How to Apply for a Job at KPMG
Your complete guide to landing a position at KPMG. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting hired.
8 Steps to Apply at KPMG
Research KPMG's Australian Operations and Service Lines
Before applying to KPMG Australia, spend time understanding their specific service offerings across Advisory, Audit, Tax, and Deal Advisory. Visit their Australian website and LinkedIn to understand current client work, industry focus areas, and recent case studies. This research will help you tailor your application to KPMG's specific strengths and show genuine interest in their organization.
Identify the Right Role at KPMG for Your Background
KPMG Australia currently has limited open positions, so identifying the right fit is critical. Review their career page carefully and assess how your experience aligns with roles like Integration Architect or Senior SR&ED Consultant positions. If no perfect match exists, consider roles in their Human Resources or Talent Acquisition teams, where KPMG frequently hires specialists and generalists.
Craft a KPMG-Specific Resume Highlighting Relevant Experience
Tailor your resume to emphasize experience relevant to KPMG's core service lines and consulting methodology. If applying for technical roles, highlight system integration, architecture, or software engineering experience. For HR roles at KPMG, emphasize talent acquisition, organizational development, or HR business partnership experience. Use KPMG's language and frameworks where appropriate to demonstrate familiarity with their approach.
Prepare Examples of Complex Problem-Solving
KPMG values consultants who can navigate complex business challenges. Prepare 3-4 specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) that demonstrate your ability to solve ambiguous problems, work across teams, and deliver measurable business impact. These examples should reflect the type of work KPMG does with Fortune 500 and mid-market clients.
Verify Your International Eligibility if Applicable
If you're applying from outside Australia, research KPMG's visa sponsorship policies early. While KPMG has strong visa sponsorship history globally—with over 8,100 H-1B approvals in the US and 165 LMIA approvals in Canada—Australian sponsorship requirements may differ. Contact KPMG recruiters directly to understand their current sponsorship capacity for your location.
Connect with KPMG Recruiters Before Submitting Your Application
KPMG has 63 HR and recruitment professionals in their database, making direct recruiter outreach highly effective. Identify relevant recruiters on their careers page or through email outreach, and establish a connection before formally applying. A warm introduction can significantly improve your application's visibility in KPMG's selective hiring process.
Submit Your Application Through KPMG's Official Careers Portal
Complete your application through KPMG Australia's official careers website with all required materials: resume, cover letter, and any assessment responses. Ensure your application is error-free and submitted well before any stated deadlines. KPMG's selective hiring process means attention to detail in your submission materials matters significantly.
Follow Up Strategically After Application Submission
After submitting your application, wait 5-7 business days before following up with a relevant KPMG recruiter via email. Reference your specific application and role, and reiterate your interest in KPMG's work. Given KPMG's limited open positions, a thoughtful follow-up can help your application stand out in their pipeline.
Reach hiring managers at KPMG
What KPMG Recruiters Look For
- Demonstrated understanding of KPMG's service lines (Advisory, Audit, Tax, Deal Advisory) and how your skills align with their consulting approach
- Evidence of complex problem-solving ability with quantifiable business outcomes from previous roles
- Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Proactive attitude toward professional development and continuous learning, reflecting KPMG's culture of growth
- Cultural fit with KPMG's values around integrity, excellence, and client-focused delivery
- Relevant technical skills or expertise specific to the role (architecture, software engineering, HR systems, etc.)
- Track record of working effectively in team environments and collaborating across different functions
Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to KPMG
- Submitting a generic resume without tailoring it to KPMG's specific service lines or the particular role you're applying for
- Failing to research KPMG's recent client work and industry focus areas, missing opportunities to demonstrate genuine interest
- Overlooking the importance of connecting with KPMG recruiters before applying—given their selective hiring with only 2 tracked open positions, visibility matters
- Writing a cover letter that could apply to any consulting firm rather than explaining why KPMG specifically aligns with your career goals
- Neglecting to verify visa sponsorship eligibility early if you're an international candidate, potentially wasting time on applications you can't pursue
- Applying to roles at KPMG without understanding the technical or functional requirements, leading to misalignment during interviews
KPMG Application FAQ
How competitive is it to get hired at KPMG Australia right now?
KPMG Australia has a selective hiring approach with limited open positions currently tracked. This means competition is high for each available role, but it also means KPMG invests heavily in finding the right candidates. Your best strategy is to make a strong connection with KPMG recruiters early and tailor your application specifically to the role and organization. While KPMG's global hiring is substantial—evidenced by their 8,100+ H-1B approvals in the US alone—their Australian office operates more selectively, making direct recruiter engagement essential for standing out.
What should I emphasize in my resume when applying to KPMG?
Focus on experience that directly relates to KPMG's core service areas: client advisory work, process improvement, technology implementation, or organizational transformation. Use specific metrics and business outcomes—KPMG values consultants who can quantify impact. If applying for technical roles like Integration Architect, emphasize your system architecture and implementation experience. For HR roles at KPMG, highlight talent acquisition, organizational development, or HR technology expertise. Include any experience with Fortune 500 or complex organizational clients, as this demonstrates understanding of KPMG's typical client base.
Does KPMG sponsor work visas for international candidates applying to Australia?
KPMG has a strong track record of visa sponsorship globally—they've sponsored over 8,100 H-1B visas in the US between 2009-2023 and 165 LMIA positions in Canada from 2015-2025. However, Australian visa sponsorship policies and KPMG's current capacity may differ. Contact KPMG recruiters directly to discuss your visa situation early in the process. Being transparent about sponsorship needs before applying allows KPMG to evaluate your candidacy realistically and prevents surprises later in the hiring process.
What's the typical timeline for getting hired at KPMG?
Given KPMG's selective hiring process with limited open positions, timelines can vary significantly. Initial application review typically takes 1-2 weeks, followed by phone screenings with recruiters if you're selected. For professional-level roles, expect 2-4 additional rounds including technical assessments, case interviews, and final interviews with senior leaders. The entire process from application to offer can take 4-8 weeks depending on the role and hiring urgency. Staying in touch with your KPMG recruiter contact can help you understand where you are in their timeline.
Should I apply for a Human Resources role at KPMG if I don't see my ideal position open?
Absolutely. KPMG actively hires across Human Resources roles—they regularly fill positions for HR Specialists, HR Generalists, Associate Directors of HR, and Talent Acquisition leaders. If you have HR experience and are genuinely interested in KPMG's culture and mission, these roles can be excellent entry points. HR teams at KPMG often help facilitate internal transfers and development opportunities, so joining in an HR capacity can open doors to other functions. Research these specific HR roles and connect with KPMG's HR recruiters to express interest.