kpmg fit v.2
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Issue 2.0
You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit.You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit.Check inside for your
Giving Together Donation Card.
You and KPMG
You and KPMG A Perfect Fit
A career at KPMG can help you
reach new heights and develop
to your fullest potential through
challenging, meaningful work
experiences and a strong
mentoring culture. We know
our success as an organization is
built on the success of our people
and our teams. Our commitment
to people creates a connection
that lasts a lifetime.
The best minds. Developed
to their fullest potential.
Connected for life.
Sound like the Perfect Fit?
For more information visit:
www.kpmgfit.ca
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ContentsCareer
People
Lifestyle
The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address thecircumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate andtimely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it isreceived or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such informationwithout appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
KPMG and the KPMG logo are registered trademarks of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.
© 2009 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG networkof independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. All rightsreserved. Printed in Canada on recycled paper.
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Fast Facts The Road to the Top
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Been There ... Aced That!
Get a Head Start in
Your Career
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KPMG’s Practice Areas
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All AboutIFRS
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Take aGood Look
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KPMG EnterpriseEnters the
Dragons’ Den
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Commited to Our
Communities
FashionWear-Withal
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Fitting Fitness into Your Schedule
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Five Relationshipsand One Big Vision
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Designed forSuccess
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Bon VoyagePostcards From Lyon
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You and KPMG. A Recipe for a
Great Summer
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Lunch Break
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Standing Out fromthe Crowd
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FASTFACTS
AboutKPMG
KPMG International is a global network operating in over 144 countrieswith more than 137,000 professionals working around the world.
KPMG in Canada (“KPMG”), the Canadian member firm affiliated with KPMG International, operates in 32 locations across the country.The firm’s more than 430 partners and almost 5,000 employees providecrucial services to many of the top businesses in Canada.
By focusing on quality, people, and our relationships with our clients,KPMG maintained our presence as a leading professional services firmin Canada in 2008. Our focus also helped us to achieve over 4 percentgrowth and earn over $1.1 billion in revenue for the year.
KPMG was chosen as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the sixth time in 2009. We were also recognized for the first time this yearas one of Financial Post’s Ten Best Companies to Work For. This specialdesignation recognizes fast-growing companies in Canada that offerstrong career advancement opportunities together with leading-edgeemployee rewards.
KPMG actively supports and encourages international assignmentsthrough our Global Opportunities (GO) program. Currently, KPMG has 80 individuals on both short- and long-term assignments in many differentcountries around the world. The most popular destinations include theUS, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.
In 2008, KPMG, along with The KPMG Foundation, contributeddonations and sponsorships of $3.6 million to Canadian charitableorganizations, an increase of almost 30 percent over 2007. Donationswere made to support education, health care, children/youth, and communities.
On an annual basis, KPMG offices designate a period of time in which to support organizations in our communities across Canada, known asour KPMG Volunteers initiative. During this time, KPMG people worktogether and volunteer on one designated workday over the course of the volunteer period to make a difference to worthy causes in eachlocal community. In 2008, 2,972 KPMG people helped 173 organizations through a wide range of volunteer activities.
KPMG offers leading People programs, such as our concierge service,which supports people with the daily tasks they don’t have time for,including dropping off the dry cleaning, finding the perfect gift, andscoring concert tickets. In 2008, requests handled by the conciergeservice saved our people 5,984 hours.
KPMG’s e-learning tool, CLiX, provides learning options in a convenientMP3 format and via downloadable video playbacks, allowing forreal-time practice opportunities in the office, at home, or on the road.
For the second year in a row, KPMG’s efforts to create an inclusiveenvironment were recognized with two prestigious awards, includingbeing named one of the Best Employers for New Canadians and one ofCanada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2009.
KPMG has implemented a formal firm-wide program to help improve our environmental performance. The Environmental PerformanceInitiative (EPI) sets continuous improvement targets that apply to alloffices. This initiative helped KPMG to be named one of Canada’sGreenest Employers in 2009.
On January 1, 2009, Bill Thomas took over the role of CEO of KPMG; at 41 years old, he is one of the youngest CEOs ever of a Canadian Big Four accounting firm.
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www.kpmgfit.ca
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Bill Thomas has a vision. Together with the
partners of the firm, he wants to make KPMG
“The Envy” of all professional services firms —
not just the other Big Four accounting firms.
It’s an ambitious goal for the new CEO, but
he’s got a plan and the enthusiasm to make
it happen.
At the heart of Bill’s philosophy for succeeding
in business is one simple word—relationships.
“If you want to stand out from the crowd,
especially in a challenging economy like the
one we are in today, it is crucial to build long-
lasting, deep relationships,” says Bill from his
office in Toronto. “For me, there are five critical
relationships for KPMG: the relationships we
have with our clients, our future clients, our
local communities, our global network, and
with each other.”
For Bill, relationships have always played an
important role in his career. “KPMG has a
strong mentoring culture. The coaching and
career advice I received right from the start
of my career here, almost 20 years ago, has
helped me get to where I am today.” And
where he is today is pretty extraordinary; at
41 years old, Bill is one of the youngest CEOs
ever of a Canadian national accounting firm.
Not bad for someone who never planned to
become an accountant.
Bill graduated from the University of British
Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Bio-organic Chemistry and had a plan to
become a doctor like his father and his
grandfather before him. His dislike of blood
and hospitals made it abundantly clear that
medicine wasn’t for him and Bill fortunately
discovered his own Perfect Fit in chartered
accounting at KPMG.
In 1989, Bill joined the firm; he earned his CA
in 1993. Six years later, he was made Partner,
and from 2000 to 2003, he led the Financial
Institutions and Real Estate (FIRE) Services
Audit group in Vancouver. In 2003, he became
the Leader of the Audit practice for KPMG’s
Greater Vancouver Area office and, in
December 2006, took on the role of Managing
Partner. In September 2007, he moved to
Toronto to become Deputy CEO. On January
1, 2009, Bill officially took over as Chief
Executive Officer of KPMG.
Since then, Bill has been busy talking to people
from all levels of the firm about his plans for
KPMG. “This is a really exciting time for us and
I want to make sure that everyone is involved
in the excitement. We are all invested in making
KPMG ‘The Envy of the Professional Services
Firms,’ and our partners and our people are
what will drive our success. Just one more
reason that the relationship we have with
each other is so critical,” notes Bill.
“The competition for bright, talented people is
fierce, and it’s only going to increase. We want
KPMG to be known as a place that develops
outstanding professionals. That’s how we are
going to attract the best minds.” To do this,
Bill knows that KPMG has to be a people-
focused organization. Aside from offering
challenging, meaningful work experiences and
a strong mentorship culture, Bill wants to make
sure that coming to work each day is a fun
experience for KPMG people across Canada.
“I know for me personally that I want
challenging work and the opportunity to
make a real difference, but I also need to
have fun while working with great people.”
Bill wants to provide that same opportunity
to everyone who joins the firm.
Also important to Bill is the relationship the
firm has with our local communities. “For me,
corporate success and community leadership
go hand in hand. There are so many
opportunities out there to leverage the skills,
knowledge, financial resources, and passions
of our firm and our people in order to benefit
our communities.” Bill is an enthusiastic
volunteer, setting a great example for the rest
of the firm. Among other things, he is a
member of the Board of the Toronto Symphony
Orchestra and, before he left Vancouver, was a
board member of both Vancouver’s Science
World and the CA School of Business.
Bill recognizes that his goal for KPMG to be
seen as “The Envy of the Professional Services
Firms” is a big one, and that success won’t
happen overnight. “Strong, deep relationships
take time to build, which is why they are so
valuable. Yes, it will be challenging, but we are
committed to achieving our vision
because that is how we are
going to deliver real value to
our clients, our future clients,
our communities, our firm,
and each other. Besides,
life can get boring without a
good challenge!”
Five Relationships and One Big VisionCEO Bill Thomas Has a Plan to Make KPMG “The Envy of the Professional Services Firms”
Bill ThomasCEO and Senior Partner
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The Road to the TopARE YOU ON IT?
You know you’ve got big things in your future. You’ve got the drive anddedication to go right to the top. The question is: Do you know how to getthere? Joining the right organization with lots of opportunity for learning and development is a great start. KPMG is dedicated to building lifelongrelationships with our people by supporting them throughout their career.With so many options within the firm, no two career paths are exactly thesame. Still, if you are considering joining the firm, it helps to have an idea of where your career could go, what your role could be, and how KPMG will provide you with the support you need to take you right to the top.
Check out the map below outlining what you career at KPMG could look like.
Staff Accountant:In your first full-time role out of school, you willwork closely with a senior accountant andperformance manager, and will be asked todeliver timely and quality service. You will alsohave the chance to learn a lot. From local officedevelopment programs to Audit Fundamentalstraining, you will gain industry and technicalknowledge, while improving your leadershipand project management skills. But it’s not allhard work—you will also have the opportunityto participate on local office committees,network with partners and managers, andparticipate in office social events.
UFE Time!Preparing for and writing the accountancyprofession’s Uniform Evaluation (UFE) is a major milestone in the career of anyaspiring CA. KPMG will help you on yourpath to achieving a professional CAdesignation by providing one of the bestUFE training programs in Canada. To learnmore, visit www.kpmgfit.ca.
