campus fit magazine 2010

Issue 3.0

You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit.You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit.

KPMG Enterprise Enters the Dragons’ Den

Attracting thettracting the

Why Choose KPMG?

Great benefits, fantastic career prospects, international

opportunities, the chance to work with some of the world's

most innovative and successful companies, ongoing

investment in your learning and development …

Sound like the Perfect Fit?

www.kpmgfit.ca

© 2010 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.

contents 2 Fast Facts About KPMG

4 Finding Your Perfect Fit

6 A Summer Beyond Expectations

8 The Road to the Top

10 Attracting the Best and Brightest – That's You!

12 A Different Kind of Stay at Four Seasons

14 Opportunity Knocks! Are you Going to Answer?

16 From an Olympic Goal to Olympic Gold

18 You + KPMG: A Formula for UFE Success

20 Where you GO When You Want to Take Your Career International

22 Take a Good Look

24 After the Handshake – Behind the Scenes of CBC's Dragons' Den

26 KPMG Presents: Office Options

28 Building a Winning Team

31 KPMG's Practice Areas

34 Sustainable Spaces

36 A Passion for Giving Back

Did you hear about You and KPMG. Giving Together? The program that allows your to give back to a charity of your choice? Ask the KPMG recruiter in your area for your You and KPMG. Giving Together. card and redeem your points today.

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

KPMG and the KPMG logo are registered trademarks of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. © 2010 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. All trademarks referenced in this publication are the property of their respective owners. 3063

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Want to learn more about the topics we cover in some KPMG FIT articles?

Wondering what this is?

This year, to help you learn more about KPMG, we’ve included QR codes in some of our articles. These codes work with any Smartphone to help get you to the information you want—fast!

Here’s how they work:

1 To read the QR codes used throughout this magazine, download a QR code reader from http://percentmobile.com/getqror search “QR Reader” from your mobile device

2 Once your software is installed, use your mobile device to take a photo of the QR code in the article you are interested in learning more about

3 Your phone will know what to do next. Enjoy!

Fast Fast FactsFacts About KPMGKPMG


KPMG International‘s member firms have 140,000 professionals, including more than 7,900 partners, in 146 countries.

From Victoria to Halifax, KPMG in Canada (“KPMG”) has 32 offices across the country.

The firm’s more than 430 partners and almost 5,000 employees provide crucial services to many of the top businesses in Canada.

By focusing on quality, people, and our relationships with our clients, KPMG maintained our presence as a leading professional services firm in Canada in 2009, earning over $1 billion in revenue for the year.

KPMG was once again chosen as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in 2010. This is the seventh time the firm has received this prestigious award that recognizes employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees.

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KPMG actively supports and encourages international assignments through the Global Opportunities (GO) program. Currently, KPMG has 70 individuals on both short- and long-term assignments in many different countries around the world. The most popular destinations include the US, the UK, Australia, Bermuda, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

In 2009, KPMG, along with The KPMG Foundation, contributed donations and sponsorships of$3.6 million to Canadian charitable organizations, an increase of almost 30 percent over 2008. Donations were made to support education, health care, children/youth, and communities.

KPMG offers sabbatical leaves from 3 weeks to 6 months after just 1 year of service. In 2009, 243 KPMG people took advantage of the sabbatical program to achieve their personal goals, from travelling the world, to volunteering in the community, to writing a novel.

Every year, KPMG offices designate a period of time to support organizations in our communities across Canada, known as KPMG Volunteers. During this time, the firm's people work together and volunteer during 1 workday to make a difference to worthy causes in each local community. In 2009, 2,972 KPMG people helped 173 organizations through a wide range of volunteer activities.

All KPMG people have access to our concierge service, which supports people with the daily tasks they don’t have time for, including dropping off the dry cleaning, finding the perfect gift, and scoring concert tickets. In 2009, requests handled by the concierge service saved our people 5,984 hours.

KPMG’s eLearning tool, CLiX, provides learning options in a convenient MP3 format and via downloadable video playbacks, allowing for real-time practice opportunities in the office, at home, or on the road.

For the third year in a row, KPMG’s efforts to create an inclusive environment were recognized with two prestigious awards, including being named one of the Best Employers for New Canadians and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2010.

3w w w . k p m g f i t . c a


Why choose KPMG? There are a number

of reasons: the challenging client work,

the strong teams we work with, the chance

to develop your skills and earn your CA

designation, the opportunity to be mentored

by some of the savviest minds on the

Canadian business scene. The possibilities

for a career at KPMG are endless. The

questions you need to ask yourself are:

What am I looking for in a career? What is

important for me? This isn’t always the

easiest exercise, but understanding who you

are and what you want will help you find a

career that is a Perfect Fit for you.

Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a

doctor like my father and my grandfather.

I majored in bio-organic chemistry at UBC

with my sights set on a career in medicine.

It wasn’t until fourth year that I realized that

maybe this wasn’t the right choice for me.

