At KPMG, we’re proud to have been recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality for 14 consecutive years (2011–2024). From Apprentice level right through to partners, we empower women at all stages of their careers, supporting them to grow, thrive and progress through different life stages and their career development.
With so many incredible women in our teams across the UK, we wanted to take a moment to share some of their stories and experiences of life at KPMG:
R-L: Sainskruti Jain (SJ), Audit Trainee Corporates Listed & Regulated, Reading, Zakiyah Sheikh (ZS), Audit Trainee FS Insurance Audit, Birmingham, Vicki Hollingdale (VH), Senior Leader, London
What has your journey at KPMG looked like so far?
VH: “I started my career as an Audit Graduate in Financial Services. During this time, I was given the opportunity to lead a number of teams, as well as being offered a two year secondment to Australia to work in the Melbourne office - a highlight for me. I was promoted to Senior Manager in Audit and then took on a number of internal leadership roles. More recently, I have been promoted to Services Director for the Partnership Office which looks after the entire partnership of KPMG UK.”
ZS: “I began the Audit Graduate scheme in October 2022 on an intensive programme, which meant I needed to complete 14 ACA exams within just 10 months. This was especially demanding since I started when my daughter was only 8 months old, balancing parenting responsibilities with my studies.
Despite the challenges, I’m proud to say that I successfully passed all my exams. Since then, I’ve been working on audits in banking and insurance, which has further deepened my understanding of audit within the industry.”
SJ: “I joined KPMG two years ago as a Graduate Audit Trainee in the Reading office. This journey has been challenging yet rewarding. I have worked with a multitude of clients and gained experience and knowledge about various industries such as life sciences and real estate. The real challenge of the job has been getting through my ACA exams, especially during the busy season. However, people around me have been really supportive and understanding with the need for work and study balance.
Besides study and work, I have been involved in a multitude of things like the IDE network and organising socials for everyone, like games night.”
How has KPMG supported you to grow and invest in yourself?
VH: “KPMG has continually supported me throughout my career, providing a variety of different opportunities and roles for me to continuously learn and broaden my experience to progress through the firm. On a personal note, I am a mum of three young children and have taken three years off during my time at KPMG for maternity leave and this has always been fully supported. I now work part-time to enable me to have the work/life balance I desire. “
ZS: “KPMG has been incredibly supportive in my growth and personal development. The firm has shown a deep understanding of the challenges faced by employees, especially those balancing work and personal commitments. They've provided regular training sessions that are designed to further develop our skills and increase our knowledge.
I truly appreciate the resources and encouragement provided, which have been instrumental in my journey to succeed in my role.”
SJ: “KPMG has provided me with opportunities to volunteer (one of the key reasons I chose KPMG), which is something I always wanted to do through work. In my first year, I tutored students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and then in my second year, I went to a local school to support students with their reading. Stepping into the third year, I have taken on the role of national charity office champion - this opportunity has been the most rewarding part of my career and journey at KPMG.”
What has been your proudest moment/career achievement whilst at KPMG?
VH: “A highlight for me has been my promotion to Director a couple of years ago. I was fully supported by my team at that time to find the right opportunity that would draw on all my previous experience but also take me to the next level in my career. Despite this new role being outside of Audit, it showed me how transferable my skills were and I am able to use the networks built and experience gained to have an impact in my new role which I thoroughly enjoy.”
ZS: “My proudest moment at KPMG has undoubtedly been passing my exams. The intensity of the programme, especially while balancing my responsibilities as a new parent, made it a significant achievement. I hope this accomplishment serves as an inspiring example for my daughter in the future, showing her the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving your goals.”
SJ: “My proudest moment at KPMG was abseiling down fifteen floors of our London office as part of fundraising for the Marie Curie Charity!!
It was exhilarating, I’m so grateful to be able to do something adventurous whilst at the same time truly rewarding!”
How does KPMG support and empower women across the firm?
VH: “There is a wide variety of support available for women for all career aspirations, from training programmes to flexible working policies. Open conversations are welcomed and there is a commitment to creating a workplace where women can thrive and reach their full potential.”
ZS: “Flexible working arrangements are a key aspect, allowing women to balance their professional and personal lives effectively.
Additionally, KPMG has established numerous employee support networks that specifically focus on supporting women. These networks provide valuable opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and community building.”
SJ: “There are a lot of employee support networks such as KPMG’s Network of Women (KNOW) and Families Network amongst others. These celebrate the women at KPMG by holding networking sessions, career talks and advice to ensure that women feel recognised and empowered at KPMG to progress in their career.”
What advice would you give to other female Graduates or Apprentices, looking to build a career at KPMG?
VH: “Say yes to opportunities that come your way to ensure you have as many experiences as possible early on in your career. Then, you can build up your own view of what you would like your career to look like. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself along the way on what it is you want and have open conversations to make it happen.”
ZS: “At KPMG there’s a great sense of community, with lots of social events that allow us to connect with each other outside of work tasks. It’s a really supportive environment, and if you commit to working as a team, you can form strong relationships that will make it easier to share knowledge and resources, bettering your career.”
SJ: “KPMG offers lots of support and a chance to ease into the job. We have a wellbeing team and sports and social teams that help support the Graduates and Apprentices, especially during the busier periods, so take advantage of these, and know that the support is always there.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet KPMG colleagues and find out more about us on our KPMG University days. See when we’re on your campus at https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/student-events/
Explore our exciting Graduate and Apprentice schemes at: https://www.graduate-jobs.com/employer/kpmg#latest-jobs