KPMG Associate Consultant Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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161

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting online.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why do you want to join KPMG?
      • Describe a time when you worked in a team and faced a conflict. How did you resolve it?
      • What do you know about the role of an Associate Consultant?
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared a concise introduction highlighting my relevant experience.
      • Researched KPMG’s values and recent projects to align my answers.
      • Used the STAR method to structure my response for the situational question.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and was invited for the next telephonic interview.

  • Round 2 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you handle tight deadlines?
      • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
      • Can you explain a complex problem you solved recently?
      • How do you stay updated with industry trends?
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on providing specific examples for each question.
      • Balanced my strengths and weaknesses to show self-awareness.
      • Linked my problem-solving example to skills relevant to the role.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed and moved to the final face-to-face/VC interview.

  • Round 3 - Face-to-Face/VC Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk me through your resume.
      • How would you approach a client who is unhappy with our services?
      • What tools or methodologies do you use for data analysis?
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    • Your Approach:
      • Summarized my resume focusing on key achievements.
      • Demonstrated problem-solving and client management skills.
      • Highlighted my familiarity with tools like Excel and SQL.
      • Aligned my career goals with the growth opportunities at KPMG.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and was offered the position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, including its culture, values, and recent projects.
  • Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Be ready to discuss your resume in detail, focusing on relevant experiences.
  • Brush up on technical skills related to the role, such as data analysis tools.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key to success was thorough preparation and staying calm during the interviews. I would advise future candidates to focus on articulating their experiences clearly and aligning their answers with the company’s expectations. Good luck!

162

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: Hyderabad (Interview conducted at ICFAI Business School)

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad, in August 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and aligned to make it easy for the recruiter to read.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Basic Maths, English, and Logical Reasoning questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by revising basic concepts and practicing sample aptitude questions.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round (Technical):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Walk me through your CV.
      2. Without the help of the internet, calculate the number of white cars sold in Mumbai every year (methodology was the focus).
      3. Estimate the number of Reynolds pens sold in Gurgaon every year.
      4. What is financial modeling, and why do you require it?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the CV walkthrough, I highlighted relevant experiences and skills.
      • For estimation questions, I used logical assumptions and structured thinking.
      • For financial modeling, I explained its purpose and importance in decision-making.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - One-on-one Round (Scenario-based):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. While working late at night, you realize the data you’ve been working on for two weeks has missing information. No seniors are available, and the submission is due tonight. How do you handle this?
      2. If the missing data was the client’s fault, how would you communicate this to them?
      3. What if it was your own mistake?
      4. What if it was your boss’s mistake?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I suggested documenting the issue and trying to fill gaps with reasonable assumptions.
      • For communication scenarios, I emphasized professionalism and transparency.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Will you be comfortable working in Mumbai?
      2. How do you see your career path at our firm?
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly about my willingness to relocate and shared my long-term career aspirations.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly review your CV, as questions will be based on it.
  • Practice estimation and scenario-based questions to improve logical thinking.
  • Be honest in your answers; they value transparency over fancy responses.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was structured and tested both technical and soft skills. Being honest and methodical in my approach helped me succeed. For future candidates, focus on clarity in communication and logical problem-solving. Honesty and confidence go a long way!

163

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why do you want to join KPMG?
      • Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared a concise introduction highlighting my academic and extracurricular achievements.
      • Researched KPMG’s values and aligned my answer to reflect them.
      • Used the STAR method to structure my leadership example.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you handle tight deadlines?
      • Share an example of a time you worked in a team.
      • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • Your Approach:
      • Provided a real-life example of managing deadlines during a college project.
      • Highlighted teamwork skills with a focus on collaboration and conflict resolution.
      • Balanced strengths with a genuine weakness and how I’m working on it.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed and proceeded to the final round.

  • Round 3 - Face-to-Face/VC Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Walk me through your resume.
      • How would you approach a problem with conflicting stakeholder interests?
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    • Your Approach:
      • Summarized my resume, focusing on relevant experiences.
      • Used a structured approach (identify, analyze, resolve) for the stakeholder question.
      • Aligned my 5-year plan with career growth at KPMG.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s culture and values thoroughly.
  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Prepare concise and impactful answers for common HR questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more situational questions. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be authentic, and align your answers with the company’s ethos. Good luck!

