Emperors new clothes, circular firing squad mode - Senior Manager KPMG Employee Review

2.0
2 Nov 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There are some really talented and driven managers, assistant managers and analysts who are a joy to work with, real shame for them that grad scheme is 3 years unlike competitors at 2 years who pack in much more development and training.

Cons

Partner culture of back-patting, lack of outside reference, all browbeaten into compliance. Any central firm issues not worth talking about as they clearly don’t have a health feedback culture between partners and leadership. Clearly last CEO (Bill “stop moaning” Michael) was as incompetent as he was out of touch, and he casts a long shadow, no one wants to solve problems, just stay in lane and survive. Result: Byzantine office, decision making, processes. Back office technology and facilities worse than the competitor I joined had in late 2000s. KPMG staff trying to compete with ball and chain attached. Each year that goes by spending time using incomprehensible and inconstant finance systems is time competitors are solving client problems and developing propositions. Very weak, mediocre, unimpressive partner group (with a few bright exceptions) that will not lead the firm to catch up with others. 7 standing desks per floor, only about 30 MS teams enabled conference rooms in entire office, more screens and functionality at desk rendering meeting rooms irrelevant. The idea of forcing people back to this office 5 days a week shows current CEO does need a bit of a reality check. Do not go here, go to one of the other firms.

Explore other reviews about KPMG

5.0
23 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

good system and support for the employee

Cons

cant think of it right now

2.0
17 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You get to work with an awesome, highly resilient group of local peers in the advisory practice. The KPMG brand still holds value, but the internal team dynamics have become incredibly fractured.

Cons

We have outsourced 80%+ of our Risk Advisory work, leaving onshore seniors with massive gaps in their experience. As a manager, I am stuck doing senior-level work because I typically have only one or zero local seniors or associates on my teams. The best leaders have already resigned because this model prevents actual management and mentoring. Also, it might take you 30+ years to become partner in Risk Advisory, if at all.

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