Senior Accountant: Can you say “promotion”? As a senioraccountant your responsibilities will growalong with your opportunities forprofessional development. You will begin totake on the responsibility of the overallexecution of client engagements, whichmeans designing a work plan, managing abudget, and training and mentoring yourengagement team members. Your technicalknowledge will become more advanced andyou will develop your ability to interact withclients, including making presentations andfostering business relationships.
Ready to GO?Why not gain some internationalexperience by taking part in KPMG’sGlobal Opportunities (GO) program. You could spend 3 months to 2 yearsliving and working in another country.Popular destinations include Australia,the UK, and the US. To read about theexperiences of a current GO participant,check out “Bon Voyage” on page 8.
Summer Internship:Spend a summer with KPMG during yoursecond or third year of university. As asummer intern you could be involved in anumber of different activities, includingworking on a client engagement, planningfor upcoming assignments, attending atraining course, or participating in localsocial or charitable events. An internship is a great place to start your career withKPMG because it will help you explore allof the opportunities we offer.
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Learning and Development @ KPMGIt’s All About You!
At KPMG, we don’t believe in “one size
fits all” training. You can personalize
your development and reach your
career goals with a variety of learning
approaches, such as the following:
• CLiX, our online learning management
system delivers one-stop 24/7
accessibility to the firm’s catalogue
of nationally developed, nationally
delivered courses and learning
resources. CLiX will also manage
your personal learning history,
Continuous Professional Education
(CPE) credits, and any certifications.
• Learning Paths, for every role from
entry-level associate to partner, will
help you to understand what success
looks like and what it takes to get to
the next level as you chart your
career with us.
• Progressive and interactive e-Learning
and virtual classroom programs, such
as the Harvard Manager Mentor series.
• Face-to-face workshop sessions
combine learning new skills with
on-the-job training.
• KLearn, KPMG’s interactive Web
conferencing tool, allows real-time
learning and collaboration. You can
access KLearn anytime, anywhere,
from any KPMG computer.
ManagerYou’ve made manager! That’s a big step up. As a manager at KPMG, you will continue todeepen your technical knowledge and industryexperience in order to manage more complexengagements. You will also have an increasedaccountability for client relationships, whichmeans learning and participating in the proposalprocess that develops new relationships for thefirm. In this role you could be interacting withCEOs, CFOs, and other C-level management.Within the firm you will develop your peopleand project management skills through KPMG’smanagement training courses, in order to makeoffice practice decisions, including resourceallocation, career development of staff, andother management decisions.
Senior ManagerNow that you’re a senior manager you willbe managing multiple client engagementsand providing training and direction to yourengagement teams. Senior managers act asmentors, performance counsellors, andeven instructors to their staff. You willreceive the necessary training to supportyour people, including providing guidanceto other managers. More than ever, you willbe accountable for client relationships,including identifying opportunities for newbusiness and leading proposal teams.Senior managers also have the chance totake the lead in various office initiatives orspearhead community activities such asvolunteer days.
PartnerCongratulations—you’ve made partner at thefirm! To get to this position you have been astrong performer throughout your career atKPMG, showing leadership capabilities and a commitment to the firm’s values. A partneris responsible for technical, client service,and people and business managementleadership. The knowledge, skills, andexperience you’ve gained during your yearsat the firm have positioned you for success.The sky is the limit!
Choosing Your PathWhile the majority of KPMG’s new hiresstart out in the Audit practice, there areample opportunities to transition into otherpractice areas, such as Tax or Advisory.This allows our people to find their PerfectFit by encouraging them to leverage theirstrengths and grow their career at the firm.Offering career options and flexibility is just one way that KPMG builds lifelongrelationships with our people. To learn more, read “KPMG’s Practice Areas” on pages 22–25 You can also read a day in the life of an Audit, Tax, or Advisory,professional on our Web site atwww.kpmgfit.ca.
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DESIGNEDSUCCESS
With a little help from IKEA , anyone and everyone
can play interior designer, assembling cool furniture
and decorating their space. For Alicia Pinarello,
an Auditor in KPMG’s Hamilton office, her IKEA
experience has helped her build something a little
different—her career! This Senior Accountant has
been part of the IKEA engagement team since her
first year with KPMG. Alicia recently sat down with
KPMG FIT to talk about working with the iconic
Swedish home furnishings retailer, and why KPMG
and IKEA are a good fit for each other and for her.
for
AP APAP
FITWhen did you join the firm and why did youchoose KPMG?
I started as a summer intern in 2005 while I was at McMaster University, then I joined the firm full-time in 2006. I was actually hiredthrough the GTA group, but because I wanted to stay close to school and the friends I’d made,the firm created a summer position for me inHamilton. They were so accommodating andvery supportive. I was really impressed and thisplayed a huge role in why I ultimately chose towork at KPMG.
FITIKEA must be a pretty popular client. How didyou come to work on the assignment?
Well, initially it was luck of the draw because I didn’t specify client preferences when I started.I was assigned to work on the engagement teamauditing IKEA in my first year and I’ve beenworking on it ever since. I look forward toworking at IKEA, just like the rest of the KPMGteam. For me personally, I feel I am a good fit forthe culture and, from IKEA’s perspective, havinga consistent group of auditors year after yearmakes working together that much moreenjoyable and efficient.
FIT
You mentioned that you’re a good fit for the culture at IKEA. Could you explain what you mean?
I guess the main reason I say that is becausethe culture is in many ways very similar to theculture at KPMG. The people are very friendlyand really sociable, but at the same time theyare highly professional and always focused onproducing excellent work. I came to realize frommy first interactions with the KPMG recruitingteam that this is something I really value. To thisday, I look for a mix of fun and professionalism,both in my clients and in my co-workers atKPMG. Also, the IKEA office is very open06
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concept, with few walls and lots of light. This is great for knowledge sharing and itreminds me a lot of KPMG’s open-door policy.On a more personal note, I am concerned about the environment, and so I like that IKEAand KPMG are both taking tangible steps toreduce their eco-footprint and be responsibleglobal citizens. In the end, KPMG and IKEA areorganizations that value the relationships theyhave with their people and the largercommunity, which makes them a good fit foreach other and a Perfect Fit for me.
AP
AP
AP
AP
AP
FIT
FIT
FITWhen you first started auditing IKEA,
what were your responsibilities and
how have they evolved?
When I first started, I still had a lot to learn aboutIKEA’s business and audit techniques, so I wasassigned easier sections, like cash and fixedassets. The Senior Accountant on the job at thetime was awesome—so supportive!—and Ireally had the chance to get comfortable with the organization. During my second year on the account, I was given more responsibility. The work kept me challenged and alwayslearning. One of the highlights that year was that I got to take part in an inventory count; itwas really cool to see what goes on behind thescenes and it gave me a sense of how complexIKEA really is. The organization operates like awell-oiled machine—they are so organized! This past year, I was lucky enough to get to workas the Senior Accountant and participate in aworldwide proposal. I was excited to have theseopportunities so early in my career. I lovedgetting to manage and mentor a team of almost10 people, and was honoured that managementinvolved me in the oral presentation to high-levelIKEA representatives. It’s a great feeling to knowthat KPMG believes in me so much that theyentrusted me with a high-profile client like IKEA.
Looking ahead, what do you see in
the near future for your career?
I’ve worked with such a great team of people,both from KPMG and from IKEA, and I feel like I still have so much more to learn in my role.Working at IKEA, I’ve been able to develop mypeople management skills, which is excellentbecause one of my goals is to become amanager at KPMG. That’s one of the great things about working at KPMG in general—the opportunities for career progression areamazing. I’m only in my third year with the firmand I’ve already learned so much, worked withreally talented people, and had the chance to be a part of some exciting projects. The fact thatI have had this much opportunity so early onmakes me very excited for my future at KPMG.
FIT
FIT
So you have the opportunity to work
at the IKEA offices. What’s that like?
I always look forward to days at IKEA, which isimportant because when you are on an auditengagement you usually do most of your work at the client site. IKEA is a big client, so we do spend quite a bit of time there—maybe 2–3 weeks in the summer and then almost amonth around their year-end. I love workingthere, mostly because of the people, who are all really accommodating and take the time to get to know you as a person. Another perk ofworking on-site at IKEA is that you eat so well. You’re ready to tackle the afternoon after lunch because you’ve filled up on a great meal.I’m always excited to try the different Swedishdesserts and, of course, I love IKEA’s famousSwedish meatballs!
Sounds delicious…
It is! Whenever we go back to the office we can’t help but brag at least a little about how well we ate when we were there. Another fun thing about working at IKEA is that theiroffices are attached to a store, so you canalways work off that lunch you’ve just eaten by exploring the cool room displays and checking out the latest design trends.
Are you a big fan of IKEA products?
Absolutely! My first room in university was top to bottom IKEA. I remember putting together abig dresser all on my own. I should have gottensomeone to help me (the directions did say it was a two-person job), but I was so excited tohave my room finished, I couldn’t wait. It took me a while, but I got it together and had such a feeling of accomplishment when I did. I’m still pretty handy with an Allen key.
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PostcardsStaff Accountant Nicholas Milosh is having the adventure
of a lifetime on a 2-year Global Opportunities (GO)
secondment to Lyon, France. Before he left, KPMG FIT
asked Nicholas to stay in touch—send us an e-mail once
in a while to let us know what he was doing, who he was
meeting, and what he was learning. Well, he did better
than e-mail, he sent us postcards! Here are a selection of
postcards we received from his first year on secondment:
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Bon Voyage!
