KPMG Global Services (KGS) Tax Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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181

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I was shortlisted after submitting a PIF (data sheet). The interview was scheduled 4 days later on Microsoft Teams.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Panel Interview:
  • Questions Asked:
    • Tell us about yourself.
    • Why did you choose this department?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • Why should we hire you?
    • How do you handle certain situations? (Behavioral questions)
    • Which university courses have prepared you for this role?
  • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to answer behavioral questions, stayed calm, and spoke confidently. I also highlighted relevant coursework and experiences.
  • Outcome: The interviewers made me feel comfortable, and I felt confident about my performance.

Preparation Tips:

  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
  • Review your university courses and how they relate to the role.
  • Familiarize yourself with the company and the department you’re applying to.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a positive experience. The panel was friendly and made me feel at ease. Using the STAR method helped me structure my answers effectively. For future candidates, I’d recommend preparing thoroughly for behavioral questions and staying relaxed during the interview.

182

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: After passing the CV screening, I was invited to take an online test. Upon clearing the test, I was called for an online interview with HR and some team members.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test:

  • Questions Asked: The test included general aptitude and situational judgment questions.

  • Your Approach: I practiced aptitude questions beforehand and focused on logical reasoning and time management during the test.

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

  • Round 2 - HR and User Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interview was conversational, with questions about my background, interest in the role, and situational responses (e.g., “How would you handle a tight deadline?”). No technical questions were asked.

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise, highlighted my relevant skills, and maintained a positive and professional tone.

  • Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt it was a good fit from both sides.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on general aptitude topics like logical reasoning and situational judgment.
  • Be ready to discuss your resume and interest in the role clearly.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions with the STAR method.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth and the interviewers were friendly. I would advise future candidates to stay calm and be themselves during the interview. The key is to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and your ability to fit into the team.

183

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical & Language Proficiency Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Fundamental concepts of taxation.
    • Basic taxation principles and their applications.
    • Proficiency in the English language (verbal and written).

  • Your Approach:

    • I reviewed basic taxation concepts beforehand to ensure I could articulate them clearly.
    • For the language proficiency part, I focused on speaking confidently and structuring my responses logically.

  • Outcome:

    • The interviewer was friendly and created a positive environment, which helped me perform well. I passed this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on fundamental taxation concepts, including definitions, principles, and real-world applications.
  • Practice speaking in English to improve fluency and confidence during the interview.

Conclusion:

The interview was a positive experience overall. The interviewer’s friendly demeanor made me feel comfortable, which allowed me to showcase my knowledge effectively. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity and confidence when explaining technical concepts, as well as ensuring strong communication skills in English.

184

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Campus recruitment.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview with MD and SM:
    • Questions Asked: No technical questions were asked. The focus was on discussing past experiences in tax.
    • Your Approach: Prepared to highlight any prior experience in tax and related fields.
    • Outcome: The interview was described as very easy, but it might be challenging for candidates without prior tax experience.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your past experiences in tax or related fields.
  • Be ready to discuss your background and how it aligns with the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, but candidates without prior tax experience might find it difficult. Highlighting relevant experience is key to performing well in this interview.

185

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process began with a phone screening round followed by an in-person interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Screening (HR Round):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why are you interested in this role?
    • What do you know about KPMG and its services?
    • Describe a time you worked in a team.

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role. I also researched KPMG beforehand to answer the company-specific question.

  • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the next interview.

  • Round 2 - In-Person Interview (Partner and Senior Manager):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Walk me through your resume.
    • How do you handle tight deadlines?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • A case study or scenario-based question related to tax processes.

  • Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions and ensured I linked my responses to the role’s requirements. For the case study, I took a step-by-step approach to break down the problem.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and got a call with the offer 4 days later.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its services and values.
  • Practice common behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Brush up on technical knowledge relevant to the role (e.g., tax processes).
  • Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about the role or company culture.

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 for future candidates is to stay calm, be yourself, and ensure you align your answers with the role’s expectations.

