Company: KPMG
Date: 2008-10-07
Overall rating: 3/5
Employment status: current

KPMG Pros & Cons
Pros: Working at KPMG allows you the opportunity to network with many individuals across numerous industries. In some cases, it's almost like a fraternity or sorority.  In addition, you are also able to experience the business issues faced across different organizations that help you gain a bigger picture about a specific problem.  Good Resume Builder.  

Also, working at KPMG offers you the flexibility that most industry jobs do not offer.  As a consultant, you are always on the go and reporting to different clients.  This means that you must really learn to manage your time effectively to meet your clients needs and also your personal time.  Given this understanding, management often allow you to work from home when necessary.  In addition, the vacation package is higher than most industry jobs.  

Job Security at Audit Firms are typically good.  Publically traded companies are mandated by the Government to be audited and therefore, there is a steady stream of work to be performed in this industry.
Cons: KPMG is operated under a Partnership.  As in all partnership, it appears that it is difficult to control the organization and steer it in one direction as a corporation would be able to.  Each regional office appears to have their own agenda, and the partners themselves do not always appear to be in-sync with the company direction.  It's oftenly appears like an "every man for themselves" type atmostphere... espeicially when the business environment is like the way it is these days.  

The pay at KPMG is sub-par compared to industry jobs, especially in the Southwest Region (TX, LA, CO, AR).  While the Oil & Gas sector has exploded, the pay at KPMG for similar type work has not been able to match what industry is paying.  It is not uncommon to hear people leaving KPMG for 20-30% salary increases.   

 Often, the notion of Work Life Balance is false.  It is not uncommon for Staff and Management to work 60 hour work weeks, especially during the year-end audit busy seasons.  Advisory management in the southwest often mandate 50 hour work weeks to their staff in order to meet year-end goals.  Managing this type of lifestyle is not always easy and is typically the reason why people leave for other jobs.