Greet ings from Lyon!
I am so excited to be here . Before I
lef t I was pret ty ner vous, thinking ,
“What am I get t ing myself into?”
But be ing here for the last week ,
I know I made the r ight decision.
I am set t ling in well and already
have an apartment, which is amazing ,
by the way—it’s r ight next to the
“central park” part of the city (that
has a ful l zoo!) and is close to the
center of the city with a great v iew
of the r i vers running through Lyon.
Everyone here is really welcoming.
My co-workers took me on a tour of
the city yesterday and the Managing
Partner is he lping me get set t led and
get the training I need.
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In addition to these ones, Nicholas also sent us
postcards from Munich, Germany; Biarritz, France;
Torino, Italy; and Cape Town, South Africa. Bon Voyage!
from Lyon
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Bonjour!
I am in Paris this week for training
and I’m having an amazing t ime.
First ly, I am learning a lot, especial ly
about IFRS and all the technical
specif icat ions that surround the
standards. Secondly, I am meet ing
other KPMG secondees from all over.
We come from different parts of the
world, but have so much in common.
Plus, we are al l going through the same
experience of get t ing set t led into our
new cit ies and acclimat izing to
the culture . It’s cool that even
though I am in France and
get t ing to know so many new
people in the Lyon off ice, I am
also building a net work of
col leagues from across the globe .
I was skiing again this weekend, which
was my third weekend in a row heading
to the French Alps, and I am planning to
go back again next week . While I am
def inite ly working hard over here, I like
that I am st i l l able to f ind a good
balance and have lots of opportunity
to travel and experience the French
culture . A big part of the culture is the
language and I am very proud to say
that I am now fully bilingual—speaking ,
writ ing , working , and li v ing “en
français”! This was a personal goal of
mine before I lef t, and it fee ls
great to have accomplished it.
PS – The other aspect of French
culture I am get t ing to know well
(maybe a li t t le too well!)—the food
and wine! If you ever come here you
have to try a fondue savoyarde—
c’est magnif ique!
I travelled to Geneva this week towork on an engagement for one ofmy bigger client accounts. It is aglobal audit for a v ideo gamesproducer and I can’t even te l l youhow interest ing the work is. I ge t to see how mult iple aspects of thebusiness work, from import ing theproducts to new game launches. We are constant ly liaising with thehead off ice in the US, as well aswith other contacts in Europe and
Asia. It’s cool to get a global perspect i veand see how integrated internat ionalbusinesses can be . The world seems a lot smaller than it did before I went on my GO secondment.
PS – I’ve sent you some Swiss chocolatesto get you through the busy season. Enjoy (and make sure you share themaround the off ice)!
I am on vacat ion this week andhave travelled to the Côte D’Azur(aka, the French Riv iera) with somefriends from university who havecome over to v isit me. We arehaving an amazing t ime and it isgreat to reconnect with my friendsfrom home. I am now half waythrough my secondment and,looking back , i t has been the mostexcit ing and enriching experience of my life .
The opportunit ies for personal andprofessional growth have beenincredible . I have proven to myself thatI am able to stay calm and col lected inany situat ion and tackle whateverchallenge life or work throws at me. Can’t wait to see what next year brings!
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At first glance, seeing big numbers on your pay cheque may seem like the
only thing that matters when deciding w here to start your career. But make
sure you take a second (and third!) look and consider everything an organization
is offering you—from benefits and time-off, to learning opportunities.
At KPMG, we understand that our people are our most important asset.
We also understand that if we want to attract and retain the most talented
people, we need to offer our employees rewards that fit their immediate needs,
as well as their long-term goals.
That is why we have developed a “total rewards” package, which provides
options that you can adapt to fit your changing life.
When it comes to compensation, there’s often more than meets the eye.
Look!Take a Good
www.kpmgfit.ca
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A Competitive Base Pay
KPMG bases its pay ranges on
relevant market data, including
other professional services firms and
general industry, in order to ensure a
competitive rate for all starting salaries.
To help ensure that our base pay ranges
stay competitive, KPMG annually participates
in several external pay surveys.
Finding Focus
All opportunities and employers
aren’t created equal, and what works
for one person might not work for
another. So keep focused on what
is best for you by asking specific
questions during the interview
process, and weigh your options
before accepting an offer. This way,
you can help ensure you are joining
an organization that is the Perfect Fit
for you now and in the future.
Here are some of the Total Rewards
KPMG is proud to offer:
Health Benefits That Fit
Your Life
The flexible benefits plan that
KPMG offers allows you to customize
your benefits to fit your unique needs.
Each employee receives annual Flex dollars to
spend as he or she sees fit on various health
programs—medical and dental coverage, life,
accident, and disability insurance, etc. KPMG
also provides the opportunity to contribute
pre-tax dollars to a health spending account.
This account can be used to pay for various
expenses, including larger-cost items such as
laser eye surgery or cosmetic dentistry.
In addition, a wide variety of fitness-related
costs are eligible for reimbursement.
UFE Preparation That
Helps You Succeed
KPMG’s UFE preparation course
is one of the best in the country and offers a
wide variety of supports, like practice
evaluations, study binders, study buddies,
as well as paid and unpaid time-off to prepare.
We cover all exam fees in advance for
first-time writers. In addition, to celebrate our
people’s success, KPMG offers accreditation
awards of up to $2,000. KPMG also supports
our people who want to pursue other
designations, such as a CGA or CMA. To find
out more about how KPMG’s UFE training
program helps our people succeed, read
“Been There, Aced That” on page 16.
I Can See Clearly Now …
KPMG’s Total Rewards
Statement makes it easier for you
to get a clear view of the value of your rewards.
The statement is sent out annually to full-time
employees and outlines the total dollar value
of not only base pay, but also things like P$P,
benefits, and Fitness Reimbursements.
A Matter of Family
We strive to offer a wide variety
of programs that meet the needs
of KPMG families, including parental leave,
maternity income benefits, paid paternity leave,
and adoption assistance of up to $20,000.
Extensive Training and
Development Opportunities
At KPMG, there is no such thing as
“one size fits all” training. From traditional
classroom training to the latest in eLearning
opportunities on CliX, our online learning
management system, KPMG people have
access to a broad suite of integrated learning
opportunities. In addition to our internal learning
offerings, employees can take advantage
of our Learning for All program. This program
encourages lifelong learning by providing
financial support for external part-time studies.
Recognition That You Have
a Life Outside the Office
KPMG’s progressive People programs
are designed to help you achieve a healthy
balance between your work and your life.
New employees are given 3 weeks (15 days)
of vacation time every year, while managers
and employees who have been with the
firm for more than 5 years receive a total
of 4 weeks (20 days) annually. In addition ,
every employee receives up to 50 hours of
personal care time each year, if required,
to help accommodate the multiple
commitments of personal, community, and
family life. For those people who need an
extended period of time-off to pursue their
interests, KPMG offers sabbatical leaves
from 6 weeks to 6 months after every 3 years
of service. In addition, throughout the year
you have access to a personal assistant
service to help with day-to-day errands and
personal needs, saving you valuable time.
You can read about other People programs,
such as Fitness Reimbursement and
Community Care, throughout KPMG FIT.
Building a Stronger
Financial Future
It is never too early to start
planning for the future. To encourage people
to think ahead and save for retirement
(no matter how far off that may be),
KPMG offers a pension plan with matching
contributions from the firm as well as a
group RRSP program.
Opportunities to Earn
Additional Pay Based on
Personal or Firm Performance
KPMG offers a unique variable pay-program
called the Profit $haring and Performance
Plan (P$P), which shares a portion of the
firm’s net income growth with employees.
Last year, KPMG distributed $34 million in
P$P awards. We also use our enCORE
program to reward employees who make
important contributions and who demonstrate
our values in everyday interactions with each
other, with clients, and in the community.
enCORE rewards range from gift certificates
and cash, to points that you can redeem for
great prizes like a Microsoft Xbox 360,
golf clubs, or resort vacations.
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You and KPMG. A Recipe for a Great Summer.
What do you get when you start with 2 months of interestingclient work, mix in some new friends, and top it off with agourmet food fight? If you are Saira Kanakalil, an intern at KPMG’sMontréal office, you’ve got the makings of one amazing summer.
For this third-year Concordia
Commerce student, the summer
of 2008 was set to be a very busy
one. Saira was not only interning at
KPMG, but also signed up for summer
classes in advanced financial
accounting. “At first, I was nervous that
it was going to be too much to juggle,”
Saira told FIT. “But the firm was really
supportive and right from the start my
manager sat down with me and worked
out a schedule that accommodated my
exams and major papers.”
In May, Saira packed her bags for a
KPMG training session at Mont Gabriel,
a resort north of Montréal. The 3-day
event was designed to prepare the
interns for the summer ahead, with
topics ranging from KPMG values to
roles and responsibilities, to how to
interact with clients. “I liked that it was
really interactive. We had two managers
come in and role-play with us about
how to handle different client situations.
One manager would pretend to be
really difficult or speak in a really quiet
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voice and we had to act out how we
would deal with this situation at an
actual client site. Building strong client
relationships is an important part of
being a CA, so even though we were
having lots of laughs, we were also
learning valuable lessons.”
