There’s no argument – KMPG is one of the leading Big 4 firms. Becoming a partner in this company is a remarkable feat. But how can you do this? What are the steps you need to follow to be on the right path for this role?
I’ve been doing a lot of research on this topic, and I think becoming a partner at KPMG boils down to following these 7 steps:
- First, develop expertise in your current position and gain valuable experience.
- Foster healthy relations with your clients and expand your portfolio.
- Do a self-assessment and make sure you’re ready for the esteemed role of a partner.
- Ask your mentors for feedback and then express your interest in becoming a partner.
- Apply for partnership candidacy and prepare a thorough business case.
- Do an investment in KPMG and follow the rest of the partnership track process.
- After that, you may have a chance to take over the reins as a partner in the firm.
In this article, I’ll guide you in detail about:
- 7 steps on how to become a partner at KPMG. (Your roadmap to the top!)
- And the essential elements that contribute to making this whole process work for you
Step 1: Master Your Field
Your first essential step to becoming a partner at KPMG is to gain expertise in your field (audit, tax, or advisory). This knowledge will serve as the foundation upon which you’ll build your case (and reputation, too).
It takes about 10 to 15 years to finally achieve that esteemed position of a partner at KPMG. (Source)
Let me provide a breakdown of your journey from an entry-level position to a partner at KPMG:
- Entry-level to Senior Associate: Typically takes 2 to 4 years.
- Senior Associate to Manager: Progression usually occurs in about 4 to 6 years.
- Manager to Senior Manager: Advancement typically takes about 4 to 6 years.
- Senior Manager to Partner: Usually takes around 2 to 3 years.
(Source)
And that’s not it!
Age is also a factor to consider. In normal instances, partners achieve that position at some point from their late 30s to the early 40s. (Source)
Step 2: Nurture Client Relationships
In your journey toward becoming a partner at KPMG, you need to nurture strong relationships with the clients.
It’s not just about providing mere services (you do a lot more than that!). You build trust and show genuine concern for your client’s business. (Source)
When challenges arise (as they often do in business), you should look forward to addressing them collaboratively.
As you progress through your career at KPMG, you should aim to create a portfolio of satisfied clients. They become advocates for your work and provide referrals, recommend your expertise, and offer positive testimonials.
Later, client relationships showcase your potential to KPMG’s leadership as you aim to become a partner here.
Step 3: Engage in Self-Assessment
The path to partnership at KPMG demands you to look inside yourself (an honest evaluation of your contributions, skills, and potential impact within the firm).
A thorough self-assessment leads you to an honest acknowledgment of areas where you can improve. (Source)
It shows that you’re not only showing commitment in your current role but also want to continually evolve and enhance your skill set to become a partner at KPMG.
Step 4: Seek Mentor Feedback and Express Interest in Partner Role
As you progress along the path to partnership at KPMG, the role of mentors becomes increasingly vital because they:
- Offer Insights into your career development
- Provide an external perspective on your strengths and weaknesses
- Help to refine your skills and abilities
Also, engaging in open and constructive conversations with your mentors is a two-way street.
While they offer guidance and mentorship, you can benefit from their years of experience along with an understanding of KPMG’s culture and partnership expectations.
These mentors can also be individuals who have successfully advanced to the partner level at KPMG. That’s why you should go to them and express your interest in the partner role. (Source)
A former senior manager and current partner working at KPMG wrote on Glassdoor: “The role of mentors within KPMG has been invaluable to my career growth. Their wealth of experience and expertise in my practice area has provided me with invaluable insights and guidance. They’ve not only helped me navigate complex client engagements but have also shared their strategic vision for the firm. What I truly appreciate is their commitment to helping juniors succeed, flourish, and achieve goals. It was truly a satisfying journey, and I am here for more!” (Source)
Step 5: Apply for Partnership Candidacy
After seeking valuable feedback from your mentors and expressing your interest in the partner role at KPMG, the next step is to apply for partnership candidacy. It involves working closely with the firm’s leadership to build a compelling business case.
This document is basically a blueprint that covers your:
- Qualifications
- Contributions
- And the tangible value you intend to bring to the firm as a partner.
To build a well-drafted business case, you have to work together with mentors so that it aligns seamlessly with KPMG’s expectations and partnership criteria.
Step 6: Invest in the Firm
The rest of the partnership track at KPMG signifies a critical transition in your career. It involves a deeper level of commitment and making an investment in the firm through ownership stakes.
It is not just a financial commitment! But also a symbol of your alignment with KPMG’s long-term goals. It shows your belief in the firm’s mission and readiness to accept a responsible leadership role as a partner.
Well, this investment is usually known as “Buy-In,” and the firms ask you to sign NDAs never to disclose the amount you are investing. Who knows? This money could be huge. (Source)
However, you don’t need to worry because after becoming a partner at KPMG, you will get a much hefty yearly salary.
To lift up your spirits, here’s a chart showing how much a partner has earned in the last 4 years at KPMG:
| Years | Salary Per Year |
| 2019 | $253K – $295K |
| 2020 | $349K – $405K |
| 2021 | $368K – $429K |
| 2022 | $558K – $650K |
(Source)
Step 7: Excel in Your Role as a Partner
A partner position in your career journey at KPMG is a major milestone. It also highlights the beginning of a new chapter with many responsibilities to come and expectations to follow.
But your mindset will change afterward! Your focus will automatically shift from the pursuit of partnership to staying in this role for a longer period.
You’ll maintain and strengthen your bonds with clients and continue to provide great service. White at it, uphold the great values of honesty without reason, and never break the trust of any client!
Bottom Line!
So, I’ve taken you through a detailed step-by-step journey on how to become a partner at KPMG.
Although this path may be challenging, the rewards and opportunities that come afterward are so much more rewarding. It’s a journey of a lifetime that helps you become an inexpendable asset in the business and finance niche.
If you want to find out a little more about what partners are like in reality at KPMG, then check out this Youtube video:
