KPMG Fit Magazine

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FIT Issue 4.0

The Road to the Top

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

The Social Network

Opportunity Knocks! Are you Going to Answer

KPMG

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KPMG’s Global Internship Program

One internship, two countries, endless possibilities.For the second year, KPMG’s Canadian fi rm will be

taking part in KPMG’s Global Internship Program.

The program gives you a taste of global work—

before you even graduate. First, you’ll start in

your home country working side by side with

KPMG professionals who will welcome your

thinking as you take on real responsibility.

Then, you’ll head off to work with another

KPMG member fi rm in a different part of

the world. It’s an exciting opportunity

to sharpen your global business skills

through an award-winning program

that has a track record of tremendous

success.

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ISSUE 4.0 | KPMG FIT Contents 2 Fast Facts About KPMG

4 Finding Your Perfect Fit

6 A Life Changing Summer

8 The Road to the Top

10 KPMG’s Recruiting Process: A Two-Way Street

12 Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

14 Opportunity Knocks! Are you Going to Answer

16 You + KPMG: A Formula for UFE Success

18 A World of Opportunity

20 A New Path to Career Development: KPMG’s Direct-to-Tax Program

22 Take a Good Look

24 The Social Network

26 Having It All At KPMG

28 Making a Difference Around the World

31 KPMG’s Practice Areas

34 Learning Beyond the Classroom

36 Diverse Player. Winning Team

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24 34

30%RECYCLED CONTENT

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

The paper used to produce this issue of KPMG FIT uses 30% recycled paper content. In addition, the inks used are vegetable based rather than traditional petroleum-based inks.

This edition is 100% recyclable; however, we encourage you to reuse this document by passing it on to a friend when you are fi nished with it.

The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International. © 2011 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. All trademarks referenced in this publication are the property of their respective owners. 3063

2 KPMG FIT | ISSUE 4.0

© 2011 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Fast FactsABOUT KPMG

KPMG International member fi rms have 140,000 professionals, including more than 7,900 partners, in 146 countries.

By focusing on quality, people, and our relationships with our clients, KPMG maintained our presence as a leading professional services fi rm in Canada in 2010, earning over $1 billion in revenue for the year.

From Victoria to Halifax, KPMG in Canada has 32 offi ces across the country.

KPMG was once again chosen as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in 2011. We are honoured that this is the eighth time the fi rm has received this prestigious award; it recognizes employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees.

The Canadian fi rm’s more than 410 partners and over 5,000 employees provide crucial services to many of the top businesses in Canada.

In 2010, Universum, the global talent consultant, ranked the global network of KPMG member fi rms in one of the top rankings—second only to Google on its index of the world’s most attractive employers.

Want to learn more about the topics we cover in some KPMG FIT articles?

Wondering what this is?

This year, to help you learn more

about KPMG, we’ve included QR

codes in some of our articles. These

codes work with any Smartphone to

help get you to the information you

want—fast!

Here’s how they work:

1 To read the QR codes used throughout this magazine, download a QR code reader from http://percentmobile.com/getqr or search “QR Reader” from your mobile device.

2 Once your software is installed, use your mobile device to take a photo of the QR code in the article you are interested in learning more about.

3 Your phone will know what to do next. Enjoy!

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KPMG actively supports and encourages international assignments through the Global Opportunities (GO) program. Currently, KPMG has 72 individuals on both short- and long- term assignments in many different countries around the world. The most popular destinations include the US, the UK, Australia, Bermuda, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

KPMG people have access to our concierge service, which supports people with the daily tasks they don’t have time for, including dropping off the dry cleaning, fi nding the perfect gift, or scoring concert tickets. In 2010, requests handled by the concierge service saved our people 5,984 hours.

In 2010, KPMG announced a new and exciting partnership with Free The Children. The partnership is driven by a shared passion to make social change a priority in our communities—both locally and globally. Our 4-year partnership will enable KPMG’s people to put their skills to work in making a difference in the world, one community at a time.

2010 also marked the launch of the KPMG Business School (KBS), a learning solution that allows our people to build the leadership, business, and technical skills needed to reach their full potential and enhance their own career development. Designed to provide access to all learning from one central location, KBS offers a mix of different training delivery formats, such as in-person classroom, virtual classroom, online refresher courses, self-paced eLearning, and web-based materials.

KPMG offers sabbatical leaves from 3 weeks to 6 months after just 1 year of service. In 2010, 112 KPMG people took advantage of the sabbatical program to achieve their personal goals, from travelling the world to volunteering in the community to writing a novel.

For the fourth year in a row, KPMG’s efforts to create an inclusive environment were recognized with two prestigious awards, including being named one of the Best Employers for New Canadians and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2011.

Scan this code for more information.



FINDING YOUR Perfect FitKPMG CEO Bill Thomas discusses his career choice, the importance of mentors, and why having fun at work is a priority.

There are a number of reasons: the challenging client work, the strong teams we work with, the chance to develop your skills and earn your CA designation, and the opportunity to be mentored by some of the savviest minds on the Canadian business scene. The possibilities for a career at KPMG are endless. The questions you need to ask yourself are, What am I looking for in a career? What is important for me? This isn’t always the easiest exercise, but understanding who you are and what you want will help you fi nd a career that is a Perfect Fit for you.

Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a doctor like my father and my grandfather. I majored in bio-organic chemistry at UBC with my sights set on a career in medicine. It wasn’t until fourth year that I realized that maybe this wasn’t the right choice for me.

So, there I was, in my early 20s, and the path I had been planning since I was a kid had come to an end. It was time to sit down and fi gure out what I really wanted from a career. Following some serious introspection, I decided that I wanted to get into business. More than that, what I really wanted out of a career was twofold—I wanted to know that I was making a difference, and I wanted to have fun doing it.

To bridge the gap between my science degree and the business world, I decided to take an accounting class for non-commerce students. That was over 20 years ago and, although I didn’t know it at the time, it was the start of something big for me. Now I can say with confi dence that my decision to pursue a CA designation and build my career at KPMG was the right one. Every day, I know I have an opportunity to make a difference; it might be taking the time to

mentor a new partner in developing her leadership skills, or it could be on a larger scale, like meeting with KPMG leaders from across the globe in Frankfurt to discuss the business strategy for our global network of fi rms—a strategy that will affect, and hopefully engage, the 140,000 people around the world who work for KPMG. If that’s not making a difference, I don’t know what is.

As for having fun at work, I have to give credit where credit is due. This job wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is without the people I work with every day; we have a truly extraordinary team here. Ask anyone at KPMG what they like best about working here and nine times out of 10, the answer will be the people they work with. For example, I love meeting with clients and future clients; it’s the best way to build and strengthen the relationships we have with them and grow our business.

Why choose KPMG?

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For me, there are few things more exciting than welcoming a new client to the fi rm. But, I don’t do this alone and, frankly, I wouldn’t want to. It takes a team of people to build strong relationships and develop our business. When I celebrate that success, I’m not just celebrating with my colleagues; I’m celebrating with my friends. And anyone who has ever been on a winning team knows that a victory is so much sweeter when you achieve it with people whom you genuinely like and respect.

At this point, you may be thinking, of course you have these opportunities, you’re the CEO! Well, it’s true, I am the CEO. And it’s also true that when you start off at KPMG you probably won’t be jetting off to Europe to meet with the Global Executive Team, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have some seriously cool opportunities to develop yourself into an outstanding professional and have a lot of fun along the way.

I remember when I was a fi rst-year in KPMG’s Audit practice, I had the opportunity to work with a Partner, Dave McShane, doing the due diligence on the divestiture sale of a business for one of our more high-profi le clients. I was asked to work on this engagement because all of my peers, who were a year ahead of me as I was still trying to get caught up with my accounting credits, were out of the offi ce studying for the UFE. I was the only game in town, so Dave brought me on board. Believe it or not, that was the start of one of the most infl uential relationships of my professional career. I worked hard on that job. Dave recognized that and brought me with him to the closing meeting with the client, which was a powerful statement of the faith he had in me and the faith that the fi rm puts in all of our people, no matter what level they are at. After that, Dave became my mentor, and his advice and guidance got me to where I am today.

Bottom line—when you fi nd your Perfect Fit, the opportunities are endless. I’m here to tell you fi rsthand where a career at KPMG can take you. Want to fi nd out more? Read KPMG FIT, visit the website, and, most importantly, come talk to us. At its core, this business is about building strong relationships; whether they are with our clients and future clients, our communities, or our people—even those who haven’t started here yet—it is KPMG’s ability to build genuine relationships that sets us apart. So when you see us on campus, whether it is a campus ambassador, recruiter, staff accountant, manager, or partner, I encourage you to come and say hi. It could be the fi rst step to fi nding your Perfect Fit.

This job wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is without the people I work with every day; we have a truly extraordinary team here. Ask anyone at KPMG what they like best about working here and nine times out of 10, the answer will be the people they work with.




KPMG’SINTERNSHIP PROGRAM

A Life-Changing SummerAt fi rst, Mitchell Crown didn’t know what to expect from his KPMG internship in the Northern Ontario town of North Bay. With unparalleled on-the-job learning, a good balance of teamwork and independence, and a chance to bond with colleagues over a few rounds of golf, Mitchell looks back on his summer and says with confi dence that he wouldn’t change a thing.

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The internship kicked off in Toronto with 3 days of training. Mitchell and the other out-of-town interns stayed at a hotel right in the heart of the city, which was a great way to get to know his fellow interns. During the training, Mitchell learned about the fi rm and the Audit practice through a combination of interactive team-building and online exercises. But it wasn’t all work; his offi ce made sure there was suffi cient time for play. Mitchell bonded with interns over dinner at a top restaurant one night, enjoyed pub grub and hockey the next, and wrapped up the training with a city-wide scavenger hunt.

After a fun 3 days, it was time to get to work! With about 25 employees, the North Bay offi ce is one of KPMG’s smaller offi ces. “I liked that,” he says. “Not only did I get to know everyone in the offi ce by name, but I also had the chance to work on a variety of engagements.” While he worked solely in the Audit practice, every day was new and exciting. Because there was a focus on not-for-profi t and First Nations audits, Mitchell had the opportunity to visit various clients throughout Northern Ontario. “That was really cool. I got to see so much of Ontario that I never knew existed. Driving through the scenic French River area was probably my favourite. It was absolutely gorgeous.”

Throughout his internship, Mitchell received guidance and support from KPMG people at all levels. “It was a very hands-on, learn-as-you-go environment. I was typically working with one manager and one senior accountant, depending on the audit,” he explains. “They really invested in my growth from a professional standpoint. Everyone understood that I was learning and encouraged me to ask questions, no matter how simple they seemed.”

In addition to formal training, Mitchell also found an informal mentor, his team member Jordan Bennett. “I learned so much from Jordan. Whenever I had questions, I went to him fi rst.” This was integral to Mitchell’s success as an intern, as he quickly learned that there is more to accounting than simply

what he learned in school. “Having been in my position not too long ago, Jordan understood what I was going through and was always ready to help. And between work and a couple rounds of golf throughout the summer, we became good friends.”

Despite its smaller size, the North Bay offi ce was big on social events, especially during the summer. A golf fanatic, Mitchell was most excited about golf day. Partners, managers, and staff accountants mixed and mingled over a mini-golf competition from mid-morning until the day’s end. “It was probably one of my favourite socials,” he raves. “I had the chance to really get to know people from the offi ce over my favourite sport. What more could I ask for?”

Although golf has a big place in his heart, Mitchell always jumps at the chance to give back to his community. The offi ce organized a volunteer day, and Mitchell and his fellow colleagues helped build a house for individuals who are less fortunate. “Together, everyone helped lay down the

sod and the landscaping. Then one of the partners had all of us back to his house for a barbecue,” says Mitchell. “It was defi nitely a team-building experience. I got to bond with people from the offi ce over a great cause and get to know them in an environment outside of the offi ce. That was a great feeling.”

Overall, Mitchell feels that he couldn’t have asked for a better summer. “Interning has taught me so much. The work was challenging, meaningful, and rewarding, and I learned a lot. If the summer was any indication of what my career will be like with the fi rm in the long term, then I can’t wait to begin as a full-time accountant for KPMG.”

“Because North Bay is a smaller offi ce, I thought the pace might be a little slower. I couldn’t have been more wrong,” says Mitchell of his experience with KPMG. What he experienced was a life-changing summer that had an impact on his career like no other. “It really was a summer of great opportunities,” he says. “And it defi nitely offered more than your typical internship.”




2Staff Accountant:In your fi rst full-time role out of school, you will work closely with a senior accountant and performance manager, and will be asked to deliver timely and quality service. You will also have the chance to learn a lot. From local offi ce development programs to Audit Fundamentals training, you will gain industry and technical knowledge, while improving your leadership and project management skills. But it’s not all hard work—you will also have the opportunity to participate on local offi ce committees, network with partners and managers, and participate in offi ce social events.

UFE Time!Preparing for and writing the accountancy profession’s Uniform Evaluation (UFE) is a major milestone in the career of any aspiring CA. KPMG will help you on your path to achieving a professional CA designation by providing one of the best UFE training programs in Canada. To learn more, visit www.kpmgfi t.ca.

1Summer Internship:Spend a summer with KPMG during your second or third year of university. As a summer intern, you could be involved in a number of different activities, including working on a client engagement, planning for upcoming assignments, attending a training course, or participating in local social or charitable events. An internship is a great place to start your career with KPMG because it will help you explore all of the opportunities we offer.

ARE YOU ON IT

The Road to the TopYou know you’ve got big things in your future. You’ve got the drive and dedication to go right to the top. The question is: Do you know how to get there? Joining the right organization with lots of opportunity for learning and development is a great start. KPMG is dedicated to building lifelong relationships with our people by supporting them throughout their career.

With so many options within the fi rm, no two career paths are exactly alike. Still, if you are considering joining the fi rm, 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 your career at KPMG could look like.

Senior Accountant:Can you say “promotion”? As a senior accountant, your responsibilities will grow along with your opportunities for professional development. You will begin to take on the responsibility of the overall execution of client engagements, which means designing a work plan, managing a budget, and training and mentoring your engagement team members. Your technical knowledge will become more advanced and you will develop your ability to interact with clients, including making presentations and fostering business relationships.

Ready to GO?Why not gain some international experience by taking part in KPMG’s Global Opportunities (GO) program. You could spend 3 months to 2 years living and working in another country. Popular destinations include Australia, the UK, and the US. To read about the experiences of a current GO participant, check out page 18.

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Learning and Development @ KPMG – It’s All About You!At KPMG, we are committed to our people’s growth throughout their careers, ensuring they reach their full potential as professionals. We provide learning solutions that are best suited to you individually, based on your existing knowledge, skills, and career goals. You can personalize your development and reach your career goals with a variety of learning approaches, such as:

• The KPMG Business School (KBS) is a virtual school that offers a variety of technical, business, and leadership learning opportunities—all available from one location. The school was introduced by the fi rm last year and demonstrates KPMG’s commitment to your career growth, offering learning opportunities that are clearly relevant to your work. KBS will continually evolve to refl ect our strategy and technology advancements, providing you with an optimal resource for professional success.

• CLiX, our online learning system, provides you with one-stop 24/7 accessibility to the fi rm’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 certifi cations to help you track your progress.

• getAbstract, our online library of business book summaries offers thousands of the most relevant business books condensed

into 5 pages. It allows you to keep on top of market trends in just a few minutes.

• Learning Paths is a tool used by our professionals in Audit and Tax to help with performance development and career planning. Using this tool, you can select your role to identify what success looks like and what it takes to get to the next level as you chart your career with us.

• Blended learning programs provide you with access to a range of learning solutions and the latest technical and management skills through mentoring, coaching, action learning, eLearning, workshops, and virtual classroom programs.

• KLearn, KPMG’s interactive web conferencing tool, provides you with access to real-time learning and collaboration, and also allows you the fl exibility to play back recorded sessions. You can access KLearn anytime, anywhere, from any KPMG computer.

5Senior ManagerNow that you’re a senior manager, you will be managing multiple client engagements and providing training and direction to your engagement teams. Senior managers act as mentors, performance counsellors, and even instructors to their staff. You will receive the necessary training to support your people, including providing guidance to other managers. More than ever, you will be accountable for client relationships, including identifying opportunities for new business and leading proposal teams. Senior managers also have the chance to take the lead in various offi ce initiatives or spearhead community activities such as volunteer days.

6PartnerCongratulations—you’ve made partner at the fi rm! To get to this position you have been a strong performer throughout your career at KPMG, showing leadership capabilities and a commitment to the fi rm’s values. A partner is responsible for technical, client service, and people and business management leadership. The knowledge, skills, and experience you’ve gained during your years at the fi rm have positioned you for success. The sky is the limit!

4ManagerYou’ve made manager! That’s a big step up. As a manager at KPMG, you will continue to deepen your technical knowledge and industry experience in order to manage more complex engagements. You will also have an increased accountability for client relationships, which means learning and participating in the proposal process that develops new relationships for the fi rm. In this role, you could be interacting with CEOs, CFOs, and other C-level management. Within the fi rm you will develop your people and project management skills through KPMG’s management training courses, in order to make offi ce practice decisions, including resource allocation, career development of staff, and other management decisions.

Choosing Your PathWhile the majority of KPMG’s new hires start out in the Audit practice, there are ample opportunities to transition into other practice areas, such as Tax or Advisory. This allows our people to fi nd their path by encouraging them to leverage their strengths and grow their career at the fi rm. Offering career options and fl exibility is just one way that KPMG builds lifelong relationships with our people.




At KPMG, we seek to attract the best and the brightest. That’s why our recruiting process involves more than one-sided interviews—it involves building relationships with candidates we want to attract. Candidates like you.

Navigating KPMG’s Campus Recruiting Process

From that fi rst on-campus recruiting event, to the moment you sign your offer letter, the KPMG recruiting process can be a whirlwind of networking events, on-campus presentations, offi ce tours, and interviews. To take some of the stress out of securing a position with the fi rm, we’ve put together some tips and information on what you can expect.

KPMG’S RECRUITING PROCESS:

A Two-Way Street

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Networking: Let the fun begin!“KPMG does a great job of putting students at ease. Everyone, including partners and senior management, is approachable and easy to talk to. I remember the very fi rst event I went to—I rushed there right after a mid-term and had no idea what to expect. The environment was so relaxed. It was really all about getting to know the people at KPMG.” – Michael Flynn, Staff Accountant, Audit

Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips from some of KPMG’s recent hires, Michael Flynn and Tim Young from the Toronto and Calgary locations, respectively, to help put your nerves at ease:

• Start early It’s helpful to begin building relationships

early in your academic career. Not only do you get a head start on the recruiting process, but it refl ects your interest in the fi rm. By the time application season rolls around, you’ll have already established strong relationships with KPMG people.

• Confi dence is key! Confi dence is integral to making a

good fi rst impression. It’s refl ected in your every verbal and non-verbal move. Just remember, you’ve come this far in school and you know what you’re capable of. Let your experience and knowledge speak for themselves.

• Be yourself and have fun! The recruiting events are all about

building relationships. At the end of the day, KPMG people are there to get to know you and have you get to know our fi rm. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!

The Application Process: Six simple stepsSo you’ve made your fi rst impression at an info session, mingled at CA night, talked travel over softball, and fallen in love with the fi rm after an offi ce tour. Now what? Apply, of course!

The online application process is simple. In just 5–10 minutes you can apply to KPMG and be well on your way to a possible career with the fi rm. All you need to do is follow the six easy steps below.

Step 1: Visit www.kpmgfi t.ca to access KPMG’s careers site and create a profi le.

Step 2: Click on “Search Openings” to search opportunities by location and function. Click on each posting for a more detailed description.

Step 3: After fi nding the opening of your choice, click the “Apply to Job” button within the job description.

Step 4: You will be prompted to follow a set of steps to complete the application. This includes uploading your resumé, cover letter, and, depending on your region, a CACEE form.

Step 5: Proofread everything! Editing your forms is an essential step to any application process. It’s helpful to revise the documents yourself and then have a classmate or mentor do it to provide an objective point of view.

Step 6: Submit!

For more advice on how to perfect your resumé, cover letter, and CACEE forms, check out KPMG’s Resumé Tips by scanning this code.

Interview Essentials: Be preparedInterviews can be stressful, especially when you don’t know what to expect, which is why KPMG FIT has put together some essentials to help you prepare for a successful interview process.

Do your research: Find out as much as you can about the fi rm and the role you are applying for. This will help you answer with confi dence if you are asked a question like, “Why are you interested in working here?”

Be an expert on what matters—you: The interview is really about getting to know you, so you need to be an expert on the subject. Take the time to do a self-assessment beforehand so you have strong answers when asked about your strengths, interests, skills, and abilities. You can fi nd a self-assessment tool at www.kpmgfi t.ca.

Think IQ: “Intelligent Questions,” that is. At some point in the interview process, you will be asked if you have any questions. Asking well-thought-out questions will demonstrate your interest in the job as well as help you stand out as a candidate. Develop a few questions ahead of time and jot down more during the interview.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice makes perfect, so sit down with a roommate, friend, or family member and hold a mock interview.



For me, it was a people thing. The KPMG employees I met during the recruiting process were a huge factor in my decision to join the fi rm. It just felt like they wanted to give me as much information as possible to support me through the process.

Why did you choose to start your career with KPMG?

“Let me root, root, root for the home team, if they don’t win, it’s a shame! For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out, at the old ball game!”

Nick Martin, a staff accountant at KPMG, was lucky enough to be part of the engagement team assigned to the Blue Jays. Think excitement, team spirit, and a commitment to excellence are reserved only for a game at the Rogers Centre? Think again. We sat down with Nick to fi nd out more ...

Well, I work in the Information, Communications & Entertainment (ICE) practice. But it may also have had something to do with my sporting background. I played competitive hockey at both the Junior A and Junior B levels for many years. Not to mention that I’m an all-around sports fanatic!

How did you come to work on the Blue Jays assignment?

TAKE ME OUT TO THE

Ball Game!


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I do everything from payroll to inventory, to accounts receivable, to related parties. I think my favourite would have to be working on payroll. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all number crunching! I fi nd that, as a fi rst-year, having good industry knowledge, thanks to my nightly watching of TSN, provides me with a better understanding of the transactions that are going on and defi nitely makes it more interesting.

What are some of your duties on the job?

In early December, the Blue Jays Finance team was having their Christmas party downstairs in the team’s locker room. We were upstairs fi nishing some work and the controller of the Finance team brought us down during the party to give us a tour of the locker room. It was unlike any locker room I had ever seen before! There was a huge kitchen accompanied by the team’s own personal chef, an impeccable weight room, and even a sitting area with a huge fl at screen, massive leather lounge chairs, video games, and music. I was ready to move in!

Other than the work you’re doing, are there any stories about cool things you’ve seen or done while there?

My senior, Steve Hills, has been an excellent mentor. Before we start each section, he sits me down and coaches me through it. That’s been a crucial learning experience and I don’t think I would have been as successful had he not gone out of his way like that.

Do you have a mentor on your team? How does this help you on the engagement?

Let’s just say, the second I found out I was on the assignment I did a big fi st pump. I was super excited. Knowing that I was going to be working on such a well-established brand and especially one that combines my two passions—accounting and sports—was a great moment.

When you fi rst heard you would be working with the Blue Jays, were you excited?

We do have the chance to walk out to the fi eld any time we want. I sometimes walk down with my senior and do a few laps around the lower stadium levels for a quick work break. I never imagined I’d be able to say that I stood alone in the Blue Jays stadium. Maybe it’s the sports fan inside me, but I think that’s pretty cool.

That sounds amazing! Do you get to go down on the fi eld?

KPMG and the Blue Jays hold similar values and foster the same sort of workplace environment, so it’s been easy to feel comfortable here at the Rogers Centre. Similar to the Jays, we always strive to put our highest quality forward. As well, their Finance team is really receptive and easy to approach, just like the people at KPMG.

How does the Blue Jays culture compare to the culture of KPMG?

One thing I am interested in is an international placement with the fi rm. I’d love to work abroad at a KPMG offi ce in Europe or Australia at some point. The fi rm is great because you can work anywhere—the opportunities are limitless. Down the road, one thing I do know is that my career path will involve continuous learning and challenging work. KPMG has done an excellent job of providing me with these opportunities so far.

Looking forward, what are your career goals?

They are great! To begin with, they’re all passionate about sports and are big Blue Jays fans. It’s nice that we have that common ground bonding all of us. Starting on a client for the fi rst time is a huge learning curve and without a good team like mine it would defi nitely be more of a struggle. Individually, each team member has been helpful coaching me through different sections.

Tell me about your engagement team.

Every day is different. A lot of my work involves payroll, but it’s not all desk work. Face-to-face contact plays a big role. I often go down to the ticket offi ces to interview the Blue Jays inventory manager about the controls and accounting activities over inventory. On top of interviews, I engage in regular interaction with the people on my team and at the Blue Jays offi ces. I really love that every day is a new experience. As a fi rst-year, it’s exciting because you have the chance to develop your personal skills with a client.

What is a typical day like working on the Blue Jays assignment?



OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

Are You Going to Answer?

KPMG is proud to offer university students two exciting opportunities to gain valuable experience, develop their skill set, and travel to some seriously cool places.

Ace the Case Workshop OutlineDay OneThe fi rst 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.

Day TwoOnce you’ve got the case-writing fundamentals down, day two focuses on presentation and debriefi ng skills. Participants work in groups to develop a solution to a case and then present their fi ndings to a group of judges. The knowledge, skills, and confi dence you gain over these 2 days will be invaluable in both your professional and personal life.

Local Ace the Case Competitions and the KICC Each winter, the Ace the Case workshops take place in our four National offi ces. Winning teams from each local competition will move on to face off against each other in the Ace the Case National Competition in March. The winning team from the National Competition will then progress to represent the Canadian fi rm at the KPMG International Case Competition (KICC) in the spring. KICC 2011 took place in Istanbul, Turkey, with past competitions held in Athens, Greece, and Dubai, UAE.

Ace the CaseAce the Case is an interactive 2-day workshop designed by KPMG professionals to give 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.

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KPMG’s Fast Forward (FF) program is an interactive training program and valuable learning experience that provides you with the tools you need to enhance your leadership skills. Each year the program offers 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 fi rm 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 4 fi rm.

“My experience with KPMG’s Fast Forward program in Hollywood, California, was twofold: work hard, play hard. Along with students from Canada and the US, I participated in interactive workshops where I developed my personal leadership skills and gained practical knowledge through team-building activities. I was exposed to KPMG’s workplace culture through formal and informal networking opportunities where I was able to speak one-on-one with people from all levels of the fi rm. We wrapped up the weekend with a fun black-and-white-themed party, where even the most senior people from KPMG let loose on the dance fl oor. Not only was it the best part of my summer, but it was an amazing learning experience where I gained practical knowledge that I will carry through to my professional career.”

Theo WongFast Forward Participant

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 fi nd out if the program is taking place in your local offi ce. Also, keep checking www.kpmg.ca/acethecase for the Ace the Case posting to ensure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

“Participating in KPMG’s Ace the Case program was an opportunity to become familiar with the fi rm and further develop the skills necessary for a career in accounting. It was cool because I got a chance to learn fi rst hand from KPMG professionals who have real-world experience in case writing. The biggest highlight for me was meeting all of the people—employees from KPMG and my teammates, whom I’ve kept in contact with ever since. Even though my team didn’t make it to nationals, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It was a great opportunity to become more familiar with KPMG and gain hands-on experience in case writing that has been valuable in my life ever since.”

Daniela MontgomeryAce the Case Participant


Fast Forward



Celebrating Your Success!Writing and passing the UFE is a big accomplishment! At KPMG, we make sure to celebrate and reward the hard work of our writers. Celebrations vary by offi ce, but these are some examples of what you can expect:

• Each CA candidate receives a $2,000 accreditation award upon passing the UFE.

• In addition to the accreditation award, KPMG’s incentive program provides bonuses and prizes for exceptional exam results.

• Good news is meant to be shared, which is why we publish a full-page ad in a national English and French newspaper with the names of all our successful writers. Many individual offi ces also publish ads in local papers.

• After the results are announced, there are UFE celebration parties in many offi ces across the country.

UFE Writer Profi le: Doreen Lee“One of the most encouraging things was seeing how much KPMG invests in its UFE writers. At the Calgary offi ce, all fi rst-

time writers were taken to Olds College. For 1 week, we learned from experienced writers who volunteered their time to

literally teach us how to write the UFE. It was amazing; there were no distractions and we were just able to concentrate

on our practice exams. And the support didn’t stop there. A week before we got our marks, my UFE coordinator sent every

writer a holiday candy gram with a note of encouragement. It was a great feeling to know that people from the fi rm were

supportive of our goals.”

• The UFE takes place over a period of 3 days in the fall. The dates are set by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and everyone across the country writes it at the same time.

• The exam consists of 3 separate papers that challenge writers to demonstrate their competence by responding to business scenarios and simulations that are representative of the challenges they have experienced or will experience during their professional career.

• Papers are set by the profession’s Board of Evaluators and on each day of the exam, writers complete one individual paper.

A Formula for UFE Success!

The UFE Explained

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. The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and judgement, and requires months of preparation. Want to know more? Here are the basics:

YOU + KPMG

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UFE Writer Profi le: Renzo Mandato“If I have one piece of advice for fi rst-time writers, it’s to remember that it can be challenging at times, so remember to stay level

headed and keep your spirits high. If you’re having a bad day, don’t get down on yourself—it’s not the end of the world. KPMG

does a really good job supporting all of its UFE writers. What really helped me was the UFE Mentor Program. I was paired with

someone from the fi rm who had already written the UFE. Not only would we debrief our cases together, but if I was having a

frustrating day, he was just a phone call away, ready with positive feedback to help get me back on track.”

1 National Practice EvaluationsThese are professionally marked practice evaluations with debriefi ngs by Densmore Consulting or by a recent successful UFE writer in a local offi ce. These exams are a great tool to help you evaluate areas of strength and areas that need more practice. Also, because the results are shared nationally, you are able to see where you stand compared to other writers across the country.

2 Study BinderAn amazing resource for writers! The binder has technical summaries for each competency area that assists in understanding the UFE and promoting effi cient use of study time. The binder also features comprehensive simulations to take your studying to the next level and tips on case writing, debriefi ng cases, study habits, and how to approach certain situations.

3 Study Group ProgramLean on me! The UFE is challenging, but it’s easier knowing you are not in it alone. Our Study Group program gives you the option to work with other writers while preparing for the exam.

4 UFE Mentor ProgramGet support from someone who has “been there, done that.” KPMG writers are paired with a UFE mentor—someone who has recently successfully completed the exam. Mentors are available to answer questions, offer advice, and support you through the process.

5 Financial SupportAt 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 process, we pay all exam fees in advance for fi rst-time writers, as well as all student fees, initiation fees (upon qualifi cation), and annual CA dues.

KPMG Offers You the Tools and Support You Need to Succeed

The UFE may sound tough, but tough does not mean impossible. KPMG’s UFE Training program will help you on your path to achieving a professional CA designation by providing one of the best 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:



A World of

KPMG is a respected global player and our international infl uence translates into a world of opportunity. Whether you’re participating in our Global Opportunities (GO) program, travelling the world as part of an international client engagement, or working in our Global Resource Centre (GRC), KPMG is committed to investing in development—because the stronger people are as individuals, the stronger our fi rm is as a whole.

OPPORTUNITY


Global Opportunities (GO)The GO international secondment program gives KPMG people the opportunity to live and work in a new country; develop new skills; and become well rounded, internationally focused professionals who are poised for success. The GO program allows you to set challenging goals for yourself and supports you in achieving them.

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Christy SonenSenior Accountant, Audit

Secondment Location: Prague, Czech RepublicHome Offi ce: Calgary

Michael DebrujinManager, Tax

Secondment Location: SingaporeHome Offi ce: Vancouver

Stu WechslerStaff Accountant, Audit

International Clients

Meghan Bested Project Manager, Global Program Delivery

The Global Resource Centre

“I’ve always wanted to do an exchange to a new offi ce while staying within the KPMG family. I liked the idea of fresh challenges and a different work environment, and thought Prague was similar enough in size to Calgary that the translation would be easier. Working in a new country has helped me further develop my leadership skills. Because so many things are foreign to me, I’ve learned to delegate to members of my team and developed new approaches to solving problems. It’s really exciting to start from scratch in a new place. For anyone starting out in their career, I would highly recommend it. It will help you further your career, develop new business contacts, travel, and add a great deal of variety to your experiences.”

“It was a blend of personal and professional interests that led me to a secondment in Singapore. Because I work in International Tax, there are common rules across countries, which gave me a great deal of freedom to choose where I wanted to go. I thought living and working in a South East Asian country would be an amazing opportunity, allowing me to learn from a different culture, and a different way of doing business, as well as travel through Asia. There was an adjustment phase of course—one difference, for instance, is that every single project goes to tender here—but by chasing down and winning engagements, I’ve been able to really grow my business development skills. That kind of experience, and the people I’ve met and learned from, is really invaluable.”

If a long-term secondment isn’t for you, but you’d still like to gain international experience, KPMG has a wide range of clients in many industries and locations. You will see the impact your work has helping business achieve their goals—in Canada and around the world.

“In my year and a half at KPMG, I’ve worked in 3 different groups and had exposure to a wide range of clients. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to client sites in Barbados; the Dominican Republic; and Charleston,South Carolina, for 2 weeks at a time. The experience I’ve gained through travelling has been tremendous. Depending on where you are, the conditions and standards are very different. It makes you aware of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating a product or service. Visiting a different culture with a different way of life allows you to see beyond the numbers to the actual people behind them.”

KPMG International works at the global level to set strategy, ensure global consistency, and provide support to member fi rms in the achievement of their business goals. To meet these objectives, the Global Resource Centre (GRC) was set up in Toronto, with a focus on delivering Global Marketing & Communications, Learning & Development, Risk, Finance, and IT. For Meghan, working in the GRC has been the chance of a lifetime.

“Working in the GRC is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking to broaden their outlook and develop working knowledge of different industries, sectors, and cultures. It’s a fast-paced environment and very exciting. There is so much opportunity and every day is different. Our team is fantastic, with everyone helping each other meet the unique challenges that we face. I’ve had a fantastic time working here—I’ve learned so much and I feel like I’m really accomplishing something important.”



After completing a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Diploma in Accounting at UBC, Ryan worked at a small local business for year. It was during that time that he realized that he had an affi nity for tax work. “Working in a smaller company, I was able to fi nd the work that I really enjoyed doing, and I realized that it was tax. My Dad was self-employed, so the work was something that I was able to apply to my own life and family. And I enjoyed working in a smaller company where you could work on something end to end. I wasn’t sure I would have that opportunity if I was working on audits for large public companies.”

Through networking with various KPMG staff, Ryan learned about KPMG’s new Direct-to-Tax program and decided it was the path he wanted to take. He joined the KPMG Enterprise practice, which is devoted exclusively to serving the needs of private companies in Canada. Although more tax oriented, KPMG Enterprise also provided private company assurance engagements for Ryan, which allowed him to receive a very broad experience.

Ryan’s fi rst order of business was to pass the UFE. “Some people are concerned about the large audit component on the UFE, and whether joining Direct-to-Tax would make

A NEW PATH TO CAREER DEVELOPMENTKPMG’s Direct-to-Tax ProgramChanges made by the CA profession to the CA qualifi cation model have provided KPMG with the opportunity to train candidates directly in the fi eld of tax. The Direct-to-Tax program is ideal for those who want to pursue a long-term career in Tax without the requirements of formally rotating through the Audit practice. Ryan Ma talks about his experiences with the Direct-to-Tax program at KPMG.

Ryan Ma


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the exam more challenging,” Ryan admits. “But the UFE training at KPMG is very good. We had access to the same in-house training, resources, and mentoring opportunities as the Audit folks. There were 3 of us in the brand-new Direct-to-Tax program who wrote the exam, and we all passed, no problem.”

Ryan encourages those students who are making decisions about their next step to consider all of their options. “Audit may be the more typical route, but I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on any opportunities by going through the Direct-to-Tax program. I’m getting the chance to do really interesting work in many different sectors, and I’m gaining great experience. I would make the same decision again in a heartbeat.”

Why join KPMG’s Tax practice?When you join KPMG’s Tax practice, you are joining a team of people who are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. We’re committed to developing outstanding

professionals and business leaders. Joining the Tax practice will allow you to develop to your full potential, by offering challenging and meaningful work. You will see the impact your efforts have in helping companies achieve their business goals.

Felicia Mar, a manager in the Calgary Tax practice, made the decision to move into Tax shortly after writing the UFE. “I knew from my Masters program that tax work was something that I would really enjoy.

The tax laws and regulations are always changing, and I love the challenge that comes with it. I’m constantly learning, and I feel supported in my desire to gain experience in different areas of tax.”

It’s the supportive environment and great relationships that Felicia says have set the KPMG experience apart for her. “I can’t say enough good things about the people here. I’m part of a team of friendly, encouraging, and intelligent people. When you’re facing challenging deadlines, it helps to know that you can walk down the hall and talk to someone, and that they’ll do their best to help you.”

To those who may still be trying to decide which career path to take, Felicia offers the following advice, “If you’d like to continuously learn and grow, and want to be a value-added business adviser I believe choosing to specialize in Tax will be a great career option. KPMG is a great place to work because there are abundant resources available to you, as well as many mentoring opportunities. I always think that when the nature of work is similar, it’s the people that make the real difference.”

“I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on any opportunities by going through the

Direct-to-Tax program. I’m getting the chance to do really interesting work in many different

sectors, and I’m gaining great experience.”

“If you’d like to continuously learn and grow, and want to be a value-added business adviser I believe choosing to specialize in Tax will be a great career option.”

—Ryan Ma

—Felicia Mar

Felicia Mar



At fi rst glance, seeing big numbers on your pay-cheque may seem like the only thing that matters when deciding where to start your career. But make sure you take a second (and third!) look and consider everything an organization is offering you—from benefi ts and time off to learning and development 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 fi t their immediate needs as well as their long-term goals. That is why we have developed a “total rewards” package that provides options which you can adapt to fi t your changing life.

Here Are Some of the Total Rewards KPMG Is Proud to Offer:

Take a Good

When it comes to compensation, there’s often more to it than meets the eye.

LOOK

A Competitive Base PayKPMG bases its pay ranges on relevant market data of the organizations and geographies in which we compete for talent 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.

Opportunities to Earn Additional Pay Based on Personal or Firm PerformanceKPMG offers a unique variable-pay program called my$hare, which shares a portion of the fi rm’s net income growth with employees. Last year, KPMG distributed $21 million in variable pay. We also use our SHINE program to recognize and celebrate employees who demonstrate our strategy

in action. We reward employees who go above and beyond in Growth, Delivery, KPMG for Life, and Community Leadership while delivering on our commitment to client service excellence. SHINE rewards range from gift certifi cates and cash to points that you can redeem for great prizes, such as an Expedia getaway, an Apple iPad, or movie ticket packages.

Health Benefi ts That Fit Your LifeThe fl exible benefi ts plan that KPMG offers allows you to customize your benefi ts to fi t your unique needs. Each employee receives annual fl ex dollars to spend as he or she sees fi t 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 higher-cost items, such as laser eye surgery or cosmetic dentistry. In addition, a wide variety of fi tness-related costs are eligible for reimbursement.

Making Fitness FitOur Fitness Reimbursement program is one important way KPMG helps people develop to their full potential. Through the program, employees obtain fi nancial support for a variety of health and fi tness activities, equipment, and memberships. From sports clubs to weight management programs to home gym equipment, there is a wide range of choice available.

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A Matter of FamilyWe strive to offer a wide variety of programs that meet the needs of KPMG families, including parental leave, maternity income benefi ts, paid paternity leave, and adoption assistance of up to $20,000.

Building a Stronger Financial FutureIt 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 fi rm as well as a group RRSP program.

Extensive Learning and Development OpportunitiesAt KPMG, there is no such thing as “one-size-fi ts-all” training. From traditional classroom training to the latest in eLearning, 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, which encourages lifelong learning by providing fi nancial support for external part-time studies.

WorkPerksKPMG is excited to offer a discount program for people at the fi rm. It’s called WorkPerks and it gives KPMG people and their families

access to unique discounts on many brand-name retail products and services, as well as savings at smaller shops located close to home or the offi ce. Users can save on everything from computers and clothing to dining and travel—all through an easy-to-use website.

Get a Life!At KPMG, we recognize that you have a life outside the offi ce. Our 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 fi rm 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 3 weeks to 6 months after just 1 year of service. In addition, throughout the year you have access to a concierge service to help with day-to-day errands or personal research, saving you valuable time.

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 compensation, benefi ts, and fi tness reimbursements.




THE SOCIAL NetworkWhat helps foster an excellent workplace? The people, of course. With 32 offi ces across the country, you have many locations to choose from when you start your career with KPMG. To help make the decision easier, we talked to six people from across Canada to fi nd out what it is about the social networks within their offi ces and cities that make working for KPMG so enjoyable.


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Senior Accountant | Offi ce: London“What I’ve realized is that what happens outside the offi ce walls can contribute to the feeling of teamwork and camaraderie within our fi rm. I’m a big sports fanatic, so every Thursday night I play hockey with people from KPMG on a local team. London is located within Ontario’s snow belt, so it really lends itself to winter sports like hockey. We play weekly at London Ice Park, an indoor Olympic-sized rink. It’s not as exciting as pond hockey, but we’d probably have trouble skating through the snow anyway! Because it’s toward the end of the week, it gives us something to look forward to and also talk about on Friday in the offi ce. I think the best part about it is the opportunity to reconnect with all of the people I don’t see on a daily basis.”

Staff Accountant | Offi ce: Calgary“At the Calgary offi ce, we’re a very tight-knit group, despite having 500 employees. I really think that can be attributed to the fact that everyone makes an effort to participate in social activities together. One of my favourite times of the year is during the Calgary Stampede. For 10 days straight, the city turns into a real cowboy town and everyone in our offi ce—from junior staff to partners—gets involved. With events ranging from the actual rodeo stampede itself to live concerts and even a daily free breakfast in the heart of the city, we try to get out and show our Calgary pride. Last year I went with people from my Audit group. It was great to let loose and connect with people from the offi ce not only as colleagues, but also as friends.”

Staff Accountant | Offi ce: Montréal“I’m amazed at the amount of people in the Montréal offi ce who come out to participate in our social events. I know that at other companies you sometimes have to twist people’s arms to show up at socials, but at KPMG everyone makes the time to show up! As a member of Montréal’s social committee and a self-admitted foodie, I’m in charge of selecting the venues for our events. With Montréal’s European feel, there are an endless number of amazing restaurants to choose from. Each has its own unique charm. For events such as our holiday dinner and UFE celebration, we bond over delicious food and even better company. Montréal has such a vibrant energy and I think that’s part of what brings everyone out to socials. It’s important too, because it’s really outside work that your co-workers are going to become your friends.”

Partner | Offi ce: Halifax“In Halifax, we have a pretty active social calendar. The label “partner” can be intimidating to some and so our offi ce maintains an open-door policy. But I like to get involved with everyone from the offi ce informally as well. One of the main ways I do this is by having my engagement team over for dinner after a big assignment to celebrate. We just fi nished an engagement with a client, so I had the team over for scallops and lobster tails. With Halifax being on the coast, you can’t go wrong with fresh fi sh!”

Senior Manager | Offi ce: Winnipeg“The Winnipeg offi ce only has about 100 people, so we’re a very tight-knit group—across departments and engagement teams. Our social activities generally include everyone in the offi ce, which really contributes to a sense of camaraderie for the entire fi rm. One of my favourite social functions is the weekly “505”—at 5:05 pm each Friday someone calls out a location and everyone will meet there informally for after-work drinks and munchies. We usually head to Winnipeg’s popular Exchange District—a strip of restaurants and bars downtown, which also happens to be right beside our offi ce. The nice thing about Winnipeg is that it isn’t too big, so no matter where you are in the city—whether on a client engagement or in the offi ce—you can take a short walk or a quick drive over and be there in no time. There are no excuses for missing 505!”

Eric Mallory

Patricia Chlus

Pierre Nguyen

Jamie O’Neil

Shannon Magnusson



Having It AllAT KPMG Success in accounting requires drive, dedication, and a large time commitment. So, as a young person starting a career in accounting, our recruits often ask, “Where does family fi t in?”

At KPMG, we realize that there is more to life than just work, which is why we offer various programs and resources to empower our people to set goals not only professionally, but also personally—and our team will support you in achieving them.

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Tips for Women Balancing Business and Family• Build and maintain a strong support

system. Family and friends can help you when you encounter challenges in your busy life.

• Develop your organizational skills and use them to prepare for the arrival of your child and your return to work; create a schedule that will work best for your situation.

• Explore the programs and networks in place at the fi rm before going on maternity leave to help determine which ones will be most benefi cial to you.

• Realize that it will take time to readjust to work life after maternity leave and work with your performance managers and partners to help ease into the transition.

Flexible Work To help people meet the needs of the fi rm and the individual while adjusting to new circumstances, such as starting a family, KPMG offers fl exible work arrangements. Below is an overview of the options available at KPMG:

• FlexTime provides the ability to adjust the start and end times of the workday

• Compressed workweeks provide the opportunity to work the standard number of hours weekly in fewer than 5 days

• Telecommuting is a work arrangement that allows for work to happen outside the offi ce, which is helpful when situations arise that prevent individuals from making it into the offi ce

Backup Care OptionsKPMG created the Backup Care program to help employees fi nd and schedule backup child care and provides fi nancial support for times when employees are in a

situation where regular care arrangements can’t be made. We are registered with Kids & Company, a work/life solutions company that offers part-time, full-time, and emergency backup child care.

Adoption LeaveKPMG has provisions for adoptive couples, including a grant of up to $20,000 to cover any adoption-related expenses.

Concierge Service The Concierge Service enables KPMG people to delegate daily tasks—anything from ordering tickets to booking vacations to picking up the dry cleaning—to a personal assistant, helping relieve stress and providing more time for busy individuals.

A Matter of Family Parents’ KitKPMG’s HR team provides the A Matter of Family Parents’ Kit, which provides practical articles, tips, and checklists to assist and support people through the arrival of a child, time away, and return to work.

Here Are Some of the Family-Friendly Programs and Resources Offered by KPMG:

Profi le: Carla Da Silva, Senior Manager, Audit, Montréal Offi ce

To succeed both personally and professionally is no easy feat, but the supportive team relationships you will form at KPMG can offer the motivation and encouragement you need to help you fi nd your own personal version of life balance.

As a mother and successful senior manager in the Audit practice, Carla Da Silva juggles it all.

Carla has been working with KPMG since January 2004 as a senior manager in the Audit practice and is a mother to a 3-year-old boy. As senior manager, she is responsible for managing client deliverables and expectations, addressing and resolving complex issues, and reviewing the quality of the fi eldwork completed by the engagement team. Juggling a busy career and family life is never easy, but with the support of the fi rm Carla is making it work.

Learning about the various family-friendly programs offered by KPMG was helpful as Carla began planning to start her family. She appreciated the information and the comfort of knowing she had the fi rm’s support. The Flex Time program has been the biggest help for Carla since her return to the workplace; she has been able to adjust her start and end time each day, allowing her to get her son ready and off to child care in the morning.

“KPMG was great when I returned from maternity leave. Everyone understood that it takes time to readjust to returning to work. They were very supportive and ensured that I eased back into the workload, gradually introducing me to additional duties. The fi rm’s understanding and fl exibility helped me transition smoothly back into my role and the support continues as my family responsibilities develop,” said Carla.

Making room for a family was a signifi cant change for Carla, but one that has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that she can develop to her full potential in her role at KPMG and at the same time be there for her family has allowed Carla to continue toward her goals. Looking forward, Carla plans to continue developing her skills on her path to becoming a partner, while also ensuring that she will be there for all the important moments in her son’s life.




MAKING A DIFFERENCE Around the World

Create positive change. Make the world a better place. It sounds simple enough, yet so often little is done to create change. At KPMG, we want to do more than just talk about raising awareness. Through local and global initiatives, we are committed to our communities, and this commitment extends throughout the fi rm to employees and interns alike.

One way that KPMG is trying to make a difference is through its partnership with Free The Children (FTC), an organization dedicated to lifting children from poverty and exploitation, and inspiring young people to develop into socially conscious global citizens with the ability to make positive change. FTC involves more than 1 million youth in over 45 countries working to promote innovative education and development programs. With this partnership, we aim to inspire international community leadership in several ways:

Adopting a Village in India• KPMG has adopted three villages in India, with an emphasis on

sustainable global development and a focus on issues of gender equality and economic empowerment.

Strengthening FTC• KPMG is working with FTC to provide pro bono services and

mentoring opportunities.

Family Engagement• Workshops are offered to KPMG employees and their families to

raise awareness of social issues and promote youth leadership development.

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Salina Dharamsi, Co-op Student,Global Internship Participant, 2011, South AfricaKPMG’s Vancouver Offi ce

Salina is a fourth year student at Sauder School of Business, UBC, and will be interning this summer at our Vancouver offi ce. She has been volunteering since she was 8 years old and has been involved in various volunteer opportunities, including teaching literacy and numeracy in Guatemala, working with various organizations in Vancouver, and volunteering with World Vision.

Salina was chosen as BC’s World Vision Ambassador, volunteered in Rwanda, and travelled to the UN Headquarters to participate in the conference “Taking Collective Action in Disaster Risk

Reduction for Good Governance— Investing in Our Children’s Future,” where she spoke about ways to engage youth in social issues.

KPMG recognized Salina’s passion to make a difference and her desire to fi nd a fi rm that would allow her to combine business and diplomacy. The fi rm sponsored her trip to the UN conference in New York as a means of supporting her goal to inspire others. At the conference, she presented on ways to engage youth in disaster relief and how to get young people to tell their stories to create positive change. KPMG also invited her to “We Day,” where she had the opportunity to speak to Vancouver Offi ce Managing Partner Elio Luongo.

“The fact that Elio took the time to be there and talk about community leadership at KPMG showed his and the fi rm’s level of commitment. The relationships I’ve developed with KPMG people are very honest and the fact that community leadership is such an integral part of their culture really demonstrates their commitment,” says Salina.

Involving KPMG People Overseas• Starting in 2011, we will be hosting trips abroad for our people and

their families to visit FTC projects. This is a unique opportunity to learn fi rsthand about international development by working on a FTC project, volunteering alongside community members, and immersing yourself in a new culture. Trip destinations include Kenya (2011) and India (2012).

We Day• KPMG sponsors FTC’s “We Day” events for social action—a

celebration of the power of young people to change the lives of others. The day features inspirational speeches and performances to provide young leaders with the inspiration and momentum to take action on local and international issues all year long. “We Day” is also an excellent opportunity for KPMG families and guests to volunteer.

We hope that our partnership with FTC will harness the passions of our people and inspire social change at the community level, creating community leaders across the fi rm.


Community Leaders at KPMGSome examples of inspiration in action from our local offi ces:

KPMG sponsors Canada’s Top Employers for Young People awardKPMG fi rmly believes in supporting young people.

In 2010, KPMG was named the offi cial sponsor

for Canada’s Top Employers for Young People

competition. The annual awards program

recognizes exceptional employers that are

leaders in attracting and retaining younger

employees to their organizations because

of benefi ts such as tuition assistance, co-op

programs, and mentorship opportunities.

As the sponsor for this competition, we

wanted to show how invested we truly are

in creating bright futures for today’s young

people—and tomorrow’s business leaders.

For more information, visit

www.kpmg.ca/tefyp


P R E S E N T E D B Y

C A N A D A ’ S T O P E M P L O Y E R S

F O R Y O U N G P E O P L E

2010


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KPMG’s Practice Areas

“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 and a broad range of high-growth entrepreneurial businesses. As auditors, we perform a high quality of work—and it’s important work, as it contributes to upholding the public’s trust in the companies we audit. We are keenly interested in our clients’ businesses and work hard to gain an understanding of their business drivers. And we are committed to helping our clients identify value-adding opportunities that can help them pursue their strategic objectives. It’s fascinating work. Joining our team 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 fi rm’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 a collaborative practice, which makes it a great environment to develop strong relationships with team members and clients. Our teams of highly skilled professionals work together to drive innovation and create value for our clients.”

Jeff Smith—Canadian Managing Partner, Advisory



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 who are just beginning their accounting careers?

From a career standpoint, starting out as a professional in KPMG’s Audit practice can be the fi rst 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 fi nancial 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. Being a modern tax professional is 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 benefi t from the value of our fi rm’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 Terrifi c TeamWith 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 fi nancial support and our mentoring and peer-study programs

• Encouraging you to gain experience in various tax disciplines, with plenty of fl exibility 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

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.

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 identifi cation and assessment of risk and control issues that can affect performance

AUDIT

TAX

ADVISORY


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An Audit Methodology That Raises the BarKPMG’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 International’s member fi rms’ 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 fi rm’s proprietary methodology.

A Chance to Tap into a World of ResourcesAnother advantage of working in KPMG’s Audit practice is the ability to tap into a global network of member fi rms. This means being able to reach out to individuals around the world for their in-depth knowledge in areas such 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.

• 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 specifi c services that make up the fi rm’s Tax practice—and from which new tax professionals can choose to begin their careers—are the following:

• International Tax Services: Consult with multinational companies on global and cross-border tax issues, including those of expatriates, understanding the application of Canada–US and other international tax treaties, building a savvy

tax fi nancial structuring for a global merger or acquisition, reviewing a transfer pricing policy, etc.

• Domestic Tax Services: Advise organizations of all sizes on managing corporate taxes, planning for a strategic merger or acquisition, looking for opportunities to claim research and development and other tax incentives, or understanding the tax implications of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

• Private Company Tax Services (KPMG Enterprise™): Develop a trusted adviser relationship with private companies and owner-managers to address the fi nancial,

tax, business, and compliance issues that they face in their daily operations.

