Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for KPMG Audit Associate - 2025

Are you preparing for an interview at KPMG for an Audit Associate role? Look no further! This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your professional expertise, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the audit process at KPMG. Whether you’re looking to join the firm as a new graduate or make a career move, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 1. Tell us about a time when you had to work in a team to achieve a common goal.
  This question helps to assess your teamwork and collaboration skills, which are essential for success at KPMG. Provide an example of a project or assignment where you had to work with others towards a shared objective. Focus on the steps you took to ensure effective communication, coordination, and problem-solving within the team.
• 2. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time in a fast-paced environment?
  Working at KPMG can be hectic, with multiple projects and deadlines to meet. Demonstrate your ability to handle a heavy workload by explaining your time management techniques. Share an example of a time when you had to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and explain how you successfully delivered them on time.
• 3. How do you handle conflicts or challenges with your colleagues?
  Conflict resolution is an essential skill in any workplace, and KPMG is no exception. This question aims to assess your ability to handle conflicts professionally and collaboratively. Share a challenging situation you faced with a colleague, and explain how you handled it in a respectful and effective manner.
• 4. Why do you want to work at KPMG?
  This question aims to assess your understanding of KPMG's values and culture. Do your research and mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you, such as its commitment to providing quality services or its focus on diversity and inclusivity.
• 5. How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments?
  At KPMG, it's essential to stay informed about the latest industry trends and developments to provide valuable insights to clients. Share your preferred methods for staying updated, such as attending seminars or subscribing to industry newsletters. You can also mention any relevant industry certifications or courses you have completed.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to meet a strict deadline for a project.
  This question assesses your time management and adaptability skills. Share an example of a project with a tight deadline, and explain the steps you took to ensure it was completed on time while maintaining quality. You can also mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
• 7. Describe a situation where you had to use your communication skills to resolve a problem.
  Effective communication is crucial in the audit process, both with colleagues and clients. Share an example of a situation where you had to use your communication skills to solve a problem or address a challenge. Explain the steps you took to ensure clear and effective communication and the outcome of the situation.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you identified and solved an issue during an audit.
  This question assesses your problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for a successful career at KPMG. Share an example of a problem you encountered during an audit and the steps you took to solve it. Be sure to mention the outcome and any recognition or praise you received for your solution.
• 9. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a new or unexpected situation.
  In the fast-paced world of audit, you may encounter unexpected situations that require you to adapt quickly. Share an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new or unfamiliar situation and explain how you handled it. Highlight any skills or strengths you utilized during this experience.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you received constructive feedback and how you responded to it.
  This question aims to assess your ability to accept and act on feedback, a key trait for success at KPMG. Share an example of a time when you received feedback from a supervisor, colleague, or client. Explain how you responded to the feedback, any changes you made based on it, and the result of your actions.

Situational Questions

• 11. If you discovered a significant error in a client's financial statements during an audit, what would you do?
  This question helps to evaluate your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Explain the steps you would take to address the error and ensure its accuracy. You can also mention any relevant policies or procedures you would follow in this situation.
• 12. If you noticed a colleague making a mistake during an audit, how would you handle it?
  As an Audit Associate, you may come across colleagues who make mistakes. Describe the steps you would take to address the issue and ensure the accuracy and quality of the audit. You can also mention any strategies you have used in the past to handle similar situations.
• 13. How would you handle a difficult client who is reluctant to provide necessary information during an audit?
  This question aims to assess your client management skills, which are crucial for a successful audit. Provide an example of a situation where you had to work with a difficult client and explain the steps you took to ensure the necessary information was obtained. Highlight any strategies you used to maintain a positive and professional relationship with the client.
• 14. If you discovered a potential ethical violation during an audit, what would you do?
  This question helps to evaluate your understanding of ethics in the audit process. Explain the steps you would take to address the violation, including any relevant policies and procedures. You can also mention any strategies you have used in the past to handle ethical issues.
• 15. How do you approach working with a team member who has a different working style or personality than you?
  As part of an audit team, you may encounter colleagues with different working styles or personalities. Describe how you would navigate this situation and ensure effective collaboration and communication within the team. You can also mention any previous experiences where you successfully worked with colleagues with different styles or personalities.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is the purpose of a risk assessment in an audit?
  This question aims to assess your understanding of the audit process. Explain the purpose of a risk assessment in an audit, including its importance in identifying potential risks and developing appropriate audit procedures.
• 17. What is your experience with auditing software?
  KPMG uses a variety of auditing software, and experience with such tools is essential for this role. Share your experience with auditing software, including specific programs you have used, any training you have received, and your proficiency level.
• 18. How do you determine materiality when planning an audit?
  This question evaluates your understanding of materiality, a key concept in auditing. Explain the factors you consider when determining materiality and how it affects the scope and procedures of an audit.
• 19. What is your experience with conducting inventory observations?
  Inventory observations are a crucial part of an audit. Discuss your experience with inventory observations, including any challenges you have faced and how you overcame them.
• 20. Can you explain the purpose of audit sampling?
  Audit sampling is an important technique in the audit process. Explain its purpose and how it is used to ensure an appropriate level of assurance for each audit area. You can also mention any previous experiences where you utilized audit sampling techniques.