KPMG Business Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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KPMG Business Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I was approached by the company for this role and interviewed before April 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • A basic introduction round where I shared my career goals.
    • Your Approach: I focused on being confident and clear about my career aspirations.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions mainly related to contract law and team communication.
    • Your Approach: I shared my knowledge of contract law and emphasized the importance of hierarchical communication in a corporate workplace.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Round 3 - Aptitude Test Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • This round tested communication and listening skills.
    • Your Approach: I ensured clarity in my responses and actively listened to the instructions.
    • Outcome: Successfully completed this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be genuine and confident during the interview.
  • If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to admit it honestly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt prepared for each round. Being honest and confident helped me navigate the questions effectively. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on clarity in communication and brushing up on relevant topics like contract law and corporate communication.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Location: India

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:

    • Questions Asked: Resume review and shortlisting.
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test Round:

    • Questions Asked: General aptitude test covering quantitative, logical reasoning, and verbal sections.
    • Your Approach: Practiced sample aptitude questions beforehand to improve speed and accuracy.
    • Outcome: Qualified for the next round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked: Brief discussion on my CV.
    • Your Approach: Prepared to explain every detail on my resume confidently.
    • Outcome: Successfully moved to the next stage.

  • Round 4 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Technical questions related to my specialization.
    • Your Approach: Revised core concepts and recent projects to answer technical queries effectively.
    • Outcome: Cleared the technical round.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Generic HR questions about my background, strengths, and motivations.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned my responses with the role and company values.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on making your resume crisp and relevant.
  • Practice aptitude tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Be thorough with your CV and ready to discuss any detail.
  • Revise technical concepts related to your field.
  • Prepare for common HR questions and align your answers with the company’s culture.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for each round, but I could have practiced more aptitude questions to perform even better. My advice to future candidates is to stay confident, be thorough with your resume, and prepare for both technical and HR rounds diligently.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application was part of a campus placement drive. The process began with a presentation by the company, followed by an aptitude test and essay writing.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test and Essay Writing:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Aptitude test: Data Interpretation, basic economics, and accounts questions.
      • Essay topic: “India in 2015” (250-300 words).
    • Your Approach:
      • For the aptitude test, I focused on quick problem-solving and accuracy.
      • For the essay, I structured it with an introduction, key points about India’s progress, and a conclusion.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - HR + Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • General HR questions about my background and interests.
      • Technical questions related to business concepts.
      • Guess estimate questions (e.g., estimating market size for a product).
    • Your Approach:
      • Answered HR questions honestly and confidently.
      • For technical and guess estimate questions, I used logical reasoning and structured my answers clearly.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude tests focusing on Data Interpretation and basic economics.
  • Improve essay writing skills by structuring thoughts clearly and concisely.
  • For guess estimates, practice breaking down problems logically.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-organized. The key was staying calm and structured in my responses. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing guess estimates and being prepared for both technical and HR questions.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application process involved two interview rounds after the initial resume shortlisting.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Details: The first round was a resume screening process. Proper alignment and formatting of the resume were crucial to ensure the recruiter could easily review the details.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Guess estimate question.
      2. Recent business awareness.
    • Your Approach: For the guess estimate question, I used a structured approach to break down the problem and provided logical assumptions. For the business awareness question, I discussed recent trends and news relevant to the industry.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be well-prepared for guess estimate questions by practicing logical problem-solving.
  • Stay updated with recent business news and trends to answer awareness questions confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. Proper resume formatting and staying updated with industry knowledge were key to my success. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on these areas to perform well in the interview.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application process involved three rounds: Resume Shortlist, Aptitude Test, and a One-on-One Interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
    • Your Approach: Ensured the resume was concise, professional, and free of unnecessary personal details like photos, gender, age, or address.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Quantitative questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for quantitative aptitude topics to tackle the test confidently.
    • Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test and moved to the final round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-One Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. “Tell me about yourself.”
      2. “Jj jj jj jj jj.” (This seems like a placeholder or incomplete question.)
    • Your Approach: For the first question, structured the answer to highlight relevant skills and experiences. The second question was unclear, so I sought clarification before responding.
    • Outcome: Awaiting results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be very confident during the interview.
  • Prepare well and ensure clarity on all key concepts related to the role.
  • Focus on skills like secondary research, service quality, verbal communication, accounting, AML, RFP, interpersonal skills, and proposals.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was structured and tested both technical and interpersonal skills. Confidence and preparation were key. For future candidates, I recommend thorough preparation and clarity on your resume details to avoid any unnecessary hurdles.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application process was rigorous, with an initial CGPA requirement of 7.0. I applied through the campus placement drive, which included multiple rounds to assess both technical and soft skills.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude and Excel Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test covered quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and Excel-based questions to assess data handling skills.
    • Your Approach: I brushed up on basic aptitude topics like percentages, ratios, and data interpretation. For Excel, I practiced functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and basic formulas.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions revolved around accounting and finance fundamentals, such as journal entries, financial statements, and basic taxation concepts.
    • Your Approach: I revised my accounting notes and focused on practical applications of concepts. I also prepared for case-based questions.
    • Outcome: The interviewers were friendly and provided hints when I got stuck. I managed to clear this round as well.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why KPMG?” and situational questions like “How would you handle a tight deadline?”
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values. I also shared examples from past experiences to demonstrate my skills.
    • Outcome: The recruiters were supportive, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on aptitude and Excel skills, as they are crucial for the initial rounds.
  • Revise accounting and finance basics thoroughly, especially practical applications.
  • Practice behavioral questions and align your answers with the company’s culture.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was challenging but well-structured. The recruiters were helpful, which made the experience less stressful. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for the technical aspects and stay confident during the HR round. Good luck!

