Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for KPMG Consultant
The Consultant at KPMG involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Assessment Test Rounds:
Resume Shortlist
Description: Recruiter/hiring team screens the resume for alignment with the role, relevance, and accuracy.
Assignment Round – Financial Modeling Task
Description: Build a financial model with clear assumptions and accurate calculations; assesses modeling rigor and business understanding.
Interview Rounds:
Technical Interview (Data/ML and Data Warehousing)
Description: Discussion on core ML concepts, an end-to-end classification case study, and data warehousing fundamentals. Also covers tools used, issues faced, and troubleshooting approach.
Technical Interview (Finance/Valuation)
Description: Finance fundamentals such as NPV vs. IRR and practical application scenarios; sometimes paired with modeling discussion.
HR Interview
Description: Focus on willingness to learn and adapt, cultural fit, and prior work experience; may include situational questions.
Interview Preparation Tips:
Be thorough with basic machine learning concepts and practice a classification case study end-to-end.
Revise key data warehousing concepts and how you applied them in projects.
Brush up on finance topics like NPV, IRR, and financial modeling fundamentals.
Go through the job description; incorporate relevant keywords when presenting your experience.
Prepare to discuss tools you’ve used, issues encountered, and how you troubleshot them.
Ensure your resume is concise, accurate, and tailored to the role.
Be confident, communicate clearly, and show enthusiasm to learn.
Technical: Data Science and Data Warehousing
Explain the main concepts of machine learning you are familiar with.
Given a business problem that requires classification, outline your end-to-end approach (data understanding, feature engineering, algorithm choice, and evaluation).
What core concepts in data warehousing have you worked with? Explain them in the context of your projects.
What tools have you worked on? What issues did you face, and how did you troubleshoot them?
Technical: Finance and Financial Modeling
NPV and IRR — when would you use one over the other, and why?
Walk me through how you would build a financial model for a project/business case. How do you define assumptions and ensure calculations are accurate?
Resume/Background
Walk me through your resume.
How does your experience align with the Consultant role at KPMG?
Can you elaborate on a specific project or experience listed on your resume?
Can you confirm the accuracy of your resume and clarify any discrepancies?
HR/Personality/Behavioral
How do you demonstrate willingness to learn and adapt within the firm? Share examples.
Discuss your previous work experience relevant to this role.
What would you do if you are not selected?
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow [guidelines](https://discuss.boardinfinity.com/t/interview-transcript-guidelines/22428?u=abhay-gupta-ebaf4123)
Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before January 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: Resume screening to ensure alignment with the role.
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - One-on-one Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Covered main concepts of machine learning.
A sample case study for classification was discussed.
Concepts in data warehousing were also explored.
Your Approach: Prepared by revising core ML concepts and practicing case studies.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Round 3 - One-on-one HR Round:
Questions Asked:
General willingness to learn and adapt within the firm.
Discussed previous work experience.
Your Approach: Highlighted my enthusiasm for learning and aligned my past experiences with the role.
Outcome: Advanced to the final selection.
Preparation Tips:
Be thorough with basic machine learning concepts.
Practice case studies related to classification and data warehousing.
Ensure your resume is clear and tailored to the role.
Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt well-prepared for the technical round, but I could have spent more time refining my answers for the HR round. For future candidates, focus on both technical and soft skills to make a strong impression.
Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed in May 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked:
Questions on various processes in the company.
Risks a company could face.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and highlighted potential risks by giving examples from my previous experiences.
Outcome: I was able to answer the questions confidently and moved forward in the process.
Preparation Tips:
Go through the SOPs followed by the company and understand them thoroughly to crack the interview.
Brush up on financial management, SQL, due diligence, and other relevant skills.
Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. Understanding the company’s processes and being prepared for risk-related questions helped me perform well. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on the company’s SOPs and being clear about potential risks in the industry.
Questions Asked: Similar to the previous round but with deeper technical probing and situational questions.
Your Approach: I elaborated on my technical knowledge and provided examples of how I handled challenges in my previous role.
Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
Round 4 - Client Interview (Offshore):
Questions Asked: Questions about my ability to work with offshore teams and handle client expectations.
Your Approach: I highlighted my communication skills and experience working in cross-functional teams.
Outcome: Moved to the final round.
Round 5 - Client Interview (Onshore):
Questions Asked: Focused on my understanding of the role and how I would contribute to the onshore team.
Your Approach: I aligned my answers with the job requirements and demonstrated my enthusiasm for the role.
Outcome: Received a positive response and was selected for the position.
Preparation Tips:
Be thorough with your previous job profile and ready to explain any technical aspects in detail.
Practice situational questions, especially those related to teamwork and client handling.
Research the company and role to align your answers with their expectations.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical rounds but could have practiced more situational questions beforehand. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as KPMG values a balance of both.
Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in June 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked: Audit-related queries, technology I was working on currently or had experience with in the past.
Your Approach: I focused on explaining my past experiences and projects related to the technologies mentioned in my resume. I ensured clarity and relevance in my responses.
Outcome: Passed to the next round.
Round 2 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, motivations, and fit for the role.
Your Approach: I answered honestly, aligning my responses with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Round 3 - Final Interview:
Questions Asked: A mix of technical and behavioral questions to assess overall fit.
Your Approach: I combined my technical knowledge with examples of teamwork and problem-solving.
Outcome: Received a positive response and moved forward in the process.
Preparation Tips:
Thoroughly prepare everything mentioned on your resume.
