanding your options helps you choose the right fit for your goals and lifestyle.

KPMG Advisory is focused on technology and improving operations, which means you’ll be heavily focused on cost reduction for your clients. KPMG encourages the use of technology to ensure work is done faster and leaner – beware though; you’ll still have to fill your billable hours! Since your KPMG career will be mostly comprised of cost reduction and efficiency focused work, you will – as a part of KPMG Advisory – be the “business tweakers” of the consultant world.

If you want to have a great lifestyle and focus on public sector work, focus on KPMG Federal Advisory for your consultant role. The beauty of federal clients is that if you have to be on the client site, the hours are generally 9-5 (when the office is open). As a consultant, it doesn’t get any better than that. Beware, however – the pay at federal practices is notoriously lower.

As a consultant with a desire to progress in your career, be sure to focus on client-facing roles only. You don’t want to work for Business Support Services or Innovations and Technology. These are internal areas at KPMG. These should be of interest to you if you want to be an analyst focused on big data and don’t want to travel.

You can expect a better work-life balance at KPMG than at the other Big 4 but do expect to work hard and for long hours during certain seasons. The firm is known overall for having a more mellow culture than other massive consulting firms.

KPMG Career Path

The KPMG career progression is well-defined and follows a clear six-level structure. Knowing where you fit and where you are headed helps you plan your professional development from day one.

Analyst: Entry-level role focused on building foundational skills and client support.
Consultant: Takes on more client-facing responsibilities and project ownership.
Senior Consultant: Leads workstreams and mentors junior staff.
Manager: Manages project teams and client relationships directly.
Senior Manager: Oversees multiple engagements and contributes to business development.
Partner / Associate Partner: Top level, responsible for firm growth and major client accounts.

You can expect to spend two to three years at each of the first three levels and four to five years at the Manager and Senior Manager levels before reaching Partner. Unlike PwC, which has Strategy&, or EY, which has Parthenon, KPMG has not invested in a branded strategy group. Even so, the firm offers strong local office flexibility and international opportunities.

KPMG Advisory

KPMG Advisory focuses on technology-driven solutions and operational improvements. Most of the work centers on cost reduction and efficiency for clients. This makes Advisory consultants the "business tweakers" of the consulting world. The pace is demanding, but the work-life balance at KPMG is generally better than at other Big 4 firms. That said, expect long hours during peak seasons.

KPMG Federal Advisory

If you prefer public sector work and a more predictable schedule, KPMG Federal Advisory is worth considering. Federal clients typically operate standard business hours, which is unusual in consulting. The trade-off is that, according to Management Consulted's salary data, federal practice salaries tend to run lower than those in commercial advisory roles.

Internal Roles to Avoid (If You Want Consulting)

Business Support Services and Innovations and Technology are internal functions at KPMG. These roles are appropriate if you want to focus on big data analysis without travel, but they will not build a consulting track record. Avoid them if your goal is client-facing consulting experience and strong exit opportunities.

KPMG Salary and Compensation

KPMG offers competitive compensation that is broadly in line with other Big 4 firms, though it can lag behind MBB consulting salaries. According to Management Consulted's salary data, Big 4 Advisory consultants at the analyst level typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 in base salary, with total compensation rising significantly at the Manager and Senior Manager levels. Federal Advisory roles will generally fall at the lower end of these ranges.

Level	Typical Years at Level	Compensation Range (Approximate)
Analyst	2 to 3 years	$70,000 to $90,000
Consultant	2 to 3 years	$90,000 to $110,000
Senior Consultant	2 to 3 years	$110,000 to $135,000
Manager	4 to 5 years	$135,000 to $175,000
Senior Manager	4 to 5 years	$175,000 to $220,000
Partner	Ongoing	$300,000 and above

For the most up-to-date figures, see Management Consulted's full consulting salary guide.

KPMG Culture & Benefits

KPMG's culture is built around integrity and respect for employees. The firm maintains a strong hierarchical structure, which is expected at an organization of its size. Your voice may not carry as far as it would at a boutique firm, but the structure provides clear expectations and career milestones.

Employee Benefits

KPMG offers a comprehensive benefits package that is competitive with other large professional services firms:

Health and Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
Four Weeks of Paid Time Off to Start
Paid Holidays

KPMG Job Openings: How to Find and Apply

Finding the right KPMG role requires a focused approach. Use the steps below to maximize your chances of landing a call back.

Where to Search for KPMG Jobs

The KPMG careers website lists hundreds of open positions across the United States and globally. Use the keyword search feature, for example searching "Manager" or "Advisory," and filter by your preferred location. Always navigate to Advisory jobs specifically. You can also browse consulting opportunities on the Management Consulted Jobs Board for roles across top firms including KPMG.

For students and recent graduates, KPMG hires over 4,000 entry-level analysts and more than 3,500 interns each year. The firm maintains a dedicated campus recruiting page separate from its main careers portal. KPMG also offers a career pathfinder quiz to help you identify which role fits you best, though you should still target Advisory roles as your primary choice.

How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step

Choose Your Location: You can list a first and second location preference, but your first choice is most likely to be reviewed. Be certain it is where you actually want to work.
Target Advisory Roles Only: Apply exclusively to Advisory positions. Applying to Tax, Audit, or internal functions will limit your consulting exit opportunities significantly.
Match Your Level: Apply for roles that match or exceed your current title and salary. Do not trade down in position or pay. Review Management Consulted's salary data to understand where you should be entering.
Leave Current Salary Blank If Possible: If the application allows you to skip this field, do so. Your target compensation should be at or above your current salary plus one year of growth.
Get a Referral Before You Apply: A single employee referral can increase your odds of getting a call back by over 80 percent. Network with current KPMG employees before submitting your application.

