KPMG graduate interview guide 2026
From the first application to the final Launch Pad. Understand the real UK selection stages, practise 28 original questions and prepare for Audit, Tax and Advisory with confidence.
What KPMG graduate applicants actually need to prepare for
This guide covers KPMG UK graduate recruitment, not every KPMG member firm worldwide. KPMG publishes a clear four-stage selection process. The preparation activities below are original exercises based on the skills and formats described in its official guidance.
Know the selection format
Learn how the application, skills and cognitive tests, video interview and Launch Pad fit together.
Practise the right evidence
Build authentic examples showing quality, collaboration, judgement, motivation and resilience.
Understand your service line
Prepare different commercial and technical talking points for Audit, Tax and Advisory.
KPMG graduate application process: four stages
The sequence below is based on KPMG UK’s published graduate application process, rather than anonymous interview anecdotes.
Explore & apply
Research your chosen programme, try the non-assessed job preview, and submit accurate academic and experience details.
Online assessments
Skills-based workplace scenarios plus a timed numerical and logical reasoning assessment.
Video interview
Six pre-recorded questions delivered by KPMG’s AI avatar Leah; human recruitment staff review responses.
Launch Pad
In-person assessed and non-assessed activities, opportunities to meet staff and a final interview.
Understand the two online assessments
KPMG currently describes an untimed skills assessment (allow roughly 20 minutes) and a 36-minute timed cognitive assessment testing numerical and logical reasoning.
For situational judgement, read the scenario carefully and choose responses that reflect how you would genuinely act. For numerical reasoning, practise ratios, growth rates, percentages, tables and interpreting incomplete data.
Numerical practice: interpret the data
A company’s revenue rises from £80m to £92m. What is the growth rate?
Reveal the calculation
(92 − 80) ÷ 80 × 100 = 15% growth.
Prepare for KPMG’s six-question video interview
KPMG says the recorded interview is presented by its AI avatar Leah. The six answers are reviewed and scored by a member of the Student Recruitment team, not simply judged by an automated interviewer.
Build a bank of real examples covering motivation, teamwork, judgement, initiative, quality and resilience. Practise concise delivery, but avoid memorising a script word for word.
Video practice card
Original rehearsal prompt
- Describe the competing deadlines.
- Explain how you prioritised and communicated.
- Give a measurable result and learning.
This is not claimed to be a past KPMG interview question.
28 KPMG graduate interview practice questions with answer guidance
Filter by programme or skill. The questions are original preparation prompts, not leaked, verified or guaranteed KPMG interview questions. Expand any card for a suggested answer approach.
Why KPMG rather than another professional services firm?+
Answer approach: Connect a specific KPMG programme, the work you want to do, and evidence from your own exploration. Avoid relying on brand prestige alone.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Why have you chosen Audit, Tax or Advisory?+
Answer approach: Explain the day-to-day work, a realistic challenge, and why your skills fit that specific route.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Why did you select this UK office location?+
Answer approach: Mention your practical location choice and genuine interest in the market or teams; do not invent office specialisms.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Tell us about a time you delivered high-quality work under pressure.+
Answer approach: Use a concise STAR example with a deadline, your checks, and the outcome.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Describe a time you worked with someone who disagreed with you.+
Answer approach: Show active listening, how you resolved the difference, and a measurable result.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
When did you seek feedback and change your approach?+
Answer approach: Give the feedback, what you did differently, and evidence of improvement.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Tell us about a setback and how you responded.+
Answer approach: Be specific about ownership, resilience and what you learned.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Describe a time you made a decision with incomplete information.+
Answer approach: Explain assumptions, risk, stakeholder communication and follow-up.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Give an example of influencing someone without authority.+
Answer approach: Show the audience, evidence and how you adjusted your communication.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
What business issue do you think KPMG clients face in 2026?+
Answer approach: Choose a current issue relevant to your service line, explain the commercial impact, and discuss trade-offs.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
How could AI change the work of an auditor or adviser?+
Answer approach: Discuss efficiency alongside verification, governance, confidentiality and human accountability.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
A client wants faster reporting but has weak controls. What would you do?+
Answer approach: Prioritise accuracy, identify the control gaps, recommend a phased improvement and escalate material risks.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
What is the purpose of an external audit?+
Answer approach: Explain independent assurance over financial statements and why evidence and professional scepticism matter.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Revenue rises 25% but cash receipts are flat. What would you investigate?+
Answer approach: Look at receivables, revenue recognition, cut-off, contract terms and fraud-risk indicators.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
How would you test whether inventory exists?+
Answer approach: Consider stock counts, reconciliations, sample testing, third-party locations and exceptions.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Why is auditor independence important?+
Answer approach: Discuss objectivity, conflicts of interest, public confidence and escalation.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
What is the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion?+
Answer approach: Distinguish lawful planning from unlawful misrepresentation, while noting that aggressive planning creates reputational and compliance risk.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
How would you explain a complex tax issue to a non-specialist client?+
Answer approach: Use a clear summary, assumptions, risk level and actionable next steps.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
A client expands into another country. What tax questions arise?+
Answer approach: Flag residence, permanent establishment, indirect tax, transfer pricing and local advice without pretending to give definitive legal advice.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
How would you evaluate a company considering a new market?+
Answer approach: Structure market attractiveness, competition, economics, execution risks and a recommendation.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
A client has declining margins despite rising sales. Where do you start?+
Answer approach: Bridge price, volume, mix, direct costs and overheads; request segment-level data.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
How would you prioritise a digital transformation programme?+
Answer approach: Assess value, feasibility, risk, data readiness, adoption and measurable milestones.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Your team disagrees on the recommendation. How do you move forward?+
Answer approach: Clarify criteria, invite quieter voices, time-box discussion and propose a defensible conclusion.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
You notice a mistake in your group’s calculations. What do you do?+
Answer approach: Raise it calmly, correct the analysis, communicate implications and avoid blaming others.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
A stakeholder challenges your recommendation. How do you respond?+
Answer approach: Acknowledge the concern, show evidence, identify uncertainty and adapt when warranted.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
A client’s revenue grows from £80m to £92m. What is the percentage increase?+
Answer approach: (92−80)/80 × 100 = 15%. State the base clearly.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Operating profit is £18m on £120m revenue. What is the margin?+
Answer approach: 18/120 × 100 = 15%.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
A project costs £250,000 and saves £62,500 annually. What is simple payback?+
Answer approach: 250,000/62,500 = 4 years, ignoring time value of money and other cash flows.