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application process involved a two-step interview process. The first step included an aptitude test and an HR round, followed by a face-to-face technical interview in the second step.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test & HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: The aptitude test included general aptitude questions, and there was a written essay at the end to assess communication skills. The HR round focused on basic questions about my background, interests, and why I wanted to join KPMG.
    • Your Approach: For the aptitude test, I practiced beforehand using general aptitude resources. For the essay, I ensured clarity and coherence in my writing. In the HR round, I answered honestly and confidently, aligning my responses with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The technical round was challenging and included questions related to business concepts, problem-solving scenarios, and situational judgment.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing business fundamentals and case studies. I also practiced structuring my answers logically and clearly.
    • Outcome: The interview was tough, but I felt I performed well overall.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude tests and essay writing to improve speed and clarity.
  • Brush up on business fundamentals and case studies for the technical round.
  • Be prepared to align your answers with the company’s values and culture during the HR round.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was positive, though the technical round was quite challenging. I would advise future candidates to focus on both aptitude and business knowledge, and to practice structuring their answers clearly. The written essay is a great opportunity to showcase communication skills, so don’t overlook it!

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application process involved an AMCAT test followed by technical and HR rounds. Candidates could only advance to the next round upon clearing the previous one.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - AMCAT Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included sections to assess aptitude, logical reasoning, and domain-specific knowledge relevant to the role.
    • Your Approach: I focused on practicing aptitude and logical reasoning questions beforehand and brushed up on basic business concepts.
    • Outcome: Cleared the test and advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my understanding of business processes, problem-solving skills, and how I would handle specific scenarios in a business environment.
    • Your Approach: I structured my answers using real-life examples and emphasized my analytical skills.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and moved to the final HR round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions revolved around my motivation for joining KPMG, career goals, and how I handle teamwork and challenges.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers honest and aligned them with the company’s values and culture.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude and logical reasoning questions regularly.
  • Brush up on basic business concepts and be ready to apply them in real-world scenarios.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and how they align with the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and focused on assessing both technical and interpersonal skills. Staying calm and being well-prepared helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation and confidence in your abilities.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application was through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Time and distance problems, circular motion, relative speed.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving quantitative problems quickly and accurately, revising basic physics concepts for circular motion.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions related to business scenarios, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
    • Your Approach: Used structured thinking to break down problems and provided clear, logical solutions.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Case Discussion Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Guesstimates and case study problems.
    • Your Approach: Approached guesstimates by breaking them into smaller, manageable parts and used frameworks for case studies.
    • Outcome: Performed well and moved to the final round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions about motivation, teamwork, and career goals.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned responses with the company’s values and culture.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude problems regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Brush up on basic physics concepts for quantitative rounds.
  • Use frameworks like MECE for case studies and guesstimates.
  • Prepare for HR questions by reflecting on past experiences and aligning them with the role.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-structured. The key was staying calm and thinking logically in each round. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for aptitude and case studies, as they form a major part of the selection process.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process at my university. The initial step involved submitting my resume and academic details, followed by an online assessment.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude and Language Assessment:

    • Questions Asked: This round tested quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and English language skills. The questions were multiple-choice and time-bound.
    • Your Approach: I practiced previous aptitude tests and brushed up on grammar rules to prepare. During the test, I managed my time carefully to ensure I attempted all questions.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round and moved on to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Personality and Fitment Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my strengths, weaknesses, and how I handle stress. They also inquired about my understanding of KPMG’s values and why I wanted to join the company.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my answers with KPMG’s core values and provided examples from my past experiences to demonstrate my fit.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses, and I advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical and HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This was a combined round. The technical part included basic questions about business concepts and case studies. The HR part covered my career goals, salary expectations, and willingness to relocate.
    • Your Approach: I revised fundamental business concepts and prepared a few case study frameworks beforehand. For the HR questions, I was honest and concise.
    • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude tests and language exercises regularly.
  • Research the company’s values and culture thoroughly.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Brush up on basic business concepts and case study frameworks.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies to feel even more confident. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be yourself, and ensure your answers reflect the company’s values. Good luck!

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interests, and why I wanted to join KPMG.
    • Your Approach: I stayed confident and honest, sharing my genuine interests and experiences.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about problem-solving, teamwork, and a few situational scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and kept my responses concise and relevant.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident and authentic in your responses.
  • Prepare in advance and have a unique skill or story to share to stand out.
  • Research the company and role thoroughly.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was one of my best interviews. The key was staying true to myself and being prepared. The interviewers were very experienced, so honesty and confidence went a long way. I’d advise future candidates to focus on their unique strengths and practice articulating their thoughts clearly.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The questions were technical in nature, but the candidate felt they were more suited for IT professionals.
    • Your Approach: The candidate prepared thoroughly and answered all questions correctly.
    • Outcome: Despite performing well, the candidate was rejected, likely due to being a non-IT fresher.

Conclusion:
The candidate had a frustrating experience as a non-IT fresher. Despite performing well in the interview, they felt the company was biased toward IT candidates. Their advice to other non-IT freshers is to not waste time preparing for KPMG interviews, as the selection process seems to favor IT backgrounds unfairly.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The interview process was well-coordinated. I applied as a fresher and participated in a walk-in interview on the same day. The entire process, from start to finish, took around 10 hours.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: The topic for the group discussion was not disclosed beforehand. It was a general business-related topic where we had to discuss and present our views.
    • Your Approach: I actively participated, listened to others, and contributed relevant points while maintaining a respectful tone.
    • Outcome: I was shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability questions.
    • Your Approach: I managed my time efficiently, focusing on accuracy and attempting questions I was confident about first.
    • Outcome: Cleared the test and moved to the technical rounds.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview 1:

    • Questions Asked: Questions related to my academic background, basic business concepts, and problem-solving scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I answered confidently, linked my academic knowledge to practical scenarios, and gave structured responses.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next technical round.

  • Round 4 - Technical Interview 2:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about business strategies, case studies, and situational analysis.
    • Your Approach: I analyzed the case studies logically, provided well-reasoned solutions, and backed my answers with examples.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and proceeded to the HR interview.

  • Round 5 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my background, career goals, strengths, weaknesses, and why I wanted to join KPMG.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers honest, aligned my goals with the company’s values, and maintained a positive attitude.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic business concepts and current affairs for the group discussion.
  • Practice aptitude tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Review your academic projects and be ready to discuss them in technical rounds.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on your experiences and career aspirations.

Conclusion:
The entire process was rigorous but well-organized. I felt confident because I had prepared thoroughly. For future candidates, I’d advise staying calm, being yourself, and ensuring you understand the basics of business concepts. It’s also important to engage actively in group discussions and communicate clearly in interviews.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process at my university. The recruitment team from KPMG visited our campus, and I submitted my resume and application as part of the initial screening.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview 1:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you walk us through your resume and highlight your key experiences?
      • What were your responsibilities during your past internships?
      • How do your skills align with the role of a Business Associate at KPMG?
    • Your Approach: I focused on structuring my answers clearly, starting with a brief introduction of my background, then diving into specific projects and tasks from my internships. I emphasized transferable skills like analytical thinking and teamwork.
    • Outcome: I advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview 2:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Describe a challenging situation during your internship and how you handled it.
      • How would you approach a problem where data is incomplete or ambiguous?
      • Why do you want to work at KPMG specifically?
    • Your Approach: For the situational question, I used the STAR method to frame my response. For the problem-solving question, I outlined a step-by-step approach, emphasizing adaptability and collaboration. I also researched KPMG’s values and linked them to my career goals.
    • Outcome: I progressed to the final HR round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell us about yourself.
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
      • How do you handle feedback or criticism?
    • Your Approach: I kept my introduction concise and relevant to the role. For the 5-year plan, I balanced ambition with realism, showing my interest in growing within KPMG. For the feedback question, I shared a personal example of how I used constructive criticism to improve.
    • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its core values and recent projects.
  • Practice structuring answers using frameworks like STAR for behavioral questions.
  • Review your resume in detail and be ready to explain every point clearly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more situational questions to improve my spontaneity. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be authentic, and showcase how your experiences align with the role and company culture.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

  • Questions Asked: English, situational-based questions, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, and accounts.

  • Your Approach: Focused on time management and accuracy, especially in the numerical and logical reasoning sections. For accounts, revised basic concepts beforehand.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview 1:

  • Questions Asked: Tell me about yourself, Dupont analysis, Porter’s 5 forces, impact of COVID on the Indian economy, liquidity ratio, and debt-equity ratio.

  • Your Approach: Prepared a structured self-introduction. For technical questions, relied on academic knowledge and recent economic trends. Explained concepts with real-world examples where possible.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview 2:

  • Questions Asked: Logical reasoning and accounts-related questions.

  • Your Approach: Applied logical reasoning techniques and revisited accounting fundamentals. Stayed calm and thought through each question methodically.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: General HR questions about motivation, teamwork, and career goals.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned responses with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Revise basic accounting concepts like ratios and financial analysis.
  • Stay updated with current economic trends and their impacts.
  • Practice logical reasoning and aptitude questions regularly.
  • Prepare a concise and impactful self-introduction.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but manageable with proper preparation. The technical rounds tested both conceptual understanding and application. The HR round was more about fit and motivation. Overall, staying calm and being well-prepared helped me navigate the process smoothly. For future candidates, focus on clarity in communication and a strong grasp of fundamentals.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: I applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting online. The process was straightforward, and I received a confirmation email shortly after submitting my application.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why do you want to join KPMG?
    • Describe a situation where you handled a challenging team dynamic.

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experiences and skills. I also researched KPMG’s values and aligned my responses accordingly.

  • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Excel Test:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Create a pivot table from the given dataset.
    • Use VLOOKUP to match data between two sheets.
    • Apply basic formulas like SUMIF and COUNTIF.

  • Your Approach: I practiced Excel functions beforehand, especially VLOOKUP and pivot tables, to ensure I could complete the tasks efficiently.

  • Outcome: I completed the test successfully and moved to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Hiring Manager Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?
    • Give an example of a time you improved a process at work.
    • What do you know about the role of a Business Associate at KPMG?

  • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and provided specific examples from my past experiences.