If you have experience in a Big 4 firm, leverage that to anticipate questions.
Be honest in your responses; avoid exaggerating or faking knowledge.
If you have certifications, highlight them; otherwise, focus on your hands-on experience with the technologies listed on your resume.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. Being honest and well-prepared with my resume details helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on clarity, relevance, and authenticity in your responses.
Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in August 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: The recruiter reviewed my resume for accuracy and relevance to the role.
Your Approach: I ensured my resume was well-structured, free of spelling mistakes, and highlighted my relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: I successfully cleared this round.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: “What tools have you worked on, and what issues did you face? How did you troubleshoot them?”
Your Approach: I discussed the tools I was familiar with, shared specific challenges I encountered, and explained the steps I took to resolve them. I emphasized my problem-solving skills and willingness to learn.
Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses, and I advanced further in the process.
Preparation Tips:
Just be confident and learn the basics at least. Show enthusiasm to learn, as it leaves a positive impression.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. I would advise future candidates to focus on their resume’s clarity and be ready to discuss their technical experiences in detail. Confidence and a proactive attitude can go a long way!
Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed before May 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening)
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 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Write a simple Java program.
Questions about my project experience.
Your Approach: Prepared basic Java programs beforehand and reviewed my project details thoroughly.
Outcome: Successfully answered the questions and moved to the next round.
Round 3 - HR Round:
Questions Asked:
Job expectations and project-related questions.
Your Approach: Clearly articulated my career goals and how they align with the role. Also, discussed my projects confidently.
Outcome: Positive feedback and progressed further in the hiring process.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on resume formatting and clarity.
Brush up on basic programming concepts, especially if the role involves technical tasks.
Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth. I ensured my resume was well-prepared and practiced common technical questions. For future candidates, I’d recommend being thorough with your resume and ready to discuss your experiences confidently.
Application Process: I applied via a recruitment consultant and was interviewed in May 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked:
What is ACLs?
Explain service catalogs and UI Policy.
Details about server-side scripting and client-side scripting.
Your Approach: I tried to answer the questions based on my understanding of IT governance and scripting concepts, though some questions were quite challenging.
Outcome: I passed this round but felt the questions were tougher than expected.
Round 2 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: The HR round focused on my background, motivation for joining KPMG, and my understanding of the role.
Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
Outcome: I cleared this round and moved forward.
Round 3 - Final Interview:
Questions Asked: This round was a mix of technical and behavioral questions, including scenarios related to client handling and problem-solving.
Your Approach: I combined my technical knowledge with examples from past experiences to demonstrate my suitability for the role.
Outcome: I was selected for the position.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on IT governance concepts like ACLs, service catalogs, and scripting.
Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences.
Research the company’s values and align your answers accordingly.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was a good experience, though the technical questions were quite tough. I wasn’t expecting to get selected, but thorough preparation and confidence helped me succeed. For future candidates, focus on both technical and behavioral aspects, and don’t underestimate the importance of HR rounds.
Application Process: I applied through Naukri.com and was interviewed in June 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)
Your Approach: Ensured my resume highlighted relevant skills and experience.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Round 2 - Technical Interview 1:
Questions Asked: Discussion on Database Architecture, query tuning, and handling large datasets.
Your Approach: Focused on explaining my experience with database management and optimization techniques.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - Technical Interview 2:
Questions Asked: Basic to Intermediate Oracle questions, including query optimization.
Your Approach: Answered confidently, providing examples from past projects.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Round 4 - HR Interview:
Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, career goals, and fit for the role.
Your Approach: Kept my answers concise and aligned with the company’s values.
Outcome: Received a positive response.
Preparation Tips:
Brush up on Oracle and database management concepts.
Practice query optimization techniques.
Be ready to discuss real-world scenarios related to handling large datasets.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical rounds, but I could have practiced more HR questions to articulate my thoughts better. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as KPMG values a holistic approach.
Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in February 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: None (resume screening).
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was crisp and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked: Consulting-related questions.
Your Approach: Focused on structuring my answers logically and drawing from my knowledge of consulting principles.
Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
Round 3 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked: Practical questions related to the role.
Your Approach: Answered honestly and tried to relate my responses to real-world scenarios.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Be truthful about your knowledge and skills. If you don’t know something, admit it but show willingness to learn.
Structure your answers logically, especially for consulting questions.
Highlight relevant experiences in your resume to pass the initial screening.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on assessing practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Being honest and structured in my responses helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend preparing thoroughly for consulting-specific questions and ensuring your resume is tailored to the role.
Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant in October 2021.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Round:
Questions Asked:
Q1. NPV and IRR, when to use what?
Your Approach: I explained the differences between NPV and IRR and provided scenarios where each would be more appropriate, such as NPV for comparing projects with different scales and IRR for understanding the rate of return.
Outcome: Passed this round.
Round 2 - Assignment Round:
Task: Financial Model
Your Approach: I focused on building a detailed and accurate financial model, ensuring all assumptions were clearly stated and calculations were error-free.
Outcome: Successfully completed the assignment.
Round 3 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Q1. What would you do if you are not selected?
Your Approach: I answered honestly, stating that I would seek feedback to improve and continue applying for roles that align with my skills.
Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
Go through the job description thoroughly and identify keywords to incorporate into your answers during the interview.
Brush up on financial concepts like NPV, IRR, and financial modeling.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The key was to stay confident and articulate my thoughts clearly. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing financial modeling and being prepared to discuss your thought process in detail.