The event wasn’t all training and
studying. In the evening, the interns had
the chance to get to know each other
better while taking part in different
activities like a wine and cheese tasting
event and a 70s disco night. “The 70s
night was hilarious! People got really
into it and there were bell-bottoms and
curly wigs everywhere. It was a great
way to get to know people better.”
Back at the office, the bell-bottoms were
put away and the interns got down to
business. “Once I received my
assignments, I was really excited about
the work I would be doing during the
summer,” remembers Saira. “I was part
of the Audit team for a relatively small
not-for-profit organization. That was a
cool experience for two reasons. First,
when you are working on a large public
company, there is so much to know that
you have to focus your efforts on one
area. But when you work on a smaller
client, you get to see the big picture of
how the whole organization works.
Second, and this is more of a personal
thing, I liked knowing that I was helping
out an organization that makes a really
positive contribution to the community.”
Unlike some internships, KPMG people
don’t spend their summer making
copies or filing forms. Saira says, “The
great thing about this internship is that
you are doing real client work and have
real responsibilities and accountabilities
to your team.” In some ways, having
this much responsibility can be
intimidating, which is why KPMG
managers and senior accountants are
there to support interns every step of the
way. “At our training they make it clear
that there is an open-door policy at the
firm, and if you have a question or are
unsure of what you are doing, your
manager or engagement team
members are there
to support you.”
Building strong relationships with each
other is an important part of life at
KPMG. Saira also took advantage of
KPMG’s mentorship program, meeting
with her assigned mentor frequently
over the summer to talk over coffee or
breakfast in a nearby café. Saira would
ask her mentor about everything from
work to school, to career advice.
“It’s great to have someone to talk to
who has been through the exact same
process that you are going through.
Also, your mentor is not someone
you work with every day, so meeting
with them is an opportunity to grow
your network.”
Throughout their time at KPMG, the
interns had the chance to meet and
network with people from all levels of
the firm. Mid-way through the summer
they were invited to an event at the
Institute of Hotels and Services, where,
decked out in chef hats and aprons,
they broke into groups and were given
hands-on cooking lessons. “I really liked
the culinary school event because we
had the opportunity to talk with partners
and managers in a very relaxed, fun
atmosphere.” Things got a little crazy
when it was time to prepare the dessert.
A “chocolate fight” broke out in the
cocoa creation room, with several
interns and more than one partner
getting more truffle than they had
bargained for. “It was hilarious!
There was chocolate flying everywhere!
Good thing we had those aprons.”
At the end of the event the interns went
home with a recipe book of all the
dishes they had made during the event.
At the end of the summer, Saira was
convinced that KPMG was the Perfect Fit
for her and she made the decision to
join the firm full-time. Looking back,
would Saira recommend her KPMG
summer internship experience?
“One hundred percent! It is a great
experience for anyone considering a
CA career path. Throughout the summer
you have the opportunity to learn by
doing, and the people at the firm are
there to support you all the way. I don’t
know of any place else where a student
can get this kind of experience.”
www.kpmgfit.ca
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Staying in shape after university,
when time is suddenly an issue
Entering the workforce as an intern or a full-time employee will present you with great new
opportunities. It will also present you with the challenge of balancing your work and your life
in a way that works for you. With all of your new responsibilities, nutrition and fitness might
not be uppermost in your mind, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. So what can
you do to stay healthy while working full-time?
University life can offer lots of opportunities to stay fit. There are intra-mural
sports teams, easily accessible gyms, long walks across campus, and
impromptu games of Ultimate Frisbee or street hockey with your friends.
• Walk whenever you can. Get off transit a few stops early or park farther
away from the entrance and put your feet to work. Make believe the
elevator is out of service and take the stairs. Unless you’re on the 38th
floor, a few flights a day won’t hurt. If possible, try biking to work; you’ll
be doing a favour, not only for yourself, but also for the planet.
FittingFitnessinto Your Schedule
Keep moving!
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The key to staying in shape and achieving balance is finding anactivity that is a good fit for you and sticking to it. By combining a smart exercise regimen with sensible eating habits, your desire to stay fit will stay on course.
• There are lots of other ways to stay active. Take a dance class,
join a tennis club, or grab your snowboard and head for the hills.
KPMG’s Fitness Reimbursement program isn’t just for gym
memberships, it also covers a wide range of activities to help
you financially and encourage you to stay active.
• Combine a fitness activity with community involvement by joining
an event for a cause. Whether cycling, walking, or running, many of
KPMG’s Community Care initiatives will help get you moving while
giving back. Join events for causes such as the Heart and Stroke
Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and the AIDS
Walk for Life.
• Get your co-workers involved. Interested in a sport or activity, but don’t
have anyone to do it with? Put up a notice on your office bulletin board
seeking others who love to rock climb, dance, or cycle. Some KPMG
offices already have groups and networks that do activities like scuba
diving, cross-country skiing, and cricket. So make the first move—
you’ll meet new friends, build new social networks, and stay in shape.
• Great idea, but do some research before you sign on the dotted line.
What are the facilities like? Are fitness classes or personal training
offered? Is it conveniently located close to your home or the office
(or even better, both)? Ask if the gym offers a trial membership, which
will allow you to find out if the gym is right for you before you join. After
all, a membership won’t help you stay in shape if you don’t use it. When
you do find the right gym, KPMG offers a great Fitness Reimbursement
program to help you out with the cost of your membership.
Thinking of joining a gym?
Is a gym not your thing?
Combine fitness with community
Get your co-workers involved
www.kpmgfit.ca
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The Chartered Accountant (CA) profession’s Uniform Evaluation (UFE) is one of the most challenging
exams out there, but it has to be to uphold the high standards of the accountancy profession. This 3-day
exam tests a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and judgment, and requires months of preparation.
Sounds tough, doesn’t it? But tough does NOT mean impossible, especially if you’ve got the right support
and some good advice from past writers. So what do you do when you have seven of the top UFE writers
in the country in one room? You pick their brains! And that’s exactly what FIT did when KPMG’s Honour
Roll recipients were in Toronto for a photo shoot for The Globe and Mail and La Presse. They were more
than happy to share their experience and pass on some advice to future writers.
Been There…Aced That!KPMG’s 2008 Uniform Evaluation Honour Roll RecipientsDiscuss Their Experiences and Tips for Success.
FIT: What were you expecting inpreparing for the UFE?
Katie denBok (KD) – I was expecting to put in a
lot of hard work over the summer—and I was
right! Lots of people at the firm had shared their
UFE experiences with me, so I was prepared
for what I was getting into.
Jennifer Chung (JC) – Having talked to past
writers, I knew that the preparation process
would be tough. Fortunately, I had a lot of
support from family, friends, and KPMG’s
UFE Committee, which helped me maintain
a positive attitude.
Sarah Flood (SF) – I agree. Having a good
support group around you is so important.
Going into the UFE, I was expecting to spend
lots of time writing questions and reviewing
technical info over the summer. What I didn’t
expect was how valuable the support of
my study group and UFE mentors at
the firm would be.
FIT: Did all of you work with a UFE study group or study buddy? How did you support each otherthroughout the process?
Sandy Chan (SC) – I had two study buddies.
We worked really well together because we
had similar studying styles and personalities.
We supported each other by encouraging
one another, venting our frustrations, and
making sure we took breaks from studying
to chat about other important things, like
celebrity gossip!
SF – I worked with one study partner. It was
really helpful to have another perspective
when you are writing cases or questions.
We were able to bounce ideas off of each
other and see how another person would
have approached writing the same question.
Stephanie Pankratz (SP) – A study buddy can
also help keep you on track and accountable.
My buddy and I met at a set time each day.
It was a great way to stay motivated because
you have another person encouraging you to
keep working toward your goal.
FIT: You mentioned the KPMG UFEpreparation program. How did theprogram help you prepare for the UFE?
JC – No question, the KPMG UFE prep program
was instrumental in my success on the exam.
Valentine Levina (VL) – I agree; KPMG’s program
was really helpful. It allowed me to get feedback
from experienced markers and access additional
cases. I enjoyed being marked by the UFE team
and felt they always gave constructive feedback.
They were always very helpful and encouraging.
From left to right: Jennifer Chung, Sandy Chan,Stephanie Pankratz, Valentina Levina, Sarah Flood, Katie denBok, and Marie-Annik Viau.16
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SP – While I was studying, I found that the
technical notes provided in the UFE Study Binder
were great for brushing up on my weak areas.
I also appreciated the personal support from
my KPMG UFE mentor who helped keep me
motivated and confident throughout the process.
Marie-Annik Viau (MAV) – The Study Binder
was so helpful; I was constantly reading and
re-reading the sections throughout the
different stages of my prep process.
KD – I also found the binder to be a great
resource. The National Practice Exams are also
a great way to help gather momentum as you
approach your UFE summer, and to judge how
you perform compared to others across
Canada. The feedback provided by the markers
was very detailed and helpful.
SC – The Practice Exams were a great resource
for me as well. I was able to get feedback from
a number of different reviewers, and the
exams exposed me to what the UFE is like
early on.
FIT: So what was the most challengingthing about preparing for the UFE?
SP – The UFE was by far the biggest exam
I had ever written and the amount of
preparation required to be successful far
exceeded anything I had ever been required
to do for university exams. I found getting
past the intimidation and getting started was
the hardest part of preparing.