186

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process was straightforward, conducted online, and the interview was scheduled via Microsoft Teams, making it a stress-free experience.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Managerial Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The questions were primarily focused on my resume, covering my educational background, previous experiences, and basic tax-related knowledge. The managers were very approachable and made the conversation easy.
    • Your Approach: I ensured I was well-versed with my resume and prepared to discuss my experiences in detail. I also brushed up on fundamental tax concepts to answer any technical questions confidently.
    • Outcome: The round went smoothly, and I received positive feedback for my clarity and communication.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to explain every detail.
  • Brush up on basic tax concepts and terminologies.
  • Practice speaking clearly and confidently, as the interviewers value good communication skills.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was very pleasant and less stressful compared to other companies. The managers were supportive, and the questions were fair. I would advise future candidates to focus on their resume and basic tax knowledge while maintaining a calm and confident demeanor.

187

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: Miami (originally applied for New York)

Application Process: Applied online for the New York location.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Screening with Recruiter:
    • Questions Asked: The recruiter asked one question about my experience (details not specified).
    • Your Approach: Tried to answer professionally despite the recruiter’s interruptions.
    • Outcome: The recruiter abruptly informed me that I didn’t have enough experience for the New York role but could be considered for Miami. The call ended shortly after due to the recruiter’s unprofessional behavior (yelling confidential information about another candidate).

Conclusion:
The experience was disappointing due to the recruiter’s lack of professionalism. If given another chance, I would clarify the job requirements beforehand to avoid mismatches. For future candidates, I’d advise researching the role thoroughly and preparing for unexpected situations during interviews.

188

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Basic accountancy and taxation questions, including journal entries.
    • Your Approach: Focused on revising fundamental accounting concepts and practicing journal entries.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions about work experience, strengths, and why I wanted to join KPMG.
    • Your Approach: Prepared answers highlighting my interest in taxation and alignment with KPMG’s values.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Revise basic accountancy and taxation concepts thoroughly.
  • Practice journal entries as they are frequently asked.
  • Be clear about your career goals and how they align with the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role’s requirements. Focusing on fundamentals and staying confident helped me perform well. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on basic accounting and taxation topics and being prepared to discuss your interest in the field.

189

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: The application was submitted online, and the interview process was scheduled shortly after.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview was conversational, with around five behavioral questions. The exact questions weren’t specified, but they were typical of a behavioral round, likely focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
    • Your Approach: I tried to keep my answers structured using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and relevance.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I was moved to the next round immediately.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Conversational Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round was also conversational but more focused on technical aspects of the role, such as tax-related scenarios or general accounting principles.
    • Your Approach: I relied on my foundational knowledge of tax and accounting, and I made sure to articulate my thought process clearly, even when unsure.
    • Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied, and the overall feedback was positive.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on behavioral questions and practice the STAR method.
  • Review basic tax and accounting principles, as they might come up in conversational rounds.
  • Be prepared to discuss your resume and any relevant experiences in detail.

Conclusion:
The interview process at KPMG was smooth and professional. Both rounds were conversational, which made it less stressful, but it was important to stay focused and articulate. I would advise future candidates to prepare for both behavioral and technical questions, even if the latter are more casual. Overall, a great learning experience!

190

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process was smooth, and it was my first job interview ever. The interviewer made me feel comfortable, which helped ease my nerves.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Introduction and General Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked me to introduce myself and discussed my background, interests, and why I was interested in the role.
    • Your Approach: I kept my introduction concise and focused on my academic background, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for the role. I also highlighted my eagerness to learn and grow in the field.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I felt confident about my responses.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was a great first interview experience. The interviewer was very supportive, which made the process less intimidating. For future candidates, I’d advise staying calm, being yourself, and preparing a clear and concise introduction. It also helps to research the company and role beforehand to align your answers with their expectations.

191

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was very casual and focused on behavioral questions. No technical questions were asked.
    • Your Approach: I kept the conversation friendly and professional, ensuring I answered the behavioral questions with clarity and confidence.
    • Outcome: I was very happy with my performance and found this to be the easiest interview I’ve ever had.

Conclusion:

The interview process was smooth and straightforward. The interviewer was very approachable, which made the experience pleasant. I would advise future candidates to focus on being themselves and maintaining a calm demeanor during behavioral interviews.

192

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: I applied online and completed the pymetrics exam. A week later, I was invited for two back-to-back interviews with a manager and a director.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview focused on getting to know me better and gauging my interest in the firm and the Tax Associate role.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching KPMG’s values and the specifics of the Tax Associate role. I also practiced answering behavioral questions to align my responses with the company’s expectations.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt confident about my responses.

