Company: KPMG
Date: 2017-09-19
Overall rating: 3/5
Employment status: current
Experience level: Junior

All depends on the partner
Pros: The framework is there for KPMG to be a good company for which to work. 

-There are many ways to get engaged at the company, from diversity programs, to literacy, to running clubs.  Tons of way to get involved.  
-  Tends to be very well-mannered.  You won't hear the "f-bomb" too often
-  Pays well  (Full disclosure --  I entered at the executive level)
-  Benefits are fine (but I have always worked for a large company so I would say they are on par for large companies)
-  offices are ok - there are some new ones being built, but the old one are ok too -- just a little boring looking
Cons: The largest con is that none of the above will matter at all if you are assigned to a bad partner -- and there are plenty of them.  There are tons of middle-aged, white men with decaying skills desperately trying to stay relevant.  If you end of working for one of these folks, you are in for it!  
-  no face-to-face discussions
-  HIGHLY political
-  No sense of meritocracy -- only matters if a partner likes you.  If you are liked, then you are safe and regularly promoted (regardless of your skill)
-  Because the skills are decaying and the need to stay relevant is strong - the environment tends to be very fearful.  People are scared - so scared.
-  Even though the company really wants to stand for integrity - this environment of fear is driving very bad behavior- Google KPMG South Africa or KPMG PCAOB.  Everyone acts SO SHOCKED every time this happens, but it is because the company is so darn scared it is driving partners to behave badly.  Don't get me wrong, there are some great partners and if you are assigned to one of the good ones, you will probably enjoy your time at KPMG -  a lot.  However, there is no way to enjoy the company if you are assigned to one of the bad ones.  Honestly, I have met more bad than good.