SF – That’s true. It is such
a big deal that it can be
hard to keep perspective
throughout the process
and not become
overwhelmed by the
idea of the UFE.
VL – Also, it is
challenging
sometimes to stay
motivated when
you are writing
cases and not
getting the results you
want. When this happens,
it is important to take a
step back, take a break,
and then debrief it properly
instead of giving up.
MAV – I experienced that too. When it
happened to me, I tried to be objective and
summarize on paper the areas I needed to
improve on. At the same time, I would also
write down the areas I had done really well
in, which helped me stay positive.
FIT: It sounds like you all put anenormous amount of effort intopreparing. How did you feel when you found out you were on theHonour Roll?
KD – At first, I felt numbness. I was shocked
and surprised—Ithink I asked if they were
sure they got the right name. When it finally
hit me though, I was ecstatic!
SC – I was also shocked at first. Then,
I calmed down a bit and felt a huge sense
of relief because my goal first and foremost
was to pass. Then, after the calm, I just felt
immensely excited.
FIT: Finally, if you could give a piece ofadvice to our readers about preparingfor the UFE, what would it be?
SP – Talk to several past writers about their
approach and experience. You will find that
everyone’s approach and progress during
their study period was different, and it is
encouraging to hear that while some people
easily improve over their study period, others
suffer more setbacks.
SF – That’s true. It is valuable to talk to past
writers. At the same time, don’t let yourself
get too caught up in trying to find the “right”
way to study and prepare for the UFE. You
need to find what works for you and combine
that with the advice from past writers and
experienced professionals.
MAV – Discovering your own study style
really helps. For me, it was important to find
balance in my summer, so on sunny days I
would study in the park. In the evening or on
weekends, I would always find time to relax
and not think about studying. It helped
reduce some of the stress that can build up
over the prep period.
JC – When it comes right down to it, the best
advice I can give is to have confidence in
yourself, never give up, and stay focused.
In the end, hard work pays off!
Supporting Your Success.KPMG’s UFE Training Program
KPMG will help you on your path to
achieving a professional CA designation
by providing one of the best Uniform
Evaluation (UFE) training programs in
Canada. Here are some of the key factors
that make our UFE program stand out
and help give our writers a competitive
advantage:
1. National Practice Evaluations
Professionally marked practice
evaluations with debriefings by
Densmore Consulting or by a recent
successful UFE writer in your local office.
2. KPMG’s Study Binder
An amazing resource for writers!
The binder has technical summaries for
each competency area, which assists in
understanding the UFE and promoting
efficient use of study time. It also features
comprehensive simulations to take your
studying to the next level.
3. KPMG’s Study Buddy Program
Lean on me! The UFE is challenging, but
it’s easier knowing you are not in it alone.
The KPMG Study Buddy program gives
you encouragement, support, and direction
from a recent successful UFE writer.
4. Compensation and Incentives
At KPMG, we believe in supporting our
writers and rewarding the hard work that
goes into preparing for the UFE. In addition
to offering paid and unpaid study days
throughout the UFE process, other
compensation and incentives include:
• KPMG pays all exam fees in advance
for first-time writers
• KPMG pays all student fees, initiation
fees (upon qualification), and annual
CA dues
• KPMG’s Incentive program provides
bonuses and prizes for exceptional
exam results
• KPMG’s national marking policy
encourages and supports employees
to become provincial exam and UFE
markers, leading to knowledgeable
in-house staff
• CA candidates receive a $2,000
accreditation award upon passing
the UFE.
www.kpmgfit.ca
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18
For lunch I like to do what lots of other people here do—stay in the office. The Montréal office has a really nice modernlunch room with lots of windows and natural light, so I usually eat my lunch there. It has microwaves, a high-tech
coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV, which allows me to catch up on the news of the day. Some people will buy food andbring it back to eat, but I really like to cook, so my lunch usually consists of leftovers from whatever I made the nightbefore. The lunch room is also a central meeting place, which is great because when you are working you don’t always get to see your friends from different practice areas or functions. Lots of people I went to school with also work at KPMG,so we will often meet for lunch and catch up.
The Miller Tavern is probably my favourite place to head for lunch. It’s walking distance from the office, which is great,and it is on the subway line, making it a central meeting spot. The building itself is actually a historic site—built in the
1800s as an inn for people travelling along Yonge street to Toronto. What I like best is that the restaurant has two areas—a more formal dining room for when I have a client meeting, and a casual area for when I am there with friends. When theweather gets warmer and they open up their large patio, you are almost guaranteed to run into a KPMG colleague or twositting outside and enjoying the sunshine.
Marie-Michèle Cloutier, Senior AccountantMontréal Office
Favourite Lunch Spot:KPMG Lunch Room
Pardeep Singh Gil, ManagerGTA – North York Office
Favourite Lunch Spot: The Miller Tavern
Lunch Break!Picture this: It’s the night before your first
day of work with KPMG. You’ve got yourclothes laid out, your route to the office
planned (and timed!), and you’ve read andre-read the information in your offer
package so many times you could recite it by heart. You are ready to go! But wait.
What about lunch? Should you bring itwith you? Buy it there? Where will you
eat? What will you get?
To help you plan your lunch break, weasked KPMG people from offices across
the country:
What is your favouritelunch spot?
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I try and eat my lunch outside whenever I can. Whether I am at the office or away at a client site, it’s just nice toget some fresh air during your lunch break. Lots of my colleagues and engagement team members feel the
same way. We’ll often all bring or buy our lunches and find a place where we can sit and eat together. When weeat in the courtyard outside the Burnaby office, I end my lunch with a trip to the Starbucks next door. A ristretto,grande, non-fat, no-foam, 180-degree, marble, mocha macchiato or an iced, black tea lemonade is the perfect wayto kick off your afternoon!
On the days I don’t have client meetings or recruiting lunches, I’ll often head to Ottawa’s Byward Market andgrab a sandwich from Le Moulin de Provence bakery. The ham and Swiss on a croissant is a favourite of mine.
The bakery has always been a popular spot with both locals and tourists, but since Obama stopped in there andbought cookies during his visit to Ottawa it has been exceptionally busy. There is always a lot of activity in themarket, making it a great place to go for a walk around. I’m a bit of an outdoor sports nut—skiing, mountain biking,snowshoeing—so after I eat, I’ll often stop into the sporting goods stores in the area and check out the latest gear.
I know it sounds a little odd that my favourite place to go for lunch is at a food court Chinese restaurant, butthat’s only because you haven’t tried it! My co-workers introduced me to Chicken for Lunch a few years ago and
now I am hooked. I’m not the only one either—if you don’t get there early, expect to be waiting in a line-up 60people long. So now a group of six of us from the office go down about once a week to get our fix of the spicychicken. The food court is right downstairs from our office, which is great because during an Edmonton winter youdon’t want to be going far. The tradition is going to come to an end in June though—I am starting my paternityleave, so for the next 3 months my favourite lunch spot will be at home with my 9-month old son. Can’t wait!
About two blocks away from the Calgary office is a street called Stephen Avenue, and it is definitely myfavourite place to go for lunch. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from, lots of them with great outdoor
patios where you can sit and watch the world go by. Stephen Avenue is where I take the first-year accountants I am mentoring for our mentor lunches. It’s a fun atmosphere and it’s good to get out of the office and spendsome one-on-one time discussing things like the UFE or how they are finding the work so far. Right now, my favourite place on the street is Divinos—they make a mean cheese plate!
Robin Yong, Staff AccountantGVA and Burnaby Offices
Favourite Lunch Spot: Outside!
Alex Beis, ManagerEdmonton Office
Favourite Lunch Spot: Scotia Place Food Court
Grace Fung, Senior AccountantCalgary Office
Favourite Lunch Spot:Stephen Avenue
Denis Trottier, PartnerOttawa Office
Favourite Lunch Spot: Byward Market
www.kpmgfit.ca
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Get aHead Start
inYour Career
Do you know where you want to go in your career?
Do you have what it takes to be a leader in a prominent firm like KPMG?
If so, why wait to kick your professional life into high gear? KPMG’s student-focusedprograms give you the opportunity to get a head start on an amazing career.
******************************************************************************************
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Ace
the
Case Ace the Case is an interactive 2-day workshop
designed by KPMG professionals to give first- and
second-year commerce students an opportunity
to improve their case-writing, analysis, and
presentation skills. Participants have the chance
to learn from some of the best in the business
while networking with other university students
and local KPMG contacts.
Ace the Case Workshop OutlineDay OneThe first day of the workshop is like a case-writing boot camp,
but without any push ups or laps to run. The session covers
critical skills, including the basic approach, outlining, ranking of
issues, and quantitative analysis. The day ends with participants
dividing into groups to analyze their own unique cases.
Day TwoOnce you’ve got the case-writing fundamentals down, day two
focuses on presentation and debriefing skills. Participants work
in groups to develop a solution to their cases and then present
their findings. The knowledge, skills, and confidence you gain
over these 2 days will be invaluable in both your professional
and personal life.
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“ Meeting KPMG people from all over the worldat Audit 1 gave me a glimpse of how manyopportunities exist through the firm. It wasn’tjust a chance to network and make friends, it was a chance to see that the skills Iwill develop over the next few yearswill give me the opportunity to takemy career international.”
Kevin BaldwinsonKPMG Staff Accountant and Audit 1 Participant
“Fast Forward is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to discover what KPMG is all about: committed
and passionate people striving to provide the
highest professional standards to their clients
and community. The experience is
truly unforgettable, especially with
the crazy, fast-paced backdrop of
Hollywood, California.”Patrick Mercier
Fast Forward Participant
Fast Forward
KPMG’s Fast Forward (FF) program is an
interactive training program and valuable learning
experience that provids you with the tools you need
to enhance your leadership skills. Each year, the program
offers about 150 students from universities across North
America the opportunity to meet and network with KPMG
professionals from the US and Canada, while providing
information about the firm and the public accounting
profession. FF is an excellent way for you to get an inside
look at a career with KPMG, while building key skills that
can help you in many aspects of life.
Students who believe that they have what it takes to
succeed in this industry, and are eager to gain some insight
from KPMG professionals, are strongly encouraged to
apply to FF. The event takes place in Hollywood, CA, where
participants will have a chance to have some fun while
getting an inside view of life at a Big Four firm.
Audit 1
Audit 1 is a 5-day international training program
available to a select number of full-time new hires
who start with KPMG in the fall and are interested in
launching an international career right from the start.
Participants get to experience first-hand what it means to
be part of a truly global organization as they learn from top
instructors from KPMG member firms around the world.
Learning side by side with new hires from across
North America and Europe will give participants a chance
to start building an international network of colleagues
(and friends!) that will last long after the conference
has wrapped up.
Last year’s conference took place in Athens, Greece, and
was a huge success. This year’s session will be in Rome,
Italy, where participants will have the opportunity to
experience the country’s rich history, food, and culture,
all while getting a jumpstart on their careers.
You can see Kevin and other Audit 1
participants talk about their experience
on KPMG’s YouTube Channel,
www.youtube.com/KPMGFIT.
Think You’re Ready to Ace the Case?To apply to take part in the Ace the Case program, look out for
advertisements at your university or in your career centre to find
out if the program is taking place in your local office. Also, keep
checking www.kpmg.ca/careers for the Ace the Case posting
and to ensure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.
Being able to participate in KPMG’s Ace the Case was a
great learning experience. Not only did we get a taste of
what the UFE is all about, we met so many great people
from all levels of KPMG. I had the opportunity to
speak to senior accountants, managers, partners,
and even the CEO!
Alice Ma, Student, Schulich School of Business,
York University
www.kpmgfit.ca
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KPMG Enterprise Enters
the Dragons’ Den
ur advisers’ knowledge and
experience starts with accounting
and tax, and extends to many other
areas, including financing, performance
measurement, succession planning,
wealth preservation, and more. Our
dedicated teams of experienced advisers
across the country have the skills to help
businesses grow and succeed.
In 2008, KPMG Enterprise entered into
an exciting arrangement with the CBC
to provide all facets of due diligence,
transaction-related services, and other
professional services to the Dragons for
Season 3 of the CBC television program
Dragons’ Den. After an incredibly
successful strategic partnership, KPMG
Enterprise will once again be in the Den
for Season 4.
With Canadian entrepreneurs pitching
business ideas to major league investors,
Dragons’ Den is an excellent opportunity
to demonstrate that KPMG Enterprise is
“your private company adviser.” KPMG
Enterprise people working on the service
delivery team will have the opportunity
to make a real difference in the success
of these endeavours, while gaining
valuable work experience and becoming
trusted advisers to some of Canada’s
well-established and up-and-coming
entrepreneurs.
In addition to providing professional
services to the show, each of the
Dragons—Arlene Dickinson,
Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary,
Jim Treliving, and W. Brett Wilson—
are all clients of the firm. “Reliable due
diligence is critical to the success of our
deals in the Dragons’ Den,” explains
Dragon Arlene Dickinson. “We are really
pleased that KPMG Enterprise will be
working alongside us this season
providing this key knowledge—their
reputation is unrivalled.”
You can watch the upcoming season of
Dragons’ Den this fall on CBC television.
KPMG EnterpriseTM
is focused on helping
Canadian private companies succeed.
O
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KPMG’s Audit practice is an exceptional place to build your career.
We serve many of Canada’s largest and most prestigious blue-chip
companies, as well as high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses.
As auditors, we perform a high quality of work in order to uphold the
public trust in the companies we audit. By building strong relationships
with our clients, we gain an understanding of their business drivers,
collaborate with them on challenging issues, and help them pursue
their strategic objectives. Working with our teams will give you the
opportunity to learn from among the best and brightest in our industry.
Peter Doyle – Canadian Managing Partner, Audit
When you join KPMG’s Tax practice, you can take
your career to the next level. There are so many
opportunities for talented people to gain new skills
and experience. Tax is constantly changing and
developing in Canada and around the world, with
new challenges arising each day. A career with the
firm’s Tax practice will prepare you to meet these
challenges head-on by allowing you to provide value
to your clients while growing as a professional.
Greg Wiebe – Canadian Managing Partner, Tax
Advisory is an exceptionally collaborative practice, making it
an excellent career choice for people-focused professionals.
We work in teams with people from across the firm to deliver
outstanding value to KPMG’s clients in areas affecting Growth,
Governance, and Performance. A career in the Advisory
practice will not only develop your technical skills and
knowledge, but also help grow your relationship-building
abilities and put you on the fast track to success.
John Herhalt – Canadian Managing Partner, Advisory
www.kpmgfit.ca
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24
KPMG’s Audit practice plays a key role in helping to build and maintain
the credibility of independent reporting for today’s capital markets
system. But what does that mean for those just beginning their
accounting careers?
From a career standpoint, starting out as a professional in KPMG’s Audit practice
can be the first step into a world of career opportunities. It’s a fast-paced world
where young professionals can hit the ground running, using their analytical
skills and knowledge to help today’s leading companies understand and meet
evolving financial reporting standards and regulations. What’s more, it’s an
environment where new auditors can get their careers off to the right start,
thanks to the latest tools, methodologies, and resources KPMG provides to help
them keep pace in this all-important business arena.
Tax today is about much more than just getting the numbers right. It’s
about understanding the long-term impact of tax decisions. It’s about
keeping on top of local and global trends in tax regulation and
administration. It’s about helping companies and entrepreneurs benefit
from the value of our firm’s tax knowledge.
For tax professionals who can think past the present, see beyond borders, and
deliver long-lasting value, there has never been a better time to be part of
KPMG’s Tax team.
A Terrific Team
With KPMG, you’ll have a variety of interesting and challenging career paths ahead of you.
At each step KPMG’s Tax practice is there with you:
• Helping you achieve your professional CA designation, through financial support and
our mentoring and peer-study programs
KPMG’s Advisory practice helps companies better understand and manage
the vital relationship between strategy and execution in areas of Growth,
Governance, and Performance to drive sustainable results.
To do this, KPMG’s Advisory professionals work as a team to deliver a variety of services
designed to provide trusted advice to help clients achieve sustainable value. For new
advisory professionals, this translates into a world of ways they can use their skills and
increase their knowledge while helping companies to:
• Strengthen governance, reporting, and internal controls to build stakeholder trust
• Achieve early identification and assessment of risk and control issues that can
affect performance
• Enhance efficiency and effectiveness of key business processes
• Provide informed, effective responses to existing and proposed regulatory requirements,
including geographic- and industry-specific issues
• Enhance the selection and execution of strategic transactions to preserve and create
long-term business value.
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An Audit Methodology That
Raises the Bar
KPMG’s Audit Methodology (KAM) combines
a rigorous approach to audits with robust
technology, which translates into high-quality
audits for our clients and a sound, consistent
approach for KPMG member firms’ auditing
teams around the world. KPMG offers auditors
an enhanced and automated platform that
provides a suite of technology tools specially
designed to help them make the most of the
firm’s proprietary methodology.
A Chance to Tap into a World of
Resources
Another advantage to working in KPMG’s Audit
practice is the ability to tap into the global
network of member firms. This means being
able to reach out to individuals around the
world for their in-depth knowledge in such
areas as tax, forensics, information risk
management, valuation, and more, as well
as for their extensive experience in today’s
leading industries. This multidisciplinary
approach and access to a wide range of
highly experienced senior-level professionals
mean more opportunities for those starting
out to develop the skills, knowledge, and
relationships they need to keep climbing
the career ladder. This all adds up to make
KPMG’s Audit practice a great place to
start—and build—a career.
• Encouraging you to gain experience in
various tax disciplines, with plenty of
flexibility to move into the areas of the
profession that are right for you
• Providing opportunities for you to grow
through technical training and enhance
your skills as you progress to new levels
in your career
• Offering transfer opportunities within
Canada and around the world to help you
build your knowledge, experience, and
professional network.
When you join the Tax team at KPMG, you’ll
develop and grow as a professional, closely
advising our clients about the challenges
they face. Among the specific services that
make up KPMG’s Tax practice—and from
which new tax professionals can choose to
begin their careers—are:
• Canadian Corporate Tax Services: Advise
organizations of all sizes on managing
corporate taxes, planning for mergers and
acquisitions, and understanding the tax
implications of the new International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
coming to Canada.
• Global Tax Services: Consult with
multinational companies on global and
cross-border tax issues.
• KPMG Enterprise™Tax Services:
Address the financial, tax, business,
and compliance issues that private
companies and owner-managers face
in their daily operations.
• Indirect Tax Services: Consult on a
wide range of compliance and provide
planning advice regarding retail taxes,
including the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
and various provincial sales taxes.
