Average to poor company but good social life - Pensions Investment Advisory KPMG Employee Review

2.0
Sep 3, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

One of the partners in the business is one of the most respected consultants in the world (and a great guy too!). Good benefits and social life. Don't have to work if you don't want to (like if you're preparing for interviews, or if you've had a heavy night).

Cons

The head of my department reminded me of David Brent. Except after he'd had a few drinks. Then he was more like Andy Gray. He was a HR disaster waiting to happen. He thought he was adored, but I rarely heard anyone say anything good about him. He talked a great game but he had no idea what he was doing, either as a manager or as an investment professional. KPMG is purely sales focused. Partners are rewarded for increasing revenue (not profits or quality of work) and are not remotely concerned with anything else. This flows through the company. Everyone is focused on doing what they need to do in order to get promoted. Clients are merely a means to this end. Promotions are done on a "first-come-first-served" basis. There is no distinction for ability or performance. You take your ticket and wait to be called. Predictably, the business has lost a lot of talent as individuals have passed their exams and moved on. KPMG is an audit firm and you will be rewarded in line with the performance of the audit business, irrespective of how your business has done. Excellence does not exist in KPMG (one or two individuals excepted).

Explore other reviews about KPMG

5.0
Dec 23, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Just like any big 4, you have your pros and cons that are highly group dependent

Cons

Somewhat catty culture but can be avoided

4.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It might sound cliche but the Pro for me is the people that I work with. I'm lucky enough to be staffed in a team with great leadership. Managers are actually willing to coach junior members and be a real mentor. I very much appreciate their efforts.

Cons

Long hours and office politics. This is pretty basic and obvious for any public accounting firms. Every time a quarter end, year end, or a special filing is going out, you can expect 10-14 hour days. It might be fine in your early career but it gets really tiring after a few years.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All