Life with KPMG

Who am I, and what is my career background?

I joined in September of this year as a consultant with the Supply Chain Management Group. I graduated from Queen's in Belfast with a degree in Law and French in 1995, and through the Milkround, joined Desmond & Sons Ltd, a clothing manufacturer supplying Marks & Spencer. I initially started on their graduate development programme, and progressed into customs warehousing, production management and industrial engineering. However, by frequently working with consultants, I became interested in pursuing a career in consultancy.

Why did I choose KPMG as the firm for me?
Once I decided on a career in consulting, one of the Big Five firms was my preferred choice. Having friends who worked for KPMG gave me an informal insight into the environment, atmosphere and potential benefits within the firm. I was also aware that KPMG's existing portfolio of clients is very prestigious and would therefore provide me with top quality experience. When I was invited to be interviewed I found everyone I dealt with approachable and friendly. KPMG was also very encouraging about my plans to do a part time MBA at UCD. Since I have started, they have also been very supportive regarding the time I need and help with assignments.

KPMG - An International Network

KPMG is one of the world's leading global professional advisory firms with 1997 revenues of US$9 million and 85,200 personnel, including more than 6,560 partners, in 155 countries. This makes KPMG a truly international firm, able to draw upon consulting resources across the world. KPMG provides services to more than one-third of the world's top 1,000 commercial and industrial companies and over 45% of the world's top 20 multi-national companies.

Why join KPMG Ireland?

KPMG is one of the leading professional advisory firms in Ireland. The firm has offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Galway and employs over 1,050 people. We work with a wide range of clients and audit more than 20% of the top 1,000 companies and publicly quoted companies. Our annual fee income is IR£52.16 million as of year ended April 1998. We provide a wide range of business advisory services to our clients. As KPMG Ireland is the only 32 county firm out of the Big Five, the scope for consulting services is more varied and demanding. The different areas within consulting are:

Applications
- BPCS
- PeopleSoft
- SAP

Systems Integration
- Application Development
- Business Intelligence
- Electronic Commerce
- Knowledge Management

Operations
- Business Performance Improvement
- HR Consulting
- IT Consulting
- Strategic Financial Management
- Supply Chain Management

Recruitment

Pensions & Actuarial


Why choose a career with KPMG's Consulting practice?

Consulting is going through a dynamic period of growth, which coupled with the Celtic Tiger economy, provides for bountiful opportunities. The variety of work provided by exposure to a wide portfolio of clients ensures a stimulating and challenging environment. Boredom is not an option! Frequently KPMG's Consulting practice carries out projects with large audit clients, who are the leaders in their respective sectors. The consultants acquire in depth experience and hands-on involvement in the client companies, contributing to the consultant's individual expertise. KPMG also provides excellent vocational training opportunities, as well as actively encouraging employees to pursue appropriate professional qualifications. The extensive international network provides a huge resource for both career enrichment, and the sharing of knowledge.


What is Supply Chain Management Consulting?

Our Supply Chain Management group offers services to clients in the areas of supply chain strategy development (with respect to planning, performance measurement, systems and services outsourcing, stocking points and levels etc.), Efficient Customer Response (ECR) support and advice and World Class Procurement. The Supply Chain Management Group in Dublin operates as part of the KPMG's European Supply Chain Management Regional Group, which works closely with Asia/Pacific and Americas regional group.

Can I describe a typical day?

Each project has similar elements within it, however, each client may have different problems or requirements, this means that I can plan but I can never predict with 100% certainty exactly what I will do in one day. Before the beginning of a project we will have to research the client, by using the KPMG Business Information Centre which has access to a wide range of on-line search facilities such as Bloomberg, Financial Times Profile, Dialog and the CD Rom resources. KPMG also has an extensive index of the best internet sources of business information. We will then write a proposal, which depending on the depth of the project can be quite a lengthy and detailed report. On securing the job, there is a series of meetings and interviews with key personnel from different functions within the client company. We will also map out the existing processes, and build a best practice model, drawing on KPMG's international experience. Measuring the gaps between the current processes and the best practice we make recommendations to the client on how they can get to the best practice standards. We do this by writing reports, making presentations or holding workshops with the clients. Sometimes the client will need help to implement our recommendations, so therefore we may be seconded into the client's company.

Is there an opportunity to travel?

Within my first three weeks with KPMG I was sent to Berlin on a Global Supply Chain Management Course. It was an excellent opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with our European colleagues. Also, as Supply Chain Management is such a wide area, it frequently involves at least part of a project, or even a complete job abroad. As businesses become more global, by necessity consultants must be willing to travel to wherever the client demands.

Contact us at:

KPMG Consulting
Russell Court,
St Stephen's Green,
Dublin
Telephone +353 1 708 1800
Facsimile +353 1 7018 1888
Internet http://www.kpmg.ie

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