Here are some of KPMG’s services that
today’s professionals can choose from to
begin their Advisory careers:
Transaction Advisory: We help companies
grow and enhance shareholder value by
providing strategic advice to help them assess
and manage the complexities of a transaction.
Operations Improvement: We help create
and enhance business processes and systems
to overcome barriers to business productivity,
thereby growing sustainable business value.
Risk and Compliance: We help organizations
assess and manage their critical business risks
by providing structured risk assessment
frameworks, thereby helping to create resilience
in the organization’s systems and controls.
Our professionals help uncover the facts and
create clarity when people and organizations
do not agree, or where financial and business
behaviour does not comply with expectations.
www.kpmgfit.ca
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Building valuable relationships in thecommunities where we live and work
Committed to Ourommunities
Calgary
March and April is a very busy season for KPMG people (can you say
tax time?), and sometimes you need a little treat to get you through the
day. That’s why each year KPMG’s Calgary office runs a Juvenile
Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) “store” on each floor of the downtown
office. The stores run on the honour system and staff can drop in at any
time to buy snacks, with all proceeds going to JDRF. This year, the store
raised almost $2,500 in funds. That’s some hungry accountants!
Vancouver
When an invasive species is taking over and smothering BC’s
natural vegetation, it’s time to call in the GVA summer interns
to help out. Working with Ivy Busters, part of the Stanley Park
Ecology Society, 35 interns got involved, removing invasive
species from Burnaby Lake Park, making it safe once again for
native plants to grow. The group then celebrated their victory
over the eco-intruders with a game of Ultimate Frisbee.
Regina
Last summer, 33 people from KPMG’s Regina office
traded in their laptops for tool belts and took part in
a Habitat for Humanity build. Never ones to shy away
from hard work, the team was swinging hammers,
hanging drywall, and insulating the attic. Three of the
more handy KPMGers even got together and built a
veranda at the front of the house. Those who
weren’t so versed in home improvement did
their part by picking up brushes and painting
their hearts out.
One of KPMG’s core values is that we are committed
to our communities, and with almost 5,000 people
in 32 offices across the country, we are in a position
to make a real difference in the cities and towns in
which we do business. From volunteering and
fundraising, to “greening” our office space, KPMG
people are getting out, getting involved, and having
some serious fun while they’re at it. Check out
some of these cool initiatives that our local offices
have been up to over the past year!
Toronto
Who knew growing a moustache could raise so much money?
In November 2008, several partners, managers, and staff in the
GTA’s Audit practice participated in “Movember,” a fundraiser for
the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada.
From November 1 to 30, the men on KPMG’s “Mo Bros and Sistas”
team grew mustaches to raise funds for the foundation.
By the end of Movember, the team raised a whopping $36,773,
placing fourth overall in Canada in terms of money raised,
and 12th in the entire world! Way to grow!
Halifax
Each year, members of KPMG’s Halifax
office lace up their walking shoes and
get ready to take part in the MS Walk.
The walk is 5–8 km long, starting at
Dalhousie University and winding its way
through the streets of Halifax. The KPMG
team calls themselves “Counting on a Cure”
(counting … a-counting … get it? CAs can be
punny too, you know!), as money raised
from the event goes to fund research in
search of a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
Last year, team members were able to raise
over $7,000 in pledges, and they are hoping
to beat that record this year.
Montréal
The Montréal office’s Environmental
Committee is helping to ensure the
office is thinking, acting, and going
green. The 16-member committee is
focusing its efforts on issues such as
reducing waste and lowering carbon
emissions. So far, the committee has
increased recycling in the office,
spearheaded a bike-to-work program,
and is holding a Green Lunch Hour
session to educate employees about
community-sustained agriculture.
Très bien!
Being a Community Leader KPMG values the relationships we
have with our local, national, and global
communities. This is why we have
developed The Community Leader strategy
as part of our overall 5 year business
strategy. The Community Leader strategy
translates the passions of our people into
leadership in our communities and our
profession. Our goal is to stand out and
be recognized as the firm that makes a
difference in each community. KPMG’s
strategy has the following objectives:
• Community Impact – Make the most of
the skills, knowledge, financial resources,
and passions of our people and our firm
to make a difference in our communities
• Engage Our People and Excel in the
Community – Actively mentor, support,
and create opportunities for KPMG people
to excel in their community leadership
roles, while providing them with the skills,
time, and financial support to pursue
their passions
• Celebrate Success – Celebrate our people
and their many community involvement
achievements
• Leverage Relationships in the Community –
Encourage a strategic approach to our
community involvement initiatives and
financial contributions to ensure that we
are supporting the passions of our people
and our firm
• Reduce Our Environmental Impact –
Implement the action plan set out in our
Environmental Performance Initiative
(EPI) to reduce the firm’s overall
environmental footprint.
Beth Wilson has been named the Canadian
Managing Partner of Community Leadership,
accountable for ensuring KPMG leverages
the skills, knowledge, financial resources,
and passions of our firm and our people to
make a positive impact in our communities.
In addition, KPMG has also appointed a new
National Director of Community Leadership,
Tania Carnegie, to spearhead the strategy.
Both Beth and Tania are active volunteers,
supporting worthwhile organizations such
as the National Ballet of Canada and Habitat
for Humanity.
www.kpmgfit.ca
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How to dress right for work without sacrificing your personal style or
running up your credit card bill. Which basics are worth paying a bit
more for? Which trends will only last a season? The key is buying a
few basic colour palettes and getting separates to mix and match.
Think quality, not quantity. Start to build your wardrobe with some
smart, affordable basics. Depending on where you work, black and
neutrals accented by splashes of colour, are a great start. Don’t feel
you have to fit some cookie-cutter corporate image; instead, be
yourself and let your personal style shine through.
Starting from scratch?
The challenge:
FashionWear-WithalGone are the days when sweat pants and tank tops would
take you from the dorm to class to hanging out and back
again. When that alarm clock goes off and you’re standing in
front of the closet wondering what to wear, the idea of a
work wardrobe suddenly hits home.
28 © 2009 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network ofindependent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. All rights reserved.
Dress for Success Without the Stress
Today’s smart companies recognize the value of
letting people express their individuality while still
presenting a business face to clients. For example,
KPMG has a “Dress for the Occasion” policy, which
means just what it says—KPMG people consider
where they’ll be going and who they’ll be meeting in
the course of the day and dress accordingly. If you
are in the office all day, business-casual attire works.
If you are heading to a client site, consider that
organization’s culture and dress code. When you are
not sure, remember that it is always better to be
overdressed than underdressed.
Choose attire that gives you confidence and comfort,
but always remember to maintain a professional
image. For women, this could mean well-cut suits,
tailored tops, sensible shoes (leave the 4-inch heels
at home), and light makeup. Casual alternatives
include sweater sets, turtlenecks, and skirts or well-
cut pants. Jewellery is a great way to bring your
personal style through, as long as it doesn’t
overwhelm. Avoid clothing that is too tight
or shows too much skin.
For men, a conservative suit and tie, matching
socks, and dress shoes are always a safe bet.
For non-meeting days, casual shirts with collars,
golf shirts, sport jackets, or sweater vests are all
acceptable. The key is to look put-together and
casual, but never sloppy.
For women, here are somewardrobe quick starters: A good black pantsuit. Straight-leg
trousers and a classic jacket that can be
worn together or as separates.
Dress pants in a neutral colour. Maybe one solid
pair, another with a pinstripe or subtle plaid pattern.
Button-up shirts. Look for ones with a little stretch;
they are more comfortable and reduce the need for
ironing (always a plus!).
A skirt. Knee-length in a neutral colour that you can
pair with brighter tops.
A more casual jacket (not denim) in your favourite colour.
Shoes that mean business. A pair of good-looking
pumps or boots.
For men, some suggested starters:
At least one good suit. Black, dark grey, or navy.
Grey or tan trousers. Neutral pants work well
with almost all colours of shirts and jackets.
Dress shirts. White or light colours, or even
stripes, all work well with suits and blazers.
Dress shoes in black or brown. To keep them
looking new, pick up some shoe polish for quick
touch-ups.
Striped or small-patterned ties. Bold ties can work,
but make sure they are a good fit. You want people to
remember you, not your tie.
With work-wear policies, like KPMG’s “Dress for the
Occasion,” dressing for work can be fun. However you
accomplish it, finding good-fitting, appropriate fashions that
work without worry will get you out the door and let you
concentrate on what’s really important—your new career!
These items can be mixed and matched to create the basis
for a great professional wardrobe. Accessories are a fun
way to incorporate the latest trends without breaking the
bank. Let your own style shine through with colourful
scarves, bold necklaces, and cool coats.
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Standing Outfrom the Crowd
KPMG strives to be “The Envy of the
Professional Services Firms. “ To achieve
this goal, we need the perspectives,
ideas, insights, and experiences that
come from a diverse workforce.
To truly stand out in Canadian business, you need a strong
team that mirrors the diversity of the society itself. KPMG
knows this, and so do our clients. The energy, creativity, and
adaptability of our diverse team give KPMG and our clients a
competitive advantage in an increasingly globalized market.