• Indirect Tax Services: Consult on a wide range of compliance issues and provide planning advice regarding retail taxes, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and various Harmonized Sales Taxes (HST) and provincial sales taxes.

• Trade & Customs: Advise a client new to sourcing abroad on the application of a new free-trade agreement, or help the client understand Canadian and foreign customs regulations.

• Enhance effi ciency and effectiveness of key business processes

• Provide informed, effective responses to existing and proposed regulatory requirements, including geographic- and industry-specifi c issues

• Enhance the selection and execution of strategic transactions to preserve and create long-term business value.

Here are some of the KPMG service lines that today’s professionals can choose from to begin their Advisory careers:

• Performance & Technology

• Risk & Compliance

• Transactions & Restructuring.




LEARNING Beyond the ClassroomKPMG believes that learning is a lifelong process and we are dedicated to supporting your growth throughout your career, which is why last year we introduced the KPMG Business School (KBS). It offers a variety of learning opportunities, both formal and on the job, for you to develop technical, business, and leadership skills. These skills will help you reach your full potential and the learning opportunities will provide you with a breadth of knowledge and abilities to help you develop into a well-rounded professional.

KBS features three learning streams: technical, business, and leadership. The courses offered are relevant to the different roles you will have at KPMG and will be benefi cial to you at any point in your career.

Technical Skills LearningKBS provides you with technical skills that are tailored to your role and vital to your work with clients. It provides a function-specifi c curriculum that supports the needs of KPMG’s Audit, Tax, Advisory, KPMG Enterprise, and National Shared Services groups, helping to ensure you have the specifi c skills that will allow you develop to your full potential.

Want to take a technical course? Try “Audit I,” a course for new hires that provides participants with basic skills and knowledge of general auditing using the KPMG Audit Methodology.

Business Skills LearningThis learning area focuses on understanding the industries and sectors in which our clients operate, the business challenges they face, and the skills needed to establish and grow our relationships with them. Having this broader knowledge of business will allow you to excel as a well-rounded professional.

Interested in business strategy? Enrol in “Strategy Execution”; learn what strategy is, how senior management and units work together to develop strategy, and how units support a company’s strategy by developing and executing action plans for strategic initiatives.

Leadership Skills LearningThis learning area provides you with the knowledge, skills, and experience you will need to excel as a leader at any level within KPMG. Building on the technical and business skills you have already developed, KBS’s Leadership Skills Learning will leave you with the ability to understand yourself as a leader and provide you with opportunities to build strong professional skills.

Planning on leading a project one day? Study “Project Management”; to learn the nuts and bolts of project management, including project planning, budgeting, team building, execution, and risk analysis.


WWW.KPMGFIT.CA 35


Profi le: Jennifer Doan

KBS offers employees of KPMG many learning opportunities to develop their skills and provides assistance in achieving their professional goals. When you take advantage of the learning opportunities available, the sky is the limit when it comes to realizing your potential.

One person who is taking advantage of the learning resources offered at KBS is Jennifer Doan. Jennifer completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC and has been working with KPMG‘s Audit practice in the Greater Vancouver Area since January 2011. Jennifer recently completed the Audit Fundamentals course—a week-long classroom course that provides employees with vital skills for their role in Audit. In addition to the classroom aspect, the course involved ice-breaking activities and simulations of real-life audit techniques.

“The course offered an in-depth look at the work I encounter every day in my role,” says Jennifer. “Also, it was a great way to start exploring the learning opportunities offered by the KPMG Business School. Since completing that fi rst course, my performance

manager and I have already been identifying upcoming courses that will help me develop into my role and expand my knowledge in business and leadership as well.”

There are other options for learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, such as KLearns (self-paced eLearning), virtual classrooms, workshops, and on-the-job learning. On-the-job learning plays a large role at KPMG, as Jennifer quickly learned. She has already worked on three different clients in three different industries: fi nancial services, real estate, and food services. “I’ve met so many knowledgeable people at each of the jobs. Getting to learn on the job really brings the audit alive and allows you to apply what you’ve learned from Audit Fundamentals.”

Jennifer’s next step in her development is preparing for the Uniform Evaluation (UFE), which she started training for in May. Luckily, her time at KPMG has introduced her to many people who have already been through the UFE and who are providing her with valuable advice and mentorship. Knowing that knowledge is power, Jennifer is taking advantage of every opportunity the fi rm is offering, allowing her to realize her full potential.



DIVERSE PLAYERS. Winning Team. To win in Canadian business, you need to build 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 the fi rm 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.

“In KPMG’s Edmonton offi ce, we don’t even think about diversity, we just do it. There is a refl ection room for individuals who wish to use it for prayer or spiritual refl ection. Not only does it encourage employees to be themselves, but it shows them that KPMG really does care about their backgrounds and religious beliefs.”

—Omar Mawani

“As an employee at KPMG in the UK offi ce, I couldn’t have chosen a better place to spend my year working abroad than in Calgary. This is a very open and friendly offi ce environment. I had such a great experience coming here that I’ve become involved in the offi ce’s International Club to help welcome other international secondees. By helping to create a workplace environment that embraces the diverse backgrounds of our people, I’ve witnessed fi rsthand how KPMG fosters an inclusive culture where everyone can succeed.”

—Paul Dixon

Recognizing Diversity @ KPMGIn 2011, for the fourth year in a row, KPMG was chosen as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and as one of the Best Employers for New Canadians. We are honoured to receive these awards recognizing the work of our people and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, as we work together to make the fi rm an inclusive organization.

Why was KPMG selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers?• We have a National Diversity Advisory

Board, chaired by CEO Bill Thomas, to help ensure the fi rm upholds its commitment to respecting the diverse backgrounds, talents, and contributions of our people.

• We offer a variety of diversity networks, such as the East Asian Network, Ibero-American Network, and Pride@KPMG, which provide forums for conversation, develop leadership skills, and offer a focus on business development.

• Our people clubs offer those who share a common interest, such as sporting or other activities, an opportunity to access resources and enjoy after-work activities.

• As a proud partner of the Mentoring Partnership—a program with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)—our employees can be matched with new Canadian mentees looking for guidance about working in Canada.

• We recently launched a retention strategy focused on women and creating a more family-friendly workplace.

• We provide bias-free interview training for everyone involved in the recruitment process. This helps ensure we continue to attract top talent, which, as a fi rm with global reach, we know comes from all over the world.

Scan this code for more information about KPMG’s diversity initiatives.

Developing Potential. You and KPMG.

The KPMG National ScholarshipKPMG is pleased to offer 2 national scholarships

valued at $5,000 each. For exceptional university

students, this is an opportunity to develop your

potential and pursue a career in the challenging

and ever-changing world of business.

To fi nd out more and apply, visit

www.kpmg.ca/developingpotential.

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Want MORE?Still have questions about KPMG and the career opportunities we provide? In addition to KPMG FIT, there are plenty of other resources available to you to learn more about the fi rm.

KPMG’s YouTube Channel—www.youtube.com/KPMGCampusCDN is packed with videos made by KPMG employees specifi cally for students.

KPMGFIT.CA—For more information on our people, programs, and culture, visit www.kpmgfi t.ca.

Twitter—Everything you need to know about KPMG in 140 characters or less. Follow our KPMGCampusCDN Twitter feed and stay up to date on all of the fi rm’s campus news at www.twitter.com/KPMGCampusCDN.

Facebook —To connect with a KPMG Campus Ambassador on Facebook, learn when we will be visiting your campus, or share something on our wall, visit us at www.facebook.com/KPMGCampusCDN.

30%RECYCLED CONTENT

The paper used to produce this issue of KPMG FIT uses 30% recycled paper content. In addition, the inks used are vegetable based rather than traditional petroleum-based inks.

This edition is 100% recyclable; however, we encourage you to reuse this document by passing it on to a friend when you are fi nished with it.


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