  • Outcome: The hiring manager seemed satisfied with my responses, and I advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Team Lead Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • How do you handle feedback from peers or supervisors?
    • Describe a time you had to work under tight deadlines.
    • What tools or software are you proficient in for business analysis?

  • Your Approach: I emphasized my adaptability and ability to work under pressure, along with my familiarity with tools like Excel and PowerPoint.

  • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was invited for the final round.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • What are your salary expectations?
    • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    • Do you have any questions for us?

  • Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and asked thoughtful questions about the company culture and growth opportunities.

  • Outcome: This was more of a formality, and I received the offer shortly after.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice Excel thoroughly, especially VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and basic formulas.
  • Research the company and role to align your answers with their expectations.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions to structure your responses clearly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for each round, but I could have practiced more Excel scenarios to speed up my test performance. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical skills (like Excel) and behavioral questions, as KPMG values a balance of both.

18

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application was likely through campus placement or an online portal, though the exact method wasn’t specified. The entire interview process spanned over 2 months, culminating in an offer after a casual conversation with the director.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Screening Round:

    • Questions Asked: General screening questions to assess fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned responses with the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Mix:

    • Questions Asked: A combination of basic technical questions related to the role and behavioral questions to gauge soft skills.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by revising core concepts and practiced common behavioral questions.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical/Behavioral Mix:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to Round 2, with possibly deeper technical or situational questions.
    • Your Approach: Built on previous rounds’ feedback and ensured clarity in responses.
    • Outcome: Progressed further.

  • Round 4 - Director Conversation:

    • Questions Asked: Casual discussion about the role, expectations, and fit.
    • Your Approach: Kept the conversation professional yet relaxed, showing enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Received the offer and was given 2 weeks to decide.

Conclusion:
The process was thorough but manageable. The casual conversation with the director was a highlight, as it felt more like a discussion than an interrogation. For future candidates, I’d advise being well-prepared for both technical and behavioral questions, and to stay authentic in the final conversation. The 2-month timeline requires patience, so staying engaged throughout is key.

19

Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Application Process: The application was part of the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were primarily based on my internship experience and resume. Some technical questions were asked about financial concepts and Excel.
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining my internship projects in detail and how they aligned with the role. For the financial concepts, I relied on my coursework and practical knowledge. For Excel, I demonstrated my proficiency by discussing specific functions and scenarios.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, with deeper dives into financial concepts and Excel. There were also situational questions to assess problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: I elaborated on my answers with examples and tried to showcase my analytical thinking. For situational questions, I structured my responses logically.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Typical HR questions about my motivation for joining KPMG, career goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers honest and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your resume and be prepared to discuss every detail.
  • Brush up on financial concepts and Excel, as they are crucial for the role.
  • Practice situational and behavioral questions to improve your problem-solving and communication skills.

Conclusion:
The interview process was balanced—neither too easy nor too difficult. Preparing thoroughly for resume-based questions and technical aspects helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend being confident and clear in your responses, and always relate your answers back to the role you’re applying for.

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Company Name: KPMG

Position: Business Associate

Location: Bangalore

Application Process: The process began with an aptitude test covering moderate-level questions on Quants, DI, Reasoning, and Language skills. Following this, I had three rounds of interviews at the Bangalore office and one Skype round with the director.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Moderate-level questions on Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills.
    • Your Approach: I practiced previous years’ aptitude questions and focused on time management during the test.
    • Outcome: Cleared the test and moved to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions related to my academic background, projects, and basic concepts relevant to the role.
    • Your Approach: I discussed my projects in detail and linked them to the skills required for the role.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions, situational scenarios, and questions about my motivation for joining KPMG.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, focusing on my strengths and how they align with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

  • Round 4 - Director Round (Skype):

    • Questions Asked: High-level questions about industry trends, my long-term goals, and how I can contribute to the company.
    • Your Approach: I researched KPMG’s recent projects and aligned my answers with their business goals.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Revise core concepts related to your academic background and role.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences.
  • Research the company thoroughly to answer high-level questions confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for each round, but I could have spent more time researching industry trends before the director round. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be confident, and ensure you understand the company’s values and goals.