At KPMG, encouraging diversity in the workplace is all about
celebrating our differences and bringing out the best in every
one of us. Our goal is to ensure we have a workplace that is
inclusive of all our people. If we work together, we can achieve
this goal and, in doing so, create a workplace where everyone
has the opportunity to succeed. For the second year in a row, KPMG was chosen
as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for
2009 and as one of the Best Employers for New
Canadians for 2009.
These awards recognize the efforts of all KPMG
people, led by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
team, who work together to make the firm an
inclusive organization. We are a team that values
and respects the opinions and contributions of all
our members because we know that talented
people aren’t all cast from the same mould.
Standing Out from the Crowd©
2009
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All
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The purpose of the Women’s Interchange Network (WIN)
is to strengthen internal networks and provide mentoring
in support of women across the firm. KPMG has held
successful WIN events in major cities across the country,
including sessions on volunteerism, personal finance,
and generational differences in the workplace. WIN includes
a chapter that focuses on emerging women leaders in
Information Technology Services (WIN ITS).
WIN helped me realize that the key to being a successful
professional woman is to not set any limits on what you
can do, and that it is not about being a man or a woman
but about having good support networks to help you
grow within the firm.
Inka Bari, Manager, Advisory, and WIN member
Women’s Interchange
Network (WIN)
Other KPMG Networks
• International Club – Assists new Canadians and international
secondees in acclimatizing to Canadian business and culture.
• Parents of Children with Special Needs – A networking and
support group for parents of children with special needs.
Join a Club. Start a Club.
Clubs are a fun way for KPMG people who share a common
interest or experience to connect with each other, swap stories
and information, and get together for after-work activities.
Here is a list of KPMG’s existing clubs:
• Cricket Club • French Club
• Scuba Diving Club • Tennis Club
The possibilities for networks and clubs are endless. All it takes
is someone like you to take the initiative to start one. So start
thinking about it now, because part of creating the Perfect Fit
at work is finding a fun way to express who you are and
connecting with your co-workers. At KPMG, the opportunities
are as diverse as the people who work for us.
pride@kpmg
KPMG’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans-identified (LGBT)
network was started to support and advance the needs of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people at the
firm. The pride@kpmg network recently strengthened its
relationship with the LGBT business community through
its partnership with Pride at Work Canada, a workplace
advocacy group. KPMG is one of 15 corporate partners
participating in roundtable discussions, workplace
advocacy, and networking events across Canada.
I think the network is important for a number of
reasons. It provides support for anyone who may be
apprehensive about coming out, and who may be
wondering how that may affect their day-to-day life.
We provide mentoring and support for anyone who
has questions or concerns.
Corey Rosen, Senior Manager and pride@kpmg
network member
Networks and Clubs
One way KPMG puts its diversity philosophy into action is
through its networks and clubs. Networks provide a forum for
conversation, meeting new people, and encouraging the next
generation of leaders to stand up and be counted. Some of
KPMG’s networks include:
The East Asian Network (EAN) recognizes and celebrates
the diversity of East Asian cultures through networking with
the firm’s existing East Asian employee base. Its focus is on
coordinating activities that allow employees to develop
professionally and personally. The network also engages
KPMG employees of East Asian descent to be active and to
build strong relationships within their communities.
Joining the East Asian Network has not only allowed
me to attend fun events and meet amazing people
across different levels and positions at KPMG, but it
has also given me an opportunity to learn and embrace
new cultures, while even helping to further explore
my own cultural background.
Eileen Choi, Staff Accountant/Analyst and EAN member
The East Asian
Network (EAN)
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$1,000Favourite
Charity?
for Your
For those who are just starting to explore volunteer opportunities,
KPMG’s Community Care initiative offers a number of programs
to encourage you to get involved, including:
� Time-off for volunteering – Working with you to find the time
to give back.
� Financial support for volunteering – To recognize employees
who donate a significant amount of their time, KPMG will
make a financial contribution in each person’s name.
� KPMG Volunteers – An annual event for KPMG people to get
out into the community and make a difference.
To find out more about how KPMG can help you give back
to your community, visit www.kpmgfit.ca.
Committed to the CommunityKPMG wants to give its people the chance to stand up,
stand out, and make a difference in their communities.
Each year, up to 20 KPMG employees are recognized
with the CEO Community Excellence Award for making
significant or unique contributions to community
organizations. Every winner receives a $1,000 donation
in his or her name to the charity of his or her choice.
Want
Passionate Giving Back?
Are You
about
YOU AND KPMG.
GIVING TOGETHER.
Are you interested in teaming up withKPMG and doing your part to give back to the community? At KPMG, we arededicated to building strong relationshipsbetween our people and the communitiesin which we do business. That’s why welaunched “You and KPMG. Giving Together,”a program that allows students to goonline and donate their 200 “points” to an organization of their choice. Oncedonated, the points are converted to realdollars and then matched dollar for dollarby The KPMG Foundation.
In its first year, “You and KPMG. Giving Together.” raised
thousands of dollars for four very worthy charitable
organizations—the Canadian Cancer Society, the Children’s
Wish Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the
Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research.
Visit the Web site www.youandkpmggivingtogether.ca to
donate your points to the charity of your choice and to
check the results of the program throughout the recruiting
season. You’ll see how your school is faring across Canada
and how much has been donated to your charity.
Committed to the Community32
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WANT MORE?Still have questions about KPMG and the careeropportunities we provide? In addition to KPMG FIT,there are plenty of other resources available to youto learn more about KPMG.
YOUTUBEKPMG’s YouTube Channel—www.youtube.com/KPMGFIT—is packed with videos
made by KPMG employees specifically for students. From summer intern videos to
UFE study tips, KPMG’s YouTube channel lets you meet KPMG people from across
Canada and share in their experiences—from the comfort of your computer!
New videos are uploaded regularly, so become a subscriber and stay up to date.
KPMGFIT.CAFor more information on KPMG’s people, programs, and culture, visit
www.kpmgfit.ca. Our easy-to-navigate site is a one-stop shop for everything
you want to know about the firm. The site also features videos, columns from
KPMG employees, and bios of all the members of our local campus recruiting
teams. If you want to know about it, you’ll find it at kpmgfit.ca!
AMBASSADORSLooking for a student’s perspective on what life at KPMG is really like? KPMG’s
Campus Ambassadors are a great resource for first-hand information on the people
and culture at KPMG. All Campus Ambassadors are former summer interns or co-op
students who are ready to share their experiences and advice with you. To find out
who the Campus Ambassadors are at your school, visit the Ambassadors section of
our Web site for photos and bios of your Campus Ambassadors, and information on
how you can get in touch with them.
www.kpmgfit.ca
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What they are:IFRS are a single set of globally accepted, high-quality accounting standards. They areprinciples-based standards, and applying them will require greater use of professionaljudgment than Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Who they affect:IFRS will be mandatory for all publicly accountable enterprises, which include listedcompanies and any other organizations that hold assets in a fiduciary capacity for largeor diverse groups of stakeholders, such as financial institutions, insurance companies,and securities dealers. IFRS may also be required for all government businessenterprises.
Where they are used:IFRS are currently used in over 100 countries, including the European Union, Australia,and parts of Latin America. Along with Canada, a number of countries are moving toadopt IFRS by 2011, including China, Korea, India, and Brazil. In fact, there is speculationthat the United States may move to IFRS as well.
When the changeover is happening:On January 1, 2011, IFRS will replace current GAAP for publicly accountable enterprisesin Canada.
Why Canada is switching:Capital markets are far more global today than a decade ago, and IFRS is quicklybecoming the common global accounting language. Using one common global set ofstandards will help ensure the reliability and consistency of financial reporting aroundthe world, while also eliminating the confusion caused by different national accountingstandards. In Canada, the transition to IFRS will help Canadian businesses staycompetitive in the global capital markets. By increasing access to these markets, IFRS can reduce the cost of capital and provide more business opportunities for Canadian companies.
How You Can Get IFRS Experience
A career with KPMG is a great place
to start. Here in Canada, many
organizations have commenced
large-scale projects for their conversion
to IFRS in 2011. Adoption of IFRS is far
more than just an accounting exercise;
its adoption can have enterprise-wide
implications for IT systems, business
processes, and budgeting. We have a
number of significant IFRS advisory
projects underway, which will continue
through to early 2012. At KPMG, we have
created tailored IFRS learning programs
for our people, and our IFRS assignments
provide exciting and challenging
opportunities for our teams to use their
related skills.
All About
IFRSIf you are considering a career
in accounting, no doubt you’ve
heard the term “IFRS” more
than a few times. But how much
do you actually know about
these new standards, which will
have a significant impact on the
Canadian business landscape?
To help you get up to speed on
the basics, we’ve compiled the
following need-to-know
IFRS facts:
What IFRS stands for: International Financial Reporting Standards
www.kpmgfit.ca34
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Inte
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.
Learn more about KPMG by visiting us on
YouTube at www.youtube.com/kpmgfit.
Have a question about KPMG?
E-mail it to us at [email protected]
and you may get a video response!
KPMG’s on YouTube!
UFE Advice
Intern Experiences
Global Training Programs
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Reach New
Heights
You and
KPMG
KPMG believes in supporting
people to help them achieve
their goals and reach new
heights in every aspect of
their professional lives.
This is why we are proud
to sponsor world champion
freestyle skier Alexandre
Bilodeau on his journey to
compete for gold in the
2010 Olympic Winter Games
in Vancouver.
What do you want
to achieve?
www.kpmgfit.ca
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