So, there I was, in my early 20s, and the

path I had been planning since I was a kid

had come to an end. It was time to sit down

and figure out what I really wanted from a

career. Following some serious

introspection, I decided that I wanted to get

into business. More than that, what I really

wanted out of a career was two-fold—

I wanted to know that I was making a

difference, and I wanted to have fun doing it.

To bridge the gap between my science

degree and the business world, I decided to

take an accounting class for non-commerce

students. That was over 20 years ago and,

although I didn’t know it at the time, it was

the start of something big for me. Now I

can say with confidence that my decision

to pursue a CA designation and build my

career at KPMG was the right one. Every

day, I know I have an opportunity to make

a difference; it might be taking the time to

mentor a new partner in developing her

leadership skills, or it could be on a larger

scale, like meeting with KPMG leaders

from across the globe in Frankfurt to

discuss the business strategy for our global

network of firms—a strategy that will affect,

and hopefully engage, the 140,000 people

around the world who work for KPMG.

If that’s not making a difference, I don’t

know what is.

As for having fun at work, I have to give

credit where credit is due. This job wouldn’t

be a fraction of what it is without the people

I work with every day; we have a truly

extraordinary team here. Ask anyone at

KPMG what they like best about working

here and nine times out of 10, the answer

will be the people they work with. For

example, I love meeting with clients and

future clients; it’s the best way to build and

strengthen the relationships we have with

them and grow our business. For me,

there are few things more exciting than

welcoming a new client to the firm. But,

I don’t do this alone and, frankly, I wouldn’t

want to. It takes a team of people to build

strong relationships and develop our

business. When I celebrate that success,

I’m not just celebrating with my colleagues,

I’m celebrating with my friends. And anyone

who has ever been on a winning team

knows that a victory is so much sweeter

when you achieve it with people whom you

genuinely like and respect.

At this point, you may be thinking, of course

you have these opportunities, you’re the

CEO! Well, it’s true, I am the CEO. And it’s

also true that when you start off at KPMG

you probably won’t be jetting off to Europe

to meet with the Global Executive Team,

but that doesn’t mean you won’t have

some seriously cool opportunities to develop

yourself into an outstanding professional

and have a lot of fun along the way.

I remember back when I was a first-year in

KPMG’s Audit practice, I had the opportunity

to work with a Partner, Dave McShane,

doing the due diligence on the divestiture

sale of a business for one of our more

FITFINDINGYOUR PERFECT

KPMG CEO Bill Thomas discusses his career choice, the importance of mentors, and why having fun at work is a priority.


high-profile clients. The reason I was asked

to work on this engagement was because

all of my peers, who were a year ahead of

me as I was still trying to get caught up

with my accounting credits, were out of the

office studying for the UFE. I was the only

game in town, so Dave brought me on

board. Believe it or not, that was the start of

one of the most influential relationships of

my professional career. I worked hard on

that job. Dave recognized that and brought

me with him to the closing meeting with

the client, which was a powerful statement

of the faith he had in me and the faith that

the firm puts in all of our people, no matter

what level they are at. After that, Dave

became my mentor, and his advice and

guidance got me to where I am today.

Bottom line—when you find your Perfect Fit,

the opportunities are endless. I’m here to

tell you first hand where a career at KPMG

can take you. Want to find out more? Read

FIT, visit the website, and, most importantly,

come talk to us. At its core, this business is

about building strong relationships; whether

they are with our clients and future clients,

our communities, or our people—even those

who haven’t started here yet—it is KPMG’s

ability to build genuine relationships

that sets us apart. So when you

see us on campus, whether it

is a campus ambassador,

recruiter, staff accountant,

manager, or partner, I

encourage you to come

and say hi. It could be

the first step to finding

your Perfect Fit.

This job wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is without the people I work with every day; we have a truly extraordinary team here. Ask anyone at KPMG what they like best about working here and nine times out of 10, the answer will be the people they work with.“ ”

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ability to build genuine relationships

that sets us apart. So when you

see us on campus, whether it

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of what it is without the people I work with every day;eam here. Ask anyone at KPMG what they like best aboutut of 10, the answer will be the people they work with.


Scan this code for more information.

See page 2 to learn how.


A KPMG SUMMER INTERN EXPERIENCE

For recenntt Unniveerssityy of BBriitisssh CCooluummbiaa graduate FFeliiciaa ddeee la Pazz, inteeernninng att KKPPPMGG for the suummmmmerr oopppennned hheer eeeeyeesss too thhee ffactt that accoouunttiing iss aaboooutt wwaay mmoorre thhaann crunchingg nuuumbbeerrss.