  • Round 2 - Director Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round was more situational, with questions about how I would react to certain scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure my answers, ensuring clarity and relevance.
    • Outcome: The director seemed satisfied with my answers, and I received positive feedback.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-organized. I made sure to research the company thoroughly and practice common interview questions, which helped me stay confident. A few days after the interviews, I received an offer. My advice for future candidates is to prepare for both behavioral and situational questions and to understand the company’s culture and values beforehand.

193

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: The application process involved three rounds of interviews. The first round was a Quantitative Assessment, followed by a Technical Round, and finally an HR Round. The questions asked were moderate in difficulty.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Quantitative Assessment:

  • Questions Asked: The assessment included quantitative questions to evaluate analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Your Approach: I focused on solving the problems methodically, ensuring accuracy and speed.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: The questions revolved around tax-related concepts, accounting principles, and situational problem-solving.

  • Your Approach: I reviewed key tax and accounting topics beforehand and applied practical knowledge to answer the situational questions.

  • Outcome: Performed well and advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: The HR round included behavioral questions, discussions about my resume, and general fit for the role and company culture.

  • Your Approach: I answered honestly, highlighting my strengths and aligning my responses with the company’s values.

  • Outcome: The round went smoothly, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on quantitative skills and practice problem-solving under time constraints.
  • Revise core tax and accounting concepts, as they are crucial for the technical round.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and how they relate to the role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and moderate in difficulty. Preparing thoroughly for each round helped me perform confidently. I would advise future candidates to focus on both technical and behavioral aspects to ensure a balanced performance.

194

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: I applied online and heard back quickly after submitting my application. The interview process was smooth and efficient.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview was relatively casual. The manager asked about my experiences, interests, and how they align with the role of a Tax Associate.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experiences and how they prepared me for the role. I also expressed genuine interest in the field of taxation and the work KPMG does.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt the manager was engaged and interested in my responses.

  • Round 2 - Team Member Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, the team member asked about my background, interests, and why I wanted to join KPMG.
    • Your Approach: I maintained a conversational tone and reiterated my enthusiasm for the role while also asking questions about the team and the work culture.
    • Outcome: The interaction was positive, and I felt a good connection with the team member.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward and enjoyable. The back-to-back interviews were efficient, and the casual nature of the conversations made me feel comfortable. I received feedback within a week of the interviews, which was great. For future candidates, I’d recommend being yourself, staying relaxed, and clearly communicating your interest in the role and the company.

195

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Senior Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview was more conversational, focusing on my background, interest in the role, and how my skills align with the position. The senior interviewer seemed to prioritize finding good chemistry with me.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise but engaging, highlighting my enthusiasm for the role and how my previous experiences could add value to the team.
    • Outcome: Passed this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Director Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round was also conversational but included behavioral questions, mainly about leadership and handling stressful situations. Examples: “Describe a time you led a team under pressure” and “How do you prioritize tasks when deadlines are tight?”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples from my past experiences to demonstrate my leadership and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Passed this round as well and received positive feedback about my responses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company culture and the role thoroughly to align your answers with their expectations.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method to ensure clarity and structure in your responses.
  • Stay calm and confident during the interview, as the conversational tone can make it easier to build rapport.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and engaging. Both interviewers were friendly, which helped ease my nerves. I believe my preparation and ability to connect with the interviewers played a big role in my success. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on storytelling for behavioral questions and ensuring you can articulate your fit for the role clearly.

196

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: (Not specified)

Application Process: Applied online and completed a virtual personality assessment.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Virtual Personality Assessment:

  • Questions Asked: The assessment included situational judgment questions and personality-based scenarios.

  • Your Approach: I answered honestly, focusing on aligning my responses with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.

  • Outcome: Passed the assessment and was invited for further interviews.

  • Round 2 - Virtual Interview with Tax Partners:

  • Questions Asked: Questions about my understanding of tax processes, why I chose KPMG, and how I handle teamwork and deadlines.

  • Your Approach: I prepared by researching KPMG’s tax services and practicing common behavioral questions. I also highlighted my relevant coursework and internships.

  • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback.

  • Round 3 - Virtual Interview with Tax Partners (Follow-up):

  • Questions Asked: More in-depth technical questions about tax regulations and case studies.

  • Your Approach: I reviewed my tax coursework and stayed calm while working through the case studies.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received an offer later that week.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s tax services and recent projects.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Brush up on basic tax concepts and regulations.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth and well-organized. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies beforehand. My advice is to stay confident and be yourself during the interviews!

197

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process was straightforward, likely involving an online application or campus placement, though specific details were not provided.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was pleasant and centered around my CV. The focus was primarily on personality and team spirit rather than technical competencies. Some probing questions about skills were asked, but no technical or content-specific questions were posed.
    • Your Approach: I ensured I presented myself authentically, highlighting my teamwork and interpersonal skills. I also prepared to discuss my CV in detail, anticipating questions about my experiences and how they align with the role.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I advanced to the next stage (if applicable).

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding your CV thoroughly, as questions may revolve around your experiences and skills.
  • Emphasize soft skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability, as these were key focus areas in the interview.

Conclusion:
The interview was a positive experience, with a strong emphasis on cultural fit and personality. While technical skills were not heavily tested, being prepared to discuss your CV and demonstrate soft skills is crucial. For future candidates, I’d recommend balancing preparation between technical and behavioral aspects, even if the latter seems more prominent.

198

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Location: Virtual (Remote)

Application Process: I applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting online. The process was straightforward, and I received a response within a couple of weeks.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why are you interested in this role?
    • What do you know about KPMG and its services?
    • How do you handle tight deadlines?

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and relevant, focusing on my academic background, interest in taxation, and how my skills align with the role. I also researched KPMG beforehand to answer the company-specific question.

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

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Explain the basics of tax computation.
    • How would you handle discrepancies in tax filings?
    • Describe a time when you had to work with a team to solve a problem.

  • Your Approach: I used examples from my coursework and internships to explain tax concepts. For the teamwork question, I shared a project experience where collaboration was key.

  • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my answers, and I was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic tax concepts and computations.
  • Research the company and its services to answer HR questions confidently.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.

Conclusion:
The interviewers were very friendly, and the questions were manageable. I felt prepared because I had researched the company and revised key tax topics. For future candidates, I’d advise staying calm and being honest in your responses—there’s no need to overcomplicate things!

199

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: The process was smooth and straightforward. A recruiter reached out to me via phone, followed by a 1-hour back-to-back interview with managers/senior managers.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview with Manager/Senior Manager:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was conversational and covered topics related to my background, interest in the role, and situational questions to assess my fit for the team.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly and tried to showcase my enthusiasm for the role and my willingness to learn. I also asked questions about the team and the company culture to show my interest.
    • Outcome: The interviewers were very friendly, and the conversation flowed naturally. I felt confident about my performance.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company and the role thoroughly.
  • Be prepared to discuss your background and how it aligns with the position.
  • Practice answering situational and behavioral questions.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team and the company culture.

Conclusion:
Overall, my experience with KPMG Global Services was very positive. The interviewers were approachable and made the process comfortable. I would advise future candidates to be themselves, stay calm, and engage genuinely with the interviewers.

200

Company Name: KPMG Global Services (KGS)

Position: Tax Associate

Application Process: Applied through campus placement. The process was smooth, and I received timely updates about my application status.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical & Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked detailed questions about my resume, focusing on my academic background, internships, and relevant projects. They also inquired about my understanding of tax-related concepts and how I handled challenges in previous roles.
    • Your Approach: I made sure to highlight my relevant coursework and internship experiences, tying them to the role of a Tax Associate. For technical questions, I explained my thought process clearly and admitted when I wasn’t sure about something.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next interview.

  • Round 2 - Technical & Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, but with more emphasis on situational and behavioral questions. They asked about teamwork, handling deadlines, and how I would approach a complex tax scenario.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method for behavioral questions and provided concrete examples from my past experiences. For technical scenarios, I broke down the problem logically and discussed potential solutions.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received an offer shortly after.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to discuss every detail.
  • Brush up on basic tax concepts and how they apply to real-world scenarios.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method to structure your answers effectively.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interviewers were very friendly and made the process comfortable. I felt well-prepared, but I could have spent more time practicing situational questions. My advice to future candidates is to stay confident, be honest about what you know, and showcase your problem-solving skills.