Original practice question, not a verified KPMG interview prompt.
Audit, Tax or Advisory? Prepare for the role you actually want
Generic “why KPMG?” preparation is not enough. Your commercial examples, questions and professional qualifications should reflect the programme you’re applying to.
Audit graduate
Focus on trust, audit evidence, professional scepticism and the relationship between financial reporting and business risk.
- Explain what an audit achieves
- Practise revenue and working-capital analysis
- Understand the ACA/CA pathway
Tax graduate
Show curiosity about regulation, how businesses make decisions and the importance of communicating complex rules clearly.
- Research the precise Tax route
- Understand ethical judgement and compliance
- Discuss a current business tax issue
Advisory graduate
Demonstrate structured problem solving, commercial curiosity, client communication and comfort with ambiguity.
- Practise profitability and market cases
- Link recommendations to financial outcomes
- Explain trade-offs and implementation risk
Launch Pad: prepare for the half-day assessment experience
KPMG describes Launch Pad as an in-person event with assessed and non-assessed activities, a final interview and opportunities to meet colleagues. The exercise below is a fictional rehearsal, not a description of an actual KPMG assessment task.
Worked group exercise: advise a retail client
Scenario: A fictional UK retailer has £120m annual revenue, but its operating margin is under pressure. Your group has 15 minutes to recommend one priority action.
| Proposed initiative | Annual benefit | Upfront cost |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier renegotiation | £3.0m | £0.5m |
| Store technology | £4.0m | £6.0m |
| Marketing redesign | £2.0m | £1.0m |
Model approach: Compare annual benefit, initial cost, execution risk and speed. Supplier renegotiation has a simple payback of two months (£0.5m/£3m × 12), assuming full-year recurring benefits and ignoring ramp-up. Present the assumptions and the risks.
All figures are invented for learning, not KPMG or client data.
How to contribute in a group setting
Structure: Agree the decision criteria before debating options.
Include: Invite contributions and make space for others.
Calculate: Check assumptions and communicate uncertainty.
Conclude: Summarise a clear recommendation and trade-offs.
Turn KPMG’s published behaviours into real examples
KPMG has published behavioural capability guidance covering career motivation, quality, collaboration, improvement, judgement, impact, commercial opportunities, curiosity and resilience. Prepare your own examples for each theme.
Quality + judgement
When did you spot a problem, verify the evidence and choose the responsible action?
Collaboration + impact
When did you adapt your communication and improve a team outcome?
Curiosity + resilience
When did you learn something unfamiliar, recover from a setback or improve a process?
Your 14-day KPMG graduate preparation plan
A practical schedule to build real examples, strengthen numeracy and prepare for the specific role you selected.
Research KPMG UK and your chosen programme
Map your academic and work evidence
Study the official four-stage process
Practise numerical percentages and ratios
Practise logical reasoning with a timer
Prepare motivation and office-location answers
Build three teamwork and resilience stories
Build three judgement and quality stories
Record two practice video responses
Research a commercial issue in your service line
Complete a full numerical practice set
Rehearse a group decision exercise
Run a mock interview and get feedback
Check logistics, rest and review key evidence
KPMG graduate programme FAQs
What is the KPMG UK graduate application process?
KPMG UK currently outlines four stages: Explore and Apply, online assessments, a recorded video interview and an in-person Launch Pad. Exact instructions may change by programme and cycle.
How many questions are in the KPMG graduate video interview?
KPMG UK currently describes six pre-recorded questions, with around 40 minutes allowed for the stage.
Is the KPMG graduate cognitive assessment timed?
Yes. KPMG currently states that the cognitive assessment is timed at 36 minutes; its skills assessment is untimed with approximately 20 minutes suggested.
What is the KPMG Launch Pad?
An in-person half-day final assessment event combining assessed and non-assessed activities, conversations with employees and a final interview.
Can I use AI during KPMG online assessments?
No. KPMG instructs candidates to complete assessments independently without AI or other external assistance. AI can be used for general preparation beforehand, subject to the firm’s guidance.
Does KPMG ask technical questions for Audit graduates?
The exact questions are not publicly guaranteed. Prepare for commercial judgement, integrity, numerical reasoning and introductory audit concepts appropriate to your role.
When should I apply for KPMG graduate schemes?
KPMG says it recruits on a rolling basis and some programmes fill faster than others. Check the live programme listing and apply early when your chosen role opens.
Do I need an accounting degree for KPMG Audit?
KPMG’s published UK Audit graduate page describes entry from any degree discipline, subject to its listed academic and other requirements. Check the exact programme page for current eligibility.
Is this an official KPMG interview guide?
No. This independent Senna guide uses public KPMG recruitment information and original practice exercises; it is not affiliated with KPMG.
Research the programme using KPMG’s own guidance
The factual recruitment stages and timings in this guide are drawn from KPMG UK. The worked case, charts and question bank are independent educational examples.
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