KPMG Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024
Overview
KPMG is a prestigious global network of professional services firms providing audit, tax, and advisory services. With a strong presence in 147 countries and territories, KPMG helps clients navigate today’s complex business environment. Renowned for its ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, innovation, and individual development, KPMG consistently ranks among the top companies to work for by notable magazines like Fortune and Working Mother.
Joining KPMG as a Software Engineer entails becoming part of its dynamic Digital Nexus organization. Software Engineers are pivotal in driving the firm’s digital transformation, leading architecture and code reviews, developing robust application features, and spearheading process improvements. The role demands technical prowess in full-stack development and familiarity with Java, Spring Boot, JavaScript frameworks, and more. You’ll collaborate with diverse teams, mentor junior talent, and tackle challenging problems.
In this guide, we will navigate the interview process, provide insights into commonly asked KPMG software engineer interview questions, and offer tips for success. Let’s dive in!
What is the Interview Process Like for a Software Engineer Role at KPMG?
The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority; however, you can expect the following on a KPMG software engineer interview:
Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening
If your application catches the attention of KPMG’s recruitment team, you might be contacted for an initial screening call. During this call, the recruiter will verify your experience and skill levels. Additionally, they might ask behavioral questions to gauge your fit for the company’s culture. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and experiences in detail.
Online Assessment
You might be required to complete an online assessment for certain positions before proceeding to further interview stages. This may include aptitude tests, coding challenges, or language proficiency tests. The type and number of tests can vary depending on the specific role you are applying for.
Technical Virtual Interview
If you clear the initial screening, you will be invited to a technical virtual interview. This usually involves a 1-hour session that can include coding challenges, system design questions, and technical questions related to KPMG’s technology stack. Be prepared to solve programming problems on platforms like HackerEarth or Leetcode. For software engineering roles, you might also face questions about data structures, algorithms, software design patterns, and problem-solving skills.
Onsite or Panel Interview
The next phase is generally an onsite or panel interview. This could span multiple rounds and include technical and behavioral interviews. You could also be asked to present a project you have worked on, participate in a coding or design challenge, and answer in-depth questions about your career goals and experiences. You might engage with team leads, managers, and even senior executives, depending on the role.
Final HR Interview
The final round often includes a detailed HR interview, during which you will discuss your career goals, salary expectations, and cultural fit. This is also an opportunity to ask any remaining questions about the role, team, and company culture.
Decision & Offer
After completing all interview stages, the recruitment team will collate feedback and make a decision. You will receive an offer letter detailing your role, salary, and benefits if selected. If not selected, it is generally expected that you will receive a communication, although some candidates have reported a lack of follow-up in certain cases.
What Questions Are Asked in a KPMG Software Engineer Interview?
Typically, interviews at KPMG vary by role and team, but commonly, software engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.
1. What kind of analysis would you conduct to recommend changes to the UI?
You can access tables summarizing user event data for a community forum app. Using this data, a user journey analysis will be conducted to recommend changes to the user interface.
2. How would you assess the validity of the result in an AB test with a .04 p-value?
Your company is running a standard control and variant AB test on a feature to increase conversion rates on the landing page. The PM finds a .04 p-value. Assess the validity of this result.
3. How would you debug and improve the efficiency of a slow SQL query?
You are running a long SQL query. Determine how to tell if it’s taking too long and how to debug the issue to improve efficiency.
4. How would you determine how much Spotify should pay for an ad in a third-party app?
You are a data scientist on the marketing team for Spotify. Determine how much Spotify should pay for an ad in a third-party app.
5. Write a SQL query to select the 2nd highest salary in the engineering department.
Write an SQL query to select the second-highest salary in the engineering department. If more than one person shares the highest salary, the query should select the next highest salary.
Note: If more than one person shares the highest salary, the query should select the next highest salary.
Example:
Input:
employees table
| Column | Type |
|---|---|
id |
INTEGER |
first_name |
VARCHAR |
last_name |
VARCHAR |
salary |
INTEGER |
department_id |
INTEGER |
departments table
| Column | Type |
|---|---|
id |
INTEGER |
name |
VARCHAR |
Output:
| Column | Type |
|---|---|
salary |
INTEGER |
6. How can we model the electricity supply for a town to avoid outages and waste?
PG&E needs to forecast the electricity supply to a town each year. The goal is to avoid outages from under-supply and waste from over-supply. What is one way to model this?
7. How do sentiment analysis models convert raw text data into numerical vectors and get trained?
To perform sentiment analysis on an Amazon customer feedback dataset, you must convert raw text data into numerical vectors. Explain how these models work and how they are trained.
8. How would you assess the effectiveness of a clustering model for grouping similar basketball players without pre-labeled data?
The LA Lakers hired you to scout potential players and group them based on strengths and weaknesses. You trained a clustering model to group similar players. How would you evaluate if the algorithm correctly placed similar players in the same groups without pre-labeled data?
How to Prepare for a Software Engineer Interview at KPMG
Here are some tips on how you can ace your KPMG software engineer interview:
Be Prepared for Different Interview Types: KPMG’s interview process can vary significantly between departments and roles. Expect a mix of technical challenges, behavioral questions, and project presentations.
Brush Up on Basic Interview Skills: Common technical questions could involve data structures, algorithms, and other coding problems. Make sure to review these basics and practice on platforms like Leetcode.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In addition to technical prowess, KPMG values communication skills and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experiences in detail and demonstrate how you can contribute to their collaborative environment.
FAQs
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer at KPMG?
Average Base Salary
Average Total Compensation
How does KPMG handle rejections or feedback post-interview?
Experiences with post-interview feedback at KPMG vary. Some candidates have reported clear and timely communication, while others have experienced delays or lack of response from HR. Following up with HR is ideal if you haven’t received feedback within the expected timeline.
What is the work culture like for a software engineer at KPMG?
KPMG is known for its inclusive environment, professional growth support, and collaborative culture. The company emphasizes individual development, innovative excellence, and community support. Additionally, KPMG offers a range of benefits, work-life balance initiatives, and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
The Bottom Line
As the digital landscape advances, KPMG remains committed to recruiting talented software engineers who can drive innovation and excellence. If you’re ready to make your mark in a professional and dynamic setting, KPMG offers a rewarding career path.
Good luck with your interview journey at KPMG! Explore more resources to prepare, ask questions, and connect with other candidates. Seize the opportunity to join a team that values continuous growth and innovation.
Best of luck!