164

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: Not specified

Application Process:
The recruitment process for KPMG involved multiple profiles, including Strategy and Operations Consulting and Edu Analyst. There was no written test; candidates were shortlisted directly based on their resumes. A CGPA cutoff of around 7 seemed to be applied for shortlisting.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Experience: Candidates were shortlisted based on their resumes. The shortlisting criteria appeared to include a CGPA cutoff of approximately 7.

  • Outcome: Shortlisted for further rounds.

  • Round 2 - Guesstimate Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Estimate the number of affordable homes needed to be constructed in Andhra Pradesh under a new government project.

  • Your Approach: The interview was conducted by two interviewers. Despite minimal preparation, the candidate focused on structuring the problem logically and performing simple calculations on the spot. Mistakes were corrected with the interviewers’ guidance.

  • Outcome: Successfully solved the problem with interviewer assistance.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell us about yourself.
    • Why do you want to choose consulting as your career now?
    • What skills do you possess that are suitable for this role?
    • List 10 components of a mobile tower (a test of perseverance).
    • Do you plan to pursue an MBA after this role?
    • Discuss your experience in marketing (based on resume).
    • Talk about your love for traveling.
    • What is special about Delhi (where you have lived for 4 years)?
    • Preferred place of posting (including willingness to relocate to Kolkata).
    • Questions about college work mentioned in the resume.

  • Your Approach: The candidate answered honestly and confidently, maintaining eye contact and building a rapport with the panel. The interviewers created a stress environment but also engaged in friendly conversation.

  • Outcome: The candidate’s honesty and communication skills impressed the panel.

Preparation Tips:

  • Guesstimates and Case Studies: Practice structuring problems and performing quick calculations. Resources like “Case in Point” can help with case study preparation.
  • HR Questions: Prepare answers for common HR questions (e.g., strengths, career goals) but remain honest and authentic.
  • Communication Skills: Work on clear and confident communication. Treat the interview as a conversation with friends or family to ease nervousness.
  • General Test Prep: For companies with written tests, use CAT books and online resources for practice.

Conclusion:
The overall experience with KPMG was positive. The key takeaways were the importance of honesty, confidence, and logical problem-solving. While preparation is helpful, the ability to think on your feet and communicate effectively is equally crucial. For future candidates, focus on being genuine, structured in your approach, and comfortable with numbers.

165

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: Hyderabad

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad, in August 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and aligned to make it easy for the recruiter to read.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

  • Questions Asked: Basic Maths, English, and Logical Reasoning questions.

  • Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and speed, as the questions were not very difficult.

  • Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round (Technical/Problem-Solving):

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Walk me through your CV.
    2. Without the help of the internet, calculate the number of white cars sold in Mumbai every year (methodology was the focus).
    3. Estimate the number of Reynolds pens sold in Gurgaon every year.
    4. What is financial modeling, and why do you require it?

  • Your Approach:

    • For the CV walkthrough, I highlighted relevant experiences and skills.
    • For estimation questions, I broke down the problem logically and explained my assumptions clearly.
    • For the financial modeling question, I provided a concise definition and its importance in decision-making.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - One-on-one Round (Situational/Behavioral):

  • Questions Asked:

    1. How would you handle missing data in a client submission due that night, with no seniors available?
    2. How would you communicate to the client if the missing data was their fault?
    3. What if it was your own mistake?
    4. What if it was your boss’s mistake?

  • Your Approach:

    • Emphasized problem-solving and accountability, ensuring the client’s needs were met while maintaining professionalism.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Will you be comfortable working in Mumbai?
    2. How do you see your career path at our firm?

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly about my willingness to relocate and shared my long-term career aspirations aligned with the firm’s growth.

  • Outcome: Received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly review your CV, as questions will be based on it.
  • Practice estimation and problem-solving questions to improve logical thinking.
  • Be honest in your responses; authenticity is valued.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was structured and tested both technical and behavioral skills. Being honest and methodical in my approach helped me succeed. For future candidates, focus on clarity in communication and logical problem-solving.

166

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: Not specified

Application Process: The application process involved resume shortlisting directly by KPMG for various profiles, including Strategy and Operations Consulting and Edu Analyst. There seemed to be a CGPA cutoff of 7 for shortlisting candidates.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: None explicitly mentioned.

  • Your Approach: Ensured the resume highlighted relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Shortlisted for further rounds.

  • Round 2 - Guesstimate Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Estimate the number of affordable homes needed to be constructed in Andhra Pradesh according to a new government project.

  • Your Approach: Structured the problem logically, used basic calculations, and corrected mistakes with interviewer guidance.

  • Outcome: Successfully solved the problem with interviewer assistance.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Tell us about yourself.
    2. Why do you want to choose consulting as your career now?
    3. What skills do you have suitable for consulting? List 5.
    4. Name 10 components of a mobile tower (using perseverance as a quality).
    5. Do you want to pursue an MBA after this?
    6. Discussion on marketing experience from your resume.
    7. Talk about your love for traveling.
    8. What is special about Delhi?
    9. Preferred place of posting and willingness to relocate to Calcutta.
    10. Questions about college work mentioned in the resume.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and confidently, maintained eye contact, and built a connection with the panel.

  • Outcome: Positive feedback and successful progression.

Preparation Tips:

  • Prepare for guesstimates, case studies, and puzzles using resources like “Case in Point” for case studies and online materials for guesstimates and puzzles.
  • Practice mental math and problem structuring.
  • Be honest and confident in HR interviews; prepare answers for common questions like strengths and career motivations.
  • Improve communication skills to present yourself effectively.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was enriching, with a mix of technical and HR challenges. Being honest and confident helped build a connection with the interviewers. Preparation, especially for problem-solving and HR questions, is crucial. Practicing mental math and structuring problems logically can significantly improve performance. Remember, “Dil ki baat dil pe hi lagti hai”—being genuine goes a long way!

167

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: Hyderabad (Interview conducted at ICFAI Business School)

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad, in August 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and aligned to make it easy for the recruiter to read.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Basic Maths, English, and Logical Reasoning questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by revising fundamental concepts and practicing sample questions.
    • Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round (Technical):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Walk me through your CV.
      2. Without the help of the internet, calculate the number of white cars sold in Mumbai every year (focus on the method).
      3. Estimate the number of Reynolds pens sold in Gurgaon every year.
      4. What is financial modeling, and why do you require it?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the CV walkthrough, I highlighted my relevant experiences and skills.
      • For the estimation questions, I broke down the problem logically and explained my thought process.
      • For the financial modeling question, I provided a clear definition and its importance in decision-making.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - One-on-one Round (Situational):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. While working late at night, you realize the data you’ve been working on for two weeks has missing information. No seniors are available, and the submission is due tonight. How do you handle this?
      2. If the missing data was the client’s fault, how would you communicate this to them?
      3. What if it was your own mistake?
      4. What if it was your boss’s mistake?
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on problem-solving and maintaining professionalism in all scenarios.
      • Emphasized transparency and accountability in my responses.
    • Outcome: Proceeded to the final HR round.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Will you be comfortable working in Mumbai?
      2. How do you see your career path at our firm?
    • Your Approach:
      • Answered honestly about my willingness to relocate and my career aspirations.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly review your CV to ensure you can discuss every detail confidently.
  • Practice estimation and situational questions to improve logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Be honest in your responses; authenticity is valued.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but fair. The key was staying calm and thinking logically, especially in the situational rounds. Being honest and transparent helped me build trust with the interviewers. For future candidates, focus on clarity in your answers and practice breaking down complex problems into manageable steps.

168

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Associate Consultant

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why do you want to join KPMG?
    • Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.
    • Basic questions about my resume and projects.

  • Your Approach:

    • Prepared a concise introduction highlighting my skills and experiences.
    • Researched KPMG’s values and recent projects to align my answers.
    • Used the STAR method for situational questions.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Telephonic Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • More in-depth questions about my technical skills.
    • How do you handle working under pressure?
    • Scenario-based questions related to consulting.

  • Your Approach:

    • Focused on demonstrating problem-solving skills.
    • Provided examples from past experiences to showcase adaptability.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.

  • Round 3 - Face-to-Face/VC Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Case study discussion.
    • Behavioral questions like teamwork and leadership.
    • Technical questions relevant to the role.

  • Your Approach:

    • Structured my case study answers logically.
    • Highlighted teamwork experiences with measurable outcomes.
    • Stayed calm and composed throughout.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies and situational questions.
  • Research the company thoroughly.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.

Conclusion:

The interview process was thorough but fair. Preparing well and staying confident helped me perform better. I would advise future candidates to focus on their problem-solving skills and company research.