Accounting Career Research Report: ACC275 - KPMG Employer Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the accounting profession, delving into various aspects such as the nature of work, work environment, required education, essential skills, and expected salaries. It examines the labor market outlook, related positions, and typical employers within the accounting industry. The report then shifts its focus to KPMG, a prominent employer in the field, analyzing its nature, size, history, organizational structure, culture, branches, subsidiaries, clients, and services. Furthermore, it explores a typical career path for accountants, including entry-level positions, qualifications, and opportunities for advancement. The report includes a reflective section, detailing the author's reasons for choosing KPMG as a subject of research, and concludes with a summary of the key findings and insights gained from the research.

{TITLE PAGE}
ACC275 - Professional Practice in Accounting
Assignment 1:
Student Name:
Student Number:
Stream:
Word Count:
Date:

Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.........................................................................................................................4
2. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................5
3. SECTION 1............................................................................................................................................6
3.1. ACCOUNTING & AUDITING..........................................................................................................6
3.1.1. NATURE OF WORK:..............................................................................................................7
3.1.2. WORK ENVIRONMENT:........................................................................................................7
3.1.3. EDUCATION:.........................................................................................................................7
3.1.4. SKILLS:..................................................................................................................................7
3.1.5. SKILLS & PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL:...................................7
3.1.6. AVERAGE SALARIES:.............................................................................................................8
3.1.7. LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK:...............................................................................................8
3.1.8. RELATED POSITIONS:...........................................................................................................8
3.1.9. TYPICAL EMPLOYERS:...........................................................................................................8
4. SECTION 2............................................................................................................................................9
4.1. RESEARCH ON SPECIFIC EMPLOYER- KPMG.................................................................................9
4.1.1. NATURE OF EMPLOYER:.......................................................................................................9
4.1.2. SIZE OF THE ORGANISATION:...............................................................................................9
4.1.3. HISTORY:..............................................................................................................................9
4.1.4. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE:.........................................................................................10
4.1.5. CULTURE/MISSION:............................................................................................................10
4.1.6. BRANCHES & SUBSIDIARIES:..............................................................................................11
4.1.7. CLIENT & CUSTOMERS.......................................................................................................11
4.1.8. PRODUCTS & SERVICES......................................................................................................11
4.1.9. OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROMOTION:...................................................................................11
5. SECTION 3..........................................................................................................................................12
TYPICAL CAREER PATH FOR SOMEONE AS THEY ADVANCE IN THIS CAREER:....................................12
5.1. ENTRY LEVEL AND OTHER POSITONS:....................................................................................13

5.2. OTHER NAMES FOR ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS:.......................................................................13
5.3. ALTERNATIVE CAREERS:.........................................................................................................13
5.4. MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL POSITIONS:.................................................................................13
5.5. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED-.................................................................................................13
6. SECTION 4..........................................................................................................................................14
6.1. REFLECTION:..............................................................................................................................14
6.1.1. REASON FOR CHOOSING KPMG:........................................................................................14
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................16

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report aims to discuss about research and report of an accounting as a profession. Various aspects
of accounting profession are discussed in detail accompanied by details of KPMG which is one of the
employers of such profession. A typical career path of accounting is discussed and what are my views
and reflections regarding it.

2. INTRODUCTION
Accounting methods have been used since the first farmer had monitored the amount of cattle or goats
he possessed and the first dealers had monitored stock and recorded their earnings and losses.
Accounting has risen from these humble origins to become one of the world's top company industries
currently. Accounting is a mechanism for identifying, recording, analyzing, summarizing and reporting
economic data for the use of policy-makers. Simply stated, accounting is the company language("The
Accounting Profession and Careers - principlesofaccounting.com", 2019).
An accounting system monitors all of a firm's economic operations (whether it's a Fortune 500
corporation, a tiny autonomous publishing house, a non-profit cinema, or a state body), demonstrating
whenever and wherever money was spent and obligations created. This helps to make decisions by
enabling executives to assess organizational performance, by identifying the economic hazards and
advantages of selecting one approach over another, and by highlighting present faults and possibilities.
It enables executives to take a deep breath, glance at the organization, and evaluate how they are doing,
and decide where they should go.
The Big Four, identified as the four biggest government accounting / professional services companies,
employs many accountants. The Big Four consists of Deloitte, EY (formerly Ernst & Young), KPMG, and
PwC("Big 4 Accounting Firms - Who They Are, Facts and Information", 2019). Nevertheless, accountants
don't operate for the Big Four alone. They are working for all dimensions of public accounting
enterprises. Many others are involved in staff accountant (from Fortune 500 to "XYZ" stores), state
budgeting, and non-profit agencies. Some own accounting companies of their own. Others are teaching
accounting and monitoring.

3. SECTION 1
3.1.ACCOUNTING &AUDITING
Accountants are compiling, analyzing, verifying and preparing financial documents, such as
pronouncements of profits and losses, cash flows, cost research and tax analyses. Accountants may
invest heavily in fields such as auditing, tax practice, insurance, advising, managerial accounting,
financial planning and regulation, or processes and procedures related to computer technology.
Accountants may also be specialized in a specific company or sector; for instance, farm accountants are

specialized in the preparation and analysis of financial reports for farmers and farm machinery firms.
Auditors review and check financial documents to guarantee accuracy, completeness, and accordance
with state legislation("Accountants and Auditors : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics", 2019).
3.1.1.NATURE OF JOB: The primary responsibility of accountants is to plan and investigate
financial documents that stretch to all the others. They ensure detailed records and decent
and timely payment of taxes. To assist it operates effectively, accountants and auditors
conduct analyses of a company's economic activities. They also provide people with the
same facilities, assisting them to develop intervention plans to improve economic well-
being("Accountant Job Description", 2019).
3.1.2.JOB SURROUNDINGS: Most accountants and auditors operate in their respective offices,
however some operate from home. Even if they do almost their entire job by themselves,
they often operate with other accountants and auditors in squads. Accountants and
auditors are allowed to tour to the company locations of their customers("The Work
Environment in Large Audit Firms: Current Perceptions and Possible Improvements",
2019).
3.1.3.EDUCATION: One distinctive element regarding accounting is that at each degree stage
one can join the industry with educational level. Interested candidate will be prepared for
entrance-level roles by an associate degree, while a bachelor's degree will provide a higher
knowledge and understanding and set the stage for a Master of Business Administration or
other advanced degree. Typically it will require one to two years for a person to acquire
his/her master's degree("Education Requirements for Accountants", 2019).
3.1.4.SKILLS: Accountants are undergoing a stringent system of hiring and credential,
represented in their grand employment grade. Companies are looking for the subsequent
abilities for graduates: highly-motivated, honesty, capacity to concentrate on one's own
job as well as the broader implications of financially viable options, company sensitivity
and concern, organizational abilities and the capacity to handle timeframes, team
cohesion abilities, interaction and social skills, IT analytical abilities, methodological
strategy and task-solving abilities and elevated numeracy abilities.
3.1.5.SKILLS & PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL: To be a good
and successful accountant, one requires a scheme to maintain hold of those duties –
including any portfolios they maintain, the activities they perform, and any significant
schedules and due dates they need to follow – to guarantee that they accomplish all their
tasks to the finest of their capacity.
The capacity to operate inside of time constraints and re-prioritize one's to - do catalogue is going to
bring them much further. It will not only convince their boss, colleagues and customers, it will also assist
them keep a good work / life equilibrium and keep their daily productivity.
Besides being prepared to provide their customers with better facilities, flexible people are more likely
to develop and improve in their professions as they see each fresh problem as a chance to explore and
evaluate their abilities. The additional advantage of enhancing one's working relationships is to be open

when taking choices and providing guidance. It will facilitate coordination and assist them promote a
courteous and cooperative atmosphere.
3.1.6.AVERAGE SALARIES: The standard pay for an Accountant in Australia is AU$57,200
("Accountant Salary in Australia | PayScale", 2019).
3.1.7.LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK: Accountants and auditors’ jobs are expected to increase
by 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, quicker than the median for all professions. Generally
speaking, accountants and auditors' jobs development is anticipated to be strongly linked
to the national economy's wellness. As the economy expands, the preparation and
examination of financial documents should require more employees.
3.1.8.RELATED POSITIONS: Few of the related positions are financial analysts, budget
analysts, book keeping, accounting and auditing clerks, management analysts, personal
monetary advisors, pecuniary managers, top executives, high school teachers, tax checkers
and collectors, proceeds agents, etc.
3.1.9. TYPICAL EMPLOYERS: Accounting, tax groundwork, bookkeeping, and payroll jobs
(like big 4), administration sector, investment and cover administration of firms and
enterprises and also self-employed workers.

4. SECTION 2
4.1.RESEARCH ON SPECIFIC EMPLOYER- KPMG
4.1.1.NATURE OF EMPLOYER: They give professional services related to Actuarial, Assurance,
Consulting, Financial / Legal / Tax Advice("KPMG", 2019).
4.1.2.SIZE OF THE ORGANISATION: KPMG runs its operations worldwide and had 207,050
employees in the year 2018("Big 4 Accounting Firms Ranking (2019 Edition) (Who Is The
Best??)", 2019).
4.1.3.HISTORY:"Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler" combine to form KPMG. The acronym was
chosen when KMG (Klynveld Main Goerdeler) merged with Peat Marwick International in
1987
Recent timeline: Peat Marwick 1925–1979 >Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG) 1979–1987 >Klynveld Peat
Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) 1987 onwards.
K stands for Klynveld. Piet Klynveld founded the accounting firm KlynveldKraayenhof& Co. in Amsterdam
in 1917.
P is for Peat. William Barclay Peat founded the accounting firm William Barclay Peat & Co. in London in
1870.
M stands for Marwick. James Marwick founded the accounting firm Marwick, Mitchell & Co. with Roger
Mitchell in New York City in 1897.
G is for Goerdeler. Dr. ReinhardGoerdeler was for many years chairman of Deutsche Treuhand-
Gesellschaft and later chairman of KPMG. He is credited with laying much of the groundwork for the
KMG merger.

The heritage of the company covered three centuries. John Moxham started a business in Bristol in
1818. John Moxham& Co. was purchased by James Grace and James Grace Jr. and renamed James Grace
& Son in 1857. Henry Grace joined James Jr. in 1861 and renamed the business James & Henry Grace;
the business developed into Grace, Ryland & Co. At the age of 17, William Barclay Peat entered Robert
Fletcher & Co. in London and was the company's chief in 1891. Thomson McLintock was established in
Glasgow in 1877 by Thomson McLintock& Co. Marwick Mitchell & Co. was established in New York City
in 1897 by James Marwick and Roger Mitchell. The American Audit Co. was established in New York in
1899 by Ferdinand William LaFrentz. The American Audit Company was changed FW LaFrentz& Co in
1923. Main & Co. was established in Pittsburgh around 1913 by Frank Wilber Main. Piet Klijnveld and
JaapKraayenhof launched an accounting company in Amsterdam in March 1917. William Barclay Peat &
Co. and Marwick Mitchell & Co. joined Peat Marwick Mitchell in 1925. The Main LaFrentz& Co merger
of Main & Co and FW LaFrentz& Co was created in 1963. Thomson McLintock and Main LaFrentz
combined in 1969 forming McLintock Main LaFrentz International and McLintock Main LaFrentz
International incorporated the overall operation of Grace, Ryland & Co. In 1979 KlynveldKraayenhof&
Co. (Netherlands), McLintock Main LaFrentz (United Kingdom / USA) and Deutsche Treuhandgesellschaft
(Germany) created KMG (Klynveld Main Goerdeler) as an indigenous association. Given the partnership
between PMI and KMG in the Netherlands in 1988, PMI tax consultants entered Meijburg& Co. (Willem
Meijburg, National Tax Inspector, established the tax consultative agency Meijburg& Co. in 1939). The
Netherlands is currently the sole country with two KPMG International members: KPMG Audit
(accountants) and Meijburg& Co (tax advisors). The company was renamed KPMG Peat Marwick in 1991,
and the title was again lowered to KPMG in 1999. KPMG and Ernst & Young declared they would merge
in October 1997. While final approval was given for the partnership to PwC, the KPMG / Ernst & Young
match-up was subsequently dropped("History", 2019).
4.1.4.ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE:The framework is intended to promote service level
continuity and commitment to established principles everywhere their affiliates work in
the globe. Customer service is provided by signatory enterprises of KPMG. Every KPMG
company is independent and lawfully autonomous. KPMG Global does not provide
customer services. Member companies are based in 154 nations and regions. They
hire thousands of people collaboratively. The member companies are committed to a
specific set of KPMG principles. Companies must comply with quality standards regulating
how they function and how they offer better customer support. Each affiliate company of
KPMG is responsible for their leadership and the performance of their job.
Within these companies, partners and practitioners conduct to behave with credibility at a
ll occasions("Structure", 2019).
4.1.5.CULTURE/MISSION: The values are embedded in the KPMG culture. Their honesty and
open and frank interaction strategy boost confidence and cooperation, while their
autonomy and variety create a climate in which individuals’ share understanding
voluntarily, putting out the best in each other. Questioned why they choose to operate
with KPMG portfolio companies, many customers speak about their strong professional
morality, allegiance and accessibility.

4.1.6.BRANCHES & SUBSIDIARIES:KPMG is spread all over the globe. It’s headquarter is in
Amstelveen, Netherlands. In Australia its branches and subsidiaries can be found in major
cities such as Melbourne, Perth, Hobart, etc.
4.1.7. CLIENT & CUSTOMERS:Clients of KPMG in Australia include AAPT, Aboriginal Housing
Company, Active Research, Australian Department of Defence, Australian Payments
Clearing Association, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Hansen
Orchards, Laureate International Universities, MailGuard Group, MurdiPaaki Regional
Enterprise Corporation, nib, Sydney Zoo and Tiwi Islands("Clients", 2019).
4.1.8.PRODUCTS & SERVICES: Services offered by KPMG are audit & assurance, tax & legal,
advisory and enterprise.KPMG specialists/organizations can assist a business achieve
multifaceted proceedings such as:
 Post-acquisition mixing and reform
 Growth
 Divestment
 IPOs and public funding
 Private investment and refinancing
 Justification
 Corporate alteration
 Progression and modernization
 Digitization and e-business.
4.1.9.OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROMOTION: The KPMG promotion could be comparable to all
other Big 4 companies. In the previous stages of one's career advancement and wage
boost are fairly assured as long as they make no enormous intentional and amateurish
error. If it's really terrible, this might even lead to termination of employment.
Subsequently, promotion becomes more difficult and is often propelled by (a) company
case assistance (b) industry trends and (c) strict partnership evaluation (d) number of
retirement / exiting members.

5. SECTION 3
TYPICAL CAREER PATH FOR SOMEONE AS THEY ADVANCE IN THIS CAREER:
Accountants and auditors need to clarify their results in relation to reviewing and planning economic
paperwork. This involves writing accounts and face-to-face meetings with executives of organizations
and existing customers.Accountants in the industry conduct auditing and tax planning facilities not only

for their employers but also for their clients. Most of them begin as auditors or tax preparers at the
entrance level. They are provided more accountability as they acquire knowledge and are often placed
in control of others. State accountants guarantee that companies and people do what they are expected
to do: pay taxes, disclose necessary information, and release precise financial statements("Accountant:
Career Path & Qualifications", 2019).
5.1. ENTRY LEVEL AND OTHER POSITONS: Accountants' academic demands rely on the
particular nature of the business and the recruiting firm. Many accountants at the entrance
stage have only bachelor's degrees, and some have far less. Big-end project managers appear
to have a Master of Accountancy or Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA). Nearly
regardless of circumstances, management consulting companies need fresh recruits to pass or
at least be qualified to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. This needs 150 course
post-secondary education hours, which is more than a bachelor's degree but can be acquired
without a master's degree being completed.
5.2. OTHER NAMES FOR ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS: An accountant is sometimes referred as
controller whereas the ones who don’t have bachelor degrees are often referred as clerks.
5.3. ALTERNATIVE CAREERS:Although an accounting job may be the ideal route for some,
discovering distinct routes is not uncommon for practitioners. Fortunately, accounting
knowledge can be one of the most useful resources to discover new career possibilities for
accountants. Some alternatives are business analyst, entrepreneur, investor relations specialist,
business manager, IT specialist, etc.("Five Nontraditional Jobs for Accountants", 2019)
5.4. MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL POSITIONS: The high level job profiles are- Accounts Director,
CFO, Accounts VP, Senior Accounts manager, senior accounts administrator, director of cash
management, accounting analyst I, senior accounts receivable manager, senior accounts
payable manager, etc.
The middle level job profiles are- Assistant accounts manager, Accounting analyst II, Senior Accountant,
Accountant, Revenue cycle administrator, tax accountant, etc.("Hierarchy of Accounting Jobs titles |
Hierarchy Structure", 2019)
5.5. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED-
While a few people find jobs in entry-level accounting roles (such as book keeper or clerk) without a
graduate degree, most accounting experts carry at least a bachelor's degree. Many people want to
follow further learning and become certified public accountants.
Associate’s degree is useful for clerical position. Bachelor’s degree is required by almost all accounting
staff position. To move up the accounting ranks, Master’s degree is beneficial. Getting certified assures
senior accounting position. Apart from these there are few other options too for growth in this field.

6. SECTION 4
6.1.REFLECTION:
6.1.1.REASON FOR CHOOSING KPMG: Reason that I want to choose KPMG as my employer as
it will help in further developing my personality which will boost my professional growth.
Since it’s a global company, scope of internships abroad also will be beneficial. Training on
ethics and responsibility by KPMG will help me in benefitting the society. One more reason
for choosing KPMG is their support for work-life balance which is important in today’s era.
KPMG is a reputed company and only hires the best so one should take note of all the pros
and cons of joining it and prepare accordingly so that they get selected at one go.

CONCLUSION
Reason for choosing to be an accountant has variety of reasons. The career path is clear and not absurd.
The job is stable and growth is unmatchable when compared to other professions. The path helps in
professional growth, and the earning potential is promising. One can work from wherever they want to
work from. It also gives one entrepreneurship ideology. The education of accounting is ongoing. If a
person refuses to learn new changes, he/she is destined to doom.
There are few things which concern me about this profession. The work can seem dull sometimes. The
everyday work requires lots of investigating and math, which can sometimes be boring and other times
may not. There are also few seasons which can be very busy. Employees have to work overtime to get
the job done within deadline. This can result in stress in some employees which can hamper their
personal as well as professional life. But as we say, every aspect has two sides so as a professional one
needs to balance it in order for growth and success. I like taking challenges and this field is full of it.
Taking accounting as a profession will either break someone or make someone but at the end they will
have one of a kind story to tell to others who aspire to join the same field.

REFERENCES
Accountant Job Description. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from http://misscpa.com/accountant-
job-description/
Accountant Salary in Australia | PayScale. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Accountant/Salary
Accountant: Career Path & Qualifications. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionals/011516/accountant-career-path-
qualifications.asp
Accountants and Auditors : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019).
Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-
and-auditors.htm
Big 4 Accounting Firms - Who They Are, Facts and Information. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://www.accountingverse.com/articles/big-4-accounting-firms.html
Big 4 Accounting Firms Ranking (2019 Edition) (Who Is The Best??). (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019,
from https://big4accountingfirms.com/big-4-accounting-firms-ranking/
Clients. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://home.kpmg/au/en/home/about/clients.html
Education Requirements for Accountants. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://work.chron.com/education-requirements-accountants-8729.html
Five Nontraditional Jobs for Accountants. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://www.accountingweb.com/practice/growth/five-nontraditional-jobs-for-accountants
Hierarchy of Accounting Jobs titles | Hierarchy Structure. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://www.hierarchystructure.com/hierarchy-of-accounting-jobs/
History. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://home.kpmg/in/en/home/about/overview/history.html

KPMG. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KPMG
Structure. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019, from
https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/about/governance/structure.html
The Accounting Profession and Careers - principlesofaccounting.com. (2019). Retrieved 20 August 2019,
from https://www.principlesofaccounting.com/chapter-1/accounting-profession/
The Work Environment in Large Audit Firms: Current Perceptions and Possible Improvements. (2019).
Retrieved 20 August 2019, from https://aaajournals.org/doi/10.2308/ciia-51484