Tips For Applying Online

When you apply online, you need to:

Know your desired KPMG location. You can provide your first and second location choices, but your first is likely all that will be reviewed. Make sure your first choice is where want to go.
Apply to KPMG Advisory. Be certain that you apply to the Advisory function (e.g., not audit or tax or internal roles). This would severely limit your exit opportunities. Why? You would be pigeonholed within those functions and not seen as someone who could handle a strategic consulting role.
Include level of role. Ensure you include the level of role you are looking for when you apply. Our advice: never trade down in position or salary. You can go lateral or go up in position. If you have no idea what the relationship is between a KPMG salary and role and your current salary and role, review salaries here.
Leave current salary blank if possible. Again, never trade down - your new salary should be close to your current pay + one year.

Keep in mind that you can find hundreds of positions right now with KPMG, and there are even more opportunities if you want to work globally. We recommend you use KPMG’s keyword search (e.g., keyword “Manager”) and filter for your location of choice. Just remember, you want “Advisory Jobs” as seen in the below snapshot from KPMG’s website:

The KPMG Global Referral Program

KPMG runs a Global Referral program that is listed at the bottom of its careers page. This program is easy to overlook but worth pursuing. Connecting with someone already at KPMG who can refer you through this program dramatically improves your chances of being seen by recruiters. Focus your networking efforts on Advisory professionals at the Manager level and above.

KPMG Exit Opportunities

KPMG Advisory provides meaningful exit opportunities, particularly for those who have focused on client-facing roles. The KPMG brand is recognized across industries, and experience in operational improvement and technology-driven consulting transfers well to corporate strategy roles, internal consulting teams, and other professional services firms. Those who join Tax or Audit and later want to pivot to consulting will find the transition significantly harder, which is why role selection from the start matters so much.

Networking within KPMG is just as important as networking to get in. Once hired, build relationships with leaders above your level and position yourself on high-visibility projects. In a firm with tens of thousands of employees, standing out requires deliberate effort.

Is KPMG a Good Place to Work?

KPMG is generally considered a good place to work, especially for those entering professional services. The firm offers strong benefits, a clear career path, and a culture focused on integrity and respect. About 69 percent of employees on Glassdoor say they would recommend it to a friend. Work-life balance is better than most Big 4 peers, though demanding seasons are still common. The experience and brand name you build at KPMG open doors at many other firms and corporations.

What Does KPMG Look for in Candidates?

KPMG looks for candidates who are analytical, client-focused, and collaborative. For Advisory roles, technical skills in areas like data analysis, process improvement, and technology implementation are valued. Strong communication skills matter at every level. For entry-level hires, KPMG recruits heavily from target universities and values internship experience, leadership involvement, and a strong academic record. For experienced hires, demonstrated project management and client relationship skills are key.

How Hard Is It to Get a Job at KPMG?

Getting a job at KPMG is competitive but achievable with the right preparation. The firm receives a high volume of applications, so standing out requires a strong resume, a targeted application to the right function, and ideally an employee referral. For campus hires, securing an internship is the most reliable path to a full-time offer. For experienced candidates, networking directly with KPMG Advisory professionals before applying significantly improves your odds of receiving a call back.

What Are the Best KPMG Advisory Service Lines?

The strongest consulting opportunities within KPMG sit in its Advisory division, particularly in Management Consulting, Deal Advisory, and Risk Consulting. Management Consulting at KPMG focuses on operational improvement and technology-enabled transformation. Deal Advisory covers mergers and acquisitions support. Risk Consulting addresses regulatory, financial, and operational risk for clients. Each of these service lines offers client-facing work and solid exit opportunities compared to internal or compliance-focused roles.

Does KPMG Hire Internationally?

Yes, KPMG operates in over 140 countries and actively hires for international roles. U.S.-based employees can pursue global mobility opportunities after establishing themselves in their home office. International experience is especially valued at the Manager level and above. KPMG's Global Referral program also extends across borders, making international networking a useful strategy for candidates interested in roles outside the United States.

KPMG Careers FAQ

Is KPMG good for consulting careers?

Yes. KPMG Advisory offers strong consulting experience, solid exit opportunities, and better work-life balance than many Big 4 peers.

Which KPMG roles should I apply to?

Apply only to KPMG Advisory roles if you want consulting experience. Avoid Tax, Audit, and internal support roles for consulting-focused careers.

What is the KPMG career path?

KPMG follows a structured path: Analyst, Consultant, Senior Consultant, Manager, Senior Manager, and Partner.

What is the starting salary at KPMG?

KPMG Advisory analysts typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 in base salary.

Do referrals help when applying to KPMG?

Yes. A KPMG employee referral can increase your chances of getting a callback by more than 80 percent.

KPMG Job – Worth Pursuing

A KPMG career is a good option for the experience, training and compensation provided. It may be lagging the Big 4 pack as far as consulting goes, but it still carries some serious brand recognition and exit opportunities that correlate.

You will need to network with current KPMG employees for referrals ahead of applying to KPMG. Once hired, continue networking with key employees above your level to ensure you are working on the right projects that get you the visibility needed to move up at KPMG. This is a large firm, and the right connections and projects will help you to stand out from the rest.