KPMG values 

Our values explained

We lead by example
At all levels acting in a way that exemplifies what we expect of each other and our firms' clients.

We work together
Bringing out the best in each other and creating strong and successful working relationships.

We respect the individual
Respecting people for who they are and for their knowledge, skills and experience as individuals and team members.

We seek the facts and provide insight
Challenging assumptions, pursuing facts and strengthening our reputation as trusted and objective business advisers.

We are open and honest in our communication
Sharing information, insight and advice frequently and constructively and managing tough situations with courage and candor.

We are committed to our communities
Acting as responsible corporate citizens and broadening our skills, experience and perspectives through work in our communities.

Above all, we act with integrity
Constantly striving to uphold the highest professional standards, provide sound advice and rigorously maintain our independence.

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What they mean to our people

We lead by example
"It is exciting to see KPMG's global leadership adopt 'Employer of Choice' as a strategic initiative. Succeeding in today's marketplace means we absolutely must recruit, retain, develop, advance, reward and recognize all of our people. Our firms’ clients and the marketplace demand it." — Christine

We work together
"KPMG attracts quality individuals who have a balanced outlook on life. Getting to know your colleagues and building relationships is just as important as the technical side of work." — Katy

We respect the individual
"At KPMG there are so many open doors, so many opportunities if you work towards them and look for them. The organization is very good at helping people make the most of themselves." — Soulla

We seek the facts and provide insight
"Whilst on a client secondment during an out-of-the box experience I gained in-depth knowledge and developed new ideas and ways of thinking. Not only was I providing insight to the client but I was able to draw from my experiences once I returned to the office." —

Michelle

We are open and honest in our communication
"Clients appreciate it if you can demonstrate that your relationship with them is open and honest and KPMG is there to work with them to create sustainable business strategies together." — Makgotso

We are committed to our communities
"My work at the KPMG Foundation has given me the opportunity to use my business and accounting skills in a different way to benefit the community. It has led to a greater appreciation of the different hardships faced by people within the community." — Emily

Above all, we act with integrity
"We see it as our role to help taxpayers and tax authorities better understand each other and help countries develop fair and effective tax systems. So we need to use our knowledge responsibly." — Anna

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Values in action globally

These values are put into practice everyday by thousands of different people in thousands of different situations. But they are the same the world over. Here are just a few examples based on true case studies from individuals around the KPMG network.

Australia — committed to communities
When I became a partner in the Australian firm I decided that I would use the role to make a difference. So I took my experience to the board of a non-profit organization, which helps deprived children. Organizations like this are run like any business so we are perfectly suited to help out at many levels. I found volunteers to help out at the child care centers at the weekend, as well as people to become treasurer and secretary.

Canada — using integrity, seeking facts and providing insights
When clients face new and changing regulation, we need to be proactive as well as independent and objective. This helps to ensure we help our firms’ clients achieve their goals but not in a way that could expose them to risks or compromise our professional standards.

Our Lead and Engagement partners trust us back at the office to understand the issues and provide them with the facts, so they can meet with the client face-to-face and we can be seen to be constructive and forward-thinking. We know we will be listened to if we need to raise an issue or need time to further evaluate some information. We're always given the opportunity to speak out.

Germany — respecting the individual
I joined KPMG's German firm as a senior manager after working in the U.K. firm for ten years. The ease of the transition demonstrated to me how valuable common systems, values and processes can be. Crucially, I speak a common business language with my colleagues and I’m now working on major projects with major clients. This has all happened even though my German language isn’t great and I’m a mother working four days a week. This type of rapid transition is only possible when the people within the organization act according to a set of shared principles.

U.K. — leading by example through effective people management
Our work can be tough sometimes. But it could get really tough if you feel like you're all alone or you aren't being challenged. That's why at KPMG in the U.K. there's a strong focus on developing people. Bringing values to life in my team is a vital part of what I do. As a people management leader I spend time with my team, helping them to make the most of the opportunities available for their development and progression — I work with each person to help ensure they get as much variety as possible from their role.

U.S. — working together to win an account through open and honest communication
When the U.S. firm bid for one of the largest wireless carriers in the country, it was clear that the client wanted to get to know the people who would be working day-to-day on the account. So rather than the partners it was five senior managers in the spotlight taking responsibility for the pitch.

We worked together right from the start and this involved open communication between us so that we could quickly become a strong team. When it came to the big day, we were ready. We each knew each of our responsibilities and our strengths and weaknesses. And we won.