To allow summer students to gain as much work experience as possible, many KPMG interns will rotate through different groups or practice areas throughout the summer. In July, Felicia transferred to the Corporate Tax practice. “Tax was really different than Audit. I enjoyed it just as much, but for very different reasons,” says Felicia. “In Tax, I had a lot of independence, often working by myself to complete files. I learned a lot and got a lot of satisfaction from knowing I was able to do something on my own—with the guidance of my managers, of course.” Felicia started right after the busy season, and because it wasn’t very hectic she had the opportunity to work on some special projects, like assisting a group of managers and partners from around Canada on a Risk Management Audit of the GVA’s Tax practice.

Throughout her internship, Felicia received lots of guidance, training, and mentoring from KPMG people at all levels. “During our initial training, we had a lot of people come in and speak to us about what we could expect to see and do throughout our internship.” The firm is known for having an open-door policy for everyone and summer interns are no exception. “Right from the start we were encouraged to ask questions—no matter how simple—and there was always someone available to answer questions and help get the job done.”

To help them navigate the day-to-day life at KPMG, Felicia and the other interns were matched up with a first-year mentor. “Kara, my mentor, was a huge help!” says Felicia. “She had started full-time in September, so she was able to tell me what I could expect and what the firm expected of me. There’s way more to accounting than what you learn in school, so it was really helpful to have someone who could answer all of my questions—from what to wear to a client site, to how to format a business e-mail.”

Despite keeping busy with work, Felicia and the other interns made time to have fun and get to know one another and their other KPMG colleagues. “Sometimes we would organize events for the people on our floor, like the ’meet the interns’ beer and wings event,” says Felicia. “One week we were in charge of organizing the TAS (Thursday Afternoon Social) for the entire office. We did a forestry theme and dressed up like lumberjacks and decorated the office like a forest. Everyone had fun and it was great to meet people from all of the other business units.”

To make the most of their social budget, the GVA interns hosted BBQs after work, played laser tag, and went bowling. They also organized a camping trip to Cat Lake in Squamish, BC, about 60 km north of Vancouver. “There’s no better way to get to know a group of people than to camp out in

the wilderness with them. We had a blast and definitely came back as better friends,” remembers Felicia. “That was probably my favourite event of the summer. Well, maybe it’s tied with the Kings of Leon concert we went to—it was pretty amazing too.”

A big fan of Ultimate Frisbee, Felicia played on both the office team and the intern-only team. Her intern team competed and won against teams from the other Big 4 firms in an intern-only tournament. “Of course we won,” says Felicia proudly. “It was KPMG’s second title in a row.”

After graduating from school in December, Felicia decided to spend some of the money she made working as a KPMG Summer Intern to travel to Asia and Australia. Her 4-month tour took her to the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, and Bali. Felicia will spend her summer in the CA School of Business program before starting with KPMG full-time in the fall.

“I am so happy I chose KPMG for my summer internship, and not just because it is where I have decided to start my career. The experience was a chance to try something new and different, go way beyond what I learned in class, and challenge myself to set goals and achieve them. If this is what I was able to achieve as an intern at the firm, I am genuinely excited for what my future holds as a full-time accountant at KPMG.”

Felicia started heer interrnshipp inn thhee Indddustriaal Marketttss groouupp of tthe GGrreaateerr Vancouver Area (GGVA) AAAudit prracttice. HHHaving justt finiisshed hheer auudittinng cclassses, Felicia was prepaarred too put wwhhat sshe hhhad learrnedd in ssscchoooll tto wwork.. WWhat sshe wasn’t expectingg wwas ttthe teammwwoork aand caammaraaderriiee thhatt is a bbig ppaart of working in KPMGG’’s Audddit praactticee.. “Whhhat I liikked bbestt aabooutt mmy AAudiit rottattiion was the team ennviironmmment,”” saayss Felicccia. Duurring the firstt wweeek oof heerr rootatttion, Felicia had the oppportuunity tto ttravvvel tooo Nanaaimo,, BC,,, tto wwoork onn an ennggageemennt. “I was on a teamm wwith tttwo seeniorrss anddd two first-yyearrrss whoo mmadde mme feeel rrreallyy welcome. I reallyy eenjoyyeed thaat enggagemment, ppartly beeecauusee I gott to trravvel aaand also because beiing parrtt of a teamm makkkes the worrk mmmoore fun.”



The Road to the TopARE YOU ON IT?You know you’ve got big things in your future. You’ve got the drive anddedication to go right to the top. The question is: Do you know how to getthere? Joining the right organization with lots of opportunity for learning and development is a great start. KPMG is dedicated to building lifelongrelationships with our people by supporting them throughout their career.

With so many options within the firm, no two career paths are exactly thesame. Still, if you are considering joining the firm, it helps to have an idea of where your career could go, what your role could be, and how KPMG will provide you with the support you need to take you right to the top.

Check out the map below outlining what your career at KPMG could look like.

Staff Accountant:In your first full-time role out of school, you willwork closely with a senior accountant andperformance manager, and will be asked todeliver timely and quality service. You will alsohave the chance to learn a lot. From local officedevelopment programs to Audit Fundamentalstraining, you will gain industry and technicalknowledge, while improving your leadershipand project management skills. But it’s not allhard work—you will also have the opportunityto participate on local office committees,network with partners and managers, andparticipate in office social events.

UFE Time!Preparing for and writing the accountancyprofession’s Uniform Evaluation (UFE) is amajor milestone in the career of anyaspiring CA. KPMG will help you on yourpath to achieving a professional CAdesignation by providing one of the bestUFE training programs in Canada. To learn more, visit www.kpmgfit.ca.

Senior Accountant: Can you say “promotion”? As a senioraccountant, your responsibilities will growalong with your opportunities forprofessional development. You will begin totake on the responsibility of the overallexecution of client engagements, whichmeans designing a work plan, managing abudget, and training and mentoring yourengagement team members. Your technicalknowledge will become more advanced andyou will develop your ability to interact withclients, including making presentations andfostering business relationships.

Ready to GO?Why not gain some internationalexperience by taking part in KPMG’sGlobal Opportunities (GO) program. Youcould spend 3 months to 2 yearsliving and working in another country.Popular destinations include Australia,the UK, and the US. To read about theexperiences of a current GO participant,check out page 20.

Summer Internship:Spend a summer with KPMG during yoursecond or third year of university. As asummer intern, you could be involved in anumber of different activities, includingworking on a client engagement, planningfor upcoming assignments, attending atraining course, or participating in localsocial or charitable events. An internship isa great place to start your career withKPMG because it will help you explore allof the opportunities we offer.

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Learning and Development @ KPMG – It’s All About You!

At KPMG, we support our people’s growth throughout their careers so they can reach

their full potential as professionals. We are committed to learning solutions that are

best suited to you individually, based on your existing knowledge, skills, and career

goals. You can personalize your development and reach your career goals with a variety

of learning approaches, such as:

• CLiX, our online learning system,

provides you with one-stop 24/7

accessibility to the firm’s catalogue of

nationally developed, nationally

delivered courses and learning

resources. CLiX will also manage your

personal learning history, Continuous

Professional Education (CPE) credits,

and any certifications.

• Learning Paths is a tool used by our

professionals in Audit and Tax to help

with performance development and

career planning. Using this tool, you can

select your role to identify what success

looks like and what it takes to get to the

next level as you chart your career with

us.

• Blended learning programs provide

you with access to a range of learning

solutions, which include mentoring,

coaching, action learning, eLearning,

and virtual classroom programs.

• Workshops and classroom sessions

provide you with the latest technical and

management skills, and often include

supports to help you apply your new

skills and knowledge on the job.

• KLearn, KPMG’s interactive web

conferencing tool, provides you with

access to real-time learning and

collaboration, and also allows you the

flexibility to play back recorded

sessions. You can access KLearn

anytime, anywhere, from any

KPMG computer.

• The KPMG Business School is being

launched this year by the firm. This

virtual business school will deliver a

continuum of technical, business, and

leadership learning opportunities to

provide you with the development

you need throughout your career.

Manager:You’ve made manager! That’s a big step up. As amanager at KPMG, you will continue to deepenyour technical knowledge and industryexperience in order to manage more complexengagements. You will also have an increasedaccountability for client relationships, whichmeans learning and participating in the proposalprocess that develops new relationships for thefirm. In this role, you could be interacting withCEOs, CFOs, and other C-level management.Within the firm you will develop your people andproject management skills through KPMG’smanagement training courses, in order to makeoffice practice decisions, including resourceallocation, career development of staff, and othermanagement decisions.

Senior Manager:Now that you’re a senior manager, you willbe managing multiple client engagementsand providing training and direction to yourengagement teams. Senior managers act asmentors, performance counsellors, andeven instructors to their staff. You willreceive the necessary training to supportyour people, including providing guidanceto other managers. More than ever, you willbe accountable for client relationships,including identifying opportunities for newbusiness and leading proposal teams.Senior managers also have the chance totake the lead in various office initiatives orspearhead community activities such asvolunteer days.

Partner:Congratulations—you’ve made partner at thefirm! To get to this position you have been astrong performer throughout your career atKPMG, showing leadership capabilities and acommitment to the firm’s values. A partner isresponsible for technical, client service,and people and business managementleadership. The knowledge, skills, andexperience you’ve gained during your yearsat the firm have positioned you for success.The sky is the limit!

Choosing Your PathWhile the majority of KPMG’s new hiresstart out in the Audit practice, there areample opportunities to transition into otherpractice areas, such as Tax or Advisory.This allows our people to find their PerfectFit by encouraging them to leverage theirstrengths and grow their career at the firm.Offering career options and flexibility isjust one way that KPMG builds lifelongrelationships with our people.



AttractingtheBestBestand Brightest

Navigating KPMG’s Campus Recruiting ProcessFrom that first on-campus recruiting event, to the moment you sign your offer letter, the KPMG recruiting process can be a whirlwind of networking events, on-campus presentations, office tours, and interviews. To take some of the stress out of securing a position that’s a Perfect Fit for you, we’ve put together some tips and information on what you can expect.

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Recruiting Experience: Pierre Nguyen

THERE ARE SO MANY

RECRUITING EVENTS

GOING ON IN

SEPTEMBER, it can

be hard to choose

which ones to

attend. For me, I

went to the KPMG

Career Cocktail Night for Concordia University

students at Montréal’s Grand Plaza Hotel. To

be honest, I was pretty nervous. Networking

isn’t really my thing and I had no idea what to

expect. When I walked into the room, my

heart sank a little. There were 600 other

students there, all looking to talk to the

recruiters and secure an internship or full-time

position. It was discouraging to see that there

was so much competition, but I promised

myself that I would use this opportunity to

learn more about the firm, so I stuck around

and headed to the information booth, which is

where everything changed.

KPMG Partner Mike Barrata was at the booth

talking to students and answering questions.

Even though there were already 10 people

there talking to him, he still waved me into the

circle when he saw me walk over. I was

amazed at how friendly and relaxed the

conversation was; I had this idea of KPMG as

a hyper-professional place, with the partners

being very formal and serious, but Mike was

joking with everyone and asking us questions.

It was way less painful than I had thought it

would be and I immediately felt more

comfortable. At the informal reception,

I managed to talk to a few more KPMG people

and they were all as friendly and open as Mike.

It was such a positive experience that I went

home that night and tailored my CACEE form

for KPMG. Two years later, I am working full-

time at KPMG and it’s me going to recruiting

events and meeting students. So, now that I

am on the other side, what is my best advice?

Just show up! It’s easy to talk yourself out of

attending these events. September is a really

busy time at school and the idea of

networking with strangers isn’t always that

appealing, but just remember that this could

be where you secure your dream job, so make

the effort. Once you’re there, just relax and be

yourself. The recruiters are there to get to

know you (and you’re already an expert in that

subject!).

Recruiter Tip: Work the Room!If you really want to make the most of a campus recruiting event, you should talk to as many KPMG

people as you can. Don’t be fooled by titles, as everyone at an event is involved in the recruiting process.

So why not take the opportunity to learn about the firm while making a great impression? Ask a staff

accountant about their first experiences at the firm or speak with a senior accountant to learn what the

UFE is all about. They can give you an inside scoop on a career at KPMG.Louisa LunguTalent Attraction Manager Calgary

– Be Prepared

Interviews are stressful, especially when you don’t know what to expect, which is why KPMG FIT has put together some essentials T

to help you prepare for a successful interview process.

Do Your Research: Find out as much as you can about the firm and the role you are applying for. This will help you answer with confidence if you are asked a question like, “Why are you interested in working here?”

Be an Expert on What Matters — You: The interview is really about getting to know you, so you need to be an expert on the subject. Take the time to do a self-assessment beforehand so you have strong answers when asked about your strengths, interests, skills, and abilities. You can find a self-assessment tool at www.kpmgfit.ca.

Think IQ: “Intelligent Questions,” that is. At some point in the interview process, you will be asked if you have any questions. Asking well-thought-out questions will demonstrate your interest in the job as well as help you stand out as a candidate. Develop a few questions ahead of time and jot down more during the interview.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice makes perfect, so sit down with a roommate, friend, or family member and hold a mock interview. Going over potential questions will help you feel more comfortable and confident the day of the interview.



FIT: Why did you choose to start your career with KPMG?

RC: I was interested in KPMG for a while, since I came to Canada from China in 2004 as an international student. The firm has a really strong reputation in China and their client group is really impressive, so I was interested in them right from the start. That said, in my last year at the University of Toronto, I made sure I took some time to research different firms. That way, I could be confident I would be making the right choice. Part of the research included going to the information sessions and meeting representatives from each of the Big 4 firms. I was really impressed with the people I met at the KPMG information sessions. They were very friendly and easy going. I felt I would fit in well—I was right!

FIT: When you learned you would be working with Four Seasons, were you excited?

RC: Definitely. I thought it was pretty cool to have the opportunity to work on such a big, recognizable brand. Also, because Four Seasons is a Canadian company with properties all over the world, I was excited that the work I would be doing could have an international focus.

FIT: Tell us about some of the things you do on the job.

RC: Mostly, I do what every staff accountant does. I look at things like cash, accounts payables, and payroll. I also do internal control testing. For this, I need to spend time interviewing clients to understand their processes so I can properly test them. People

FOUR SEASONSA Different Kind of Stay at

When most people visit Four Seasons they can expect luxury, relaxation, and great service. For KPMG

Staff Accountant Robert Cai, his experience was a little different. Robert’s time at Four Seasons involved

challenging audit assignments, a culture of service excellence, and an opportunity to learn about

international business. That’s because Four Seasons is a client of KPMG and Robert is a member of the

engagement team. We wanted to find out more, so we sat down with Robert to discuss …


think all we do is crunch numbers, but my role actually involves a lot of interacting with different people and building strong working relationships in order to get the job done. Also, as I mentioned before, Four Seasons is a Canadian company, but they have hotels and offices all over the world, so in addition to looking at the Canadian operation, we also look at the financials of all the properties and make sure everything flows smoothly up to the Canadian head office.

FIT: You sound busy! So what would a typical day at Four Seasons be like?

RC: I usually start my day at Four Seasons by meeting with the senior accountant on the job so I can understand my responsibilities. We talk about what needs to be done and a realistic time frame in which to do it. I appreciate having this structure in place, because there are times when I am working on something I have never worked on before, so having a goal in mind helps me structure my time. Once I understand what I have to do, it’s time to do my research, which involves looking at the prior file and also at material that the client has prepared for us. Then, I am ready to get to work.

FIT: What role does technology play in helping you get the job done?

RC: A pretty big one, actually. At KPMG, almost all of our audits are completely paperless, so we are online a lot. I also use technology to keep in contact with other people in my group, including my manager, while I am out of the office on an audit engagement. Personally, I tend to use BlackBerry® Messenger a lot to stay in touch.

FIT: Other than the work you are doing, is there anything unique or interesting about working on the engagement with Four Seasons?

RC: Lunch is actually a big deal for us when we are at Four Seasons' head office.

FIT: Why lunch?

RC: Because there is a free buffet lunch provided to everyone, and because it is Four Seasons, you know that the food is gourmet. And they always have dessert; my favourite is the cheesecake—it’s so delicious!

FIT: Tell us more about the culture at Four Seasons and how it compares to the culture at KPMG.

RC: I think that Four Seasons and KPMG have a lot in common, actually. Client service is paramount. Even though the services we provide are very different, we are both striving to provide the highest quality of

service to our clients. They are dedicated to their guests the same way that KPMG is dedicated to our clients. Four Seasons also has a culture of respect; they know that everyone on their team—from the chef in the restaurant to the housekeeper in the hotel to the CEO—plays an important role in the success of the company. I think that KPMG is the same way; it doesn’t matter if you are a co-op student or senior manager, everyone contributes to an engagement and everyone’s contribution is valued. That is actually one of my favourite things about KPMG, and it goes back to my first answer about the people making this firm a Perfect Fit for me.

FIT: So, looking forward, what are your career goals?

RC: Looking longer term, I am interested in taking advantage of the firm’s Global Opportunities program and going to work at KPMG in the Asia-Pacific Region. I would like to go to the Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Beijing offices. It would be an amazing opportunity to share what I have learned in Canada and work in China’s fast-moving, very dynamic business environment. For right now, though, I am focused on studying for and passing the UFE. Once I have my CA designation, I know that there will be even more opportunities available to me.






OpportunityKnocks!Are You Going to Answer?KPMG is proud to offer university students

two exciting opportunities to gain valuable

experience, develop their skill set, and

travel to some seriously cool places.

Ace the Case Workshop Outline

Day OneThe first day of the workshop is like a case-writing boot camp, but without any push-ups or laps to run. The session covers critical skills, including the basic approach, outlining, ranking of issues, and quantitative analysis. The day ends with participants dividing into groups to analyze their own unique cases.

Day TwoOnce you’ve got the case-writing fundamentals down, day two focuses on presentation and debriefing skills. Participants work in groups to develop a solution to their cases and then present their findings. The knowledge, skills, and confidence you gain over these 2 days will be invaluable in both your professional and personal life.

Local. National. Global. – Ace the Case Competitions

Each winter, workshop participants are invited to take part in local Ace the Case competitions held in our four National offices. Winning teams from each local competition will move on to face off against each other in the Ace the Case National Competition in March via video conference. The winning team from the National Competition will then progress to represent the firm at KPMG International’s Global Case Competition in the spring. Past competitions have been held in Athens, Greece, and Dubai, UAE.

Think You’re Ready to Ace the Case?

To apply to take part in the Ace the Case program, look out for advertisements at your university or in your career centre to find out if the program is taking place in your local office. Also, keep checking www.kpmgfit.ca for the Ace the Case posting to ensure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

Ace the Case

Ace the Case is an interactive 2-day workshop designed by KPMG professionals to give first- and second-year commerce students an opportunity to improve their case-writing, analysis, and presentation skills. Participants have the chance to learn from some of the best in the business while networking with other university students and local KPMG contacts.



Fast Forward

KPMG’s Fast Forward (FF) program is an interactive training program and valuable learning experience that provides you with the tools you need to enhance your leadership skills. Each year, the program offers about 150 students from universities across North America the opportunity to meet and network with KPMG professionals from the US and Canada, while providing information about the firm and the public accounting profession. FF is an excellent way for you to get an inside look at a career with KPMG, while building key skills that can help you in many aspects of life.

Students who believe that they have what it takes to succeed in this industry, and are eager to gain some insight from KPMG professionals, are strongly encouraged to apply to FF. The event takes place in Hollywood, CA, where participants will have a chance to have some fun while getting an inside view of life at a Big 4 firm.

"Going to Greece to represent KPMG was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only to participate in an international case competition with 11 other countries, but to build lasting friendships with students and professionals from all over the world. It was an amazing week of both learning and fun, and it really helped me understand the international perspectives and opportunities that KPMG offers. This was an amazing way to start my career path with the firm and I am excited for more learning and fun during my co-op in the summer!"

JoJo LaiAce the Case Finalist

"The Fast Forward program in Hollywood, California, was one of the best individual and team experiences of my university career. The program helped strengthen my personal leadership skills through practical training workshops while providing many opportunities to expand my professional and social network with KPMG people and other students from across Canada and the US. KPMG has crafted a program that delivers real-world experiences and memories that students will carry through the rest of their professional careers."

Kyle ScottFast Forward Participant

FIT: When you were young, you used to play

hockey. What made you give it up and switch

to skiing?

Alex:

It was more of a family decision. When I was playing hockey, my brother and little sister would just wait at the rink. They couldn’t participate. Also, with hockey tournaments it became more difficult to combine skiing on the weekends with my family. My mother made a deal with me that if I gave up hockey, I could enroll in freestyle skiing and start competing. Competing is in my family’s genes. In the end, skiing was a better fit for the whole family, because everyone could participate and no one was left out. Looking back, it was a smart decision. Moms always know best.

Serge:

It was hard for me as a former hockey player to have my young son stop playing the game. I was convinced he was going to become the next Wayne Gretzky and, who knows, maybe he would have … I’m certainly happy he took up skiing though.

FIT: When did you first decide you wanted to

go to the Olympics?

Alex:

In 1994, when I saw Jean-Luc Brassard win a gold medal in Lillehammer, I was so inspired and I knew it was what I wanted to do. But, then again, I think it’s every kid’s dream to go to the Olympics. It’s like wanting to be an astronaut.

FIT: Was it always your goal to win gold?

Alex:

I didn’t wake up every day saying I want to be an Olympic gold medallist. It happened more naturally than that. Skiing was something I started out doing on the weekends, for fun, and to spend some time with my family. Eventually, it turned into every weekend and then also on weekdays. Once I was competing at the provincial level, I wanted to make the National Championships, then the World Championships. It was a natural progression. When you are passionate about something, you’re always looking forward to the next step, and when you get there, you want more.

Olympic GoalGoal toto Olympic GoldGold

From anFrom an

An Interview with Alex and Serge BilodeauKPMG believes in supporting

people to reach their full potential,

which can mean different things to

different people. For some, it might

mean success on the UFE, while

for others it may be raising money

for a cause they are passionate

about. For Alex Bilodeau, son of

KPMG Partner Serge Bilodeau,

reaching his full potential meant

travelling to the 2010 Olympic

Games in Vancouver and winning

the first ever gold medal by a

Canadian athlete on home soil.

Alex and his father recently sat

down with KPMG FIT to discuss

skiing, accounting, and finding

success by pursuing your passion.


Goal toGold

Serge:

If you think about it, it’s a lot like a junior accountant who starts out at the firm. Yes, you may really want to be a partner in the future, but to be successful and reach that level, you need to keep focused on immediate goals, like passing the UFE and achieving a CA designation, then becoming a senior accountant, then making manager. If you focus on each stage, work hard, and are passionate about what you do, you will naturally progress to the next level and build your career.

FIT: Your training is pretty rigorous. How did

you stay committed through those long

hours of practice?

Alex:

When I have a passion for something, I jump in with both feet—and I had a passion for skiing, especially freestyle skiing, which involves jumping and manoeuvring through the moguls. Passion really drives you; when you’re passionate about something and love what you’re doing, you don’t count the hours you spend training. It’s never a chore and you’re always happy to do more and strive to do better.

Serge:

I think passion is something that runs in our family. My oldest son, Frédéric, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and we were told by the doctor when he was 2 years old that he would never walk. He drew on his determination and his passion for life, and by the age of 10 he was not only walking, he was skiing alongside Alex. The youngest member of our family, Béatrice, has also found a passion for skiing and at 16 years old she is a member of the Canadian National Ski Team.

FIT: And what about you? What is your

passion?

Serge:

For me, aside from my family, of course, my passion is my career and the work I do at KPMG. I’ve been working at the firm for 29 years and I’m still passionate about providing tax advice. There is always a new challenge and always something new to learn. We are a team at KPMG, and I love being a part of it.

FIT: Let’s talk about teams. Although skiing is

an individual sport, Alex, you are a member

of various teams—the Canadian Olympic Team,

for one. What role do teams play for you?

Alex:

In any competitive sport like skiing, building relationships with your teammates can take time, but once you build those relationships and friendships, you really appreciate the team spirit. I’m a member of the National Men’s Team, so we travel together and have a lot of fun. This year, we have some great rookies on our team who bring a new energy to the group.

Serge:

Teamwork is important in so many areas of life, especially in the business world and even more so in a professional services firm. Part of the reason KPMG is such a strong organization is the strength of our team. Everyone brings something different to the table. Maybe one person is an authority in one area of tax, another brings deep industry knowledge, and another provides Advisory services. As a team, we can provide a much higher level of service to the client than one individual could ever do on their own. Working in teams also makes our job more enjoyable. I met Jean-Pierre (JP) Desrosiers, one of my best friends, working on a team at KPMG. We worked together on some high-profile clients. JP initiated KPMG’s sponsorship of Alex.

FIT: Tell us more about KPMG’s sponsorship

of Alex. How did it get started?

Serge:

Sponsoring an athlete wasn’t something that the firm had ever done before, so we had to do some convincing to make people realize what a good fit it is for the firm. KPMG is built on the strength of its people—supporting and believing in them to achieve their goals is what we do. That’s exactly what our sponsorship of Alex is about and everyone at the firm is very proud of what he has accomplished.

FIT: How did KPMG people react to your

success at the Olympics?

Alex:

I have received so much support from KPMG people across the country. Members of the Montréal office, where my dad works, wrote me a really touching letter. Everyone told me their stories about watching me compete and how proud they were. After the Olympics, I went to visit KPMG’s offices in Vancouver and Montréal, and the support just kept pouring in. It’s a great feeling to know I have such wonderful people cheering for me, and it’s really unique to be so appreciated by my dad’s colleagues. Thanks, JP!

FIT: Thinking about the future, what are

your plans?

Alex:

Right now I am just waiting for things to settle down a little. It has been such a whirlwind since the Olympics. I will definitely keep skiing. I have to, it’s my passion. Four years down the line, we’ll see where I am. Right now, I’m also thinking about my education.

FIT: Do you think you might pursue a CA?

Alex:

Maybe I would consider becoming a CA. I see how passionate my dad is about the profession and I know of the opportunities that are available. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Serge:

When Alex was younger and I mentioned that he might want to consider becoming a CA, he would say, “No way!” Now that he is studying business, he has a better understanding of the

career and can see that maybe his

dad’s job is a lot more interesting than he thought!

Olympic Gold Medallist Alex Bilodeau and

his father, KPMG Partner Serge Bilodeau.



"The UFE is definitely a challenging process, but KPMG’s UFE Training program really prepares you for writing the exam. Personally, I found the National Practice Exams to be a great resource. I was able to get feedback from a number of different reviewers and the exam exposed me to what the actual UFE is like early on in the preparation process. Another aspect of the program that really helped me was being part of a study group. I had two study buddies and we really worked well together. We supported each other by offering encouragement, venting our frustrations, and making sure we took breaks from studying to decompress and chat about other “important” topics—like celebrity gossip!"

You + KPMG

The UFE Explained

The Chartered Accountant (CA) profession’s Uniform Evaluation (UFE) is one of the most challenging exams

out there, but it has to be to uphold the high standards of the accountancy profession. The exam tests a

candidate’s knowledge, skills, and judgment, and requires months of preparation. Want to know more? Here

are the basics:

UFE Writer Profile: Sandy Chan

UFE Writer Profile: Matthew Rudd"From our local office having a day- (and night)-long celebration that made me feel like I’d just won the Stanley Cup, to getting to fly out to Toronto to spend a day with CEO Bill Thomas, to having my picture published in The Globe and Mail, it was clear that celebrating success on the UFE was a priority for the firm. All of this made an already incredible moment an even more memorable one that will stay with me forever."

• The UFE takes place over a period of 3 days in the fall. The dates are set by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and everyone across the country writes it at the same time.

• The exam consists of three separate papers that challenge writers to demonstrate their competence by responding to business scenarios and simulations that are representative of the challenges they have experienced or will experience during their professional career.

• Papers are set by the profession’s Board of Evaluators and on each day of the exam, writers complete one individual paper.


KPMG Offers You the Tools and Support You Need to Succeed

The UFE may sound tough, but tough does not mean impossible.

KPMG’s UFE Training program will help you on your path to achieving a

professional CA designation by providing one of the best training

programs in Canada. Here are some of the key factors that make our

UFE program stand out and help give our writers a competitive

advantage:

1. National Practice EvaluationsThese are professionally marked practice evaluations with debriefings by Densmore Consulting or by a recent successful UFE writer in a local office. These exams are a great tool to help you evaluate areas of strength and areas that need more practice. Also, because the results are shared nationally, you are able to see where you stand compared to other writers across the country.

2. Study Binder An amazing resource for writers! The binder has technical summaries for each competency area that assists in understanding the UFE and promoting efficient use of study time. The binder also features comprehensive simulations to take your studying to the next level and tips on case writing, debriefing cases, study habits, and how to approach certain situations.

3. Study Group Program Lean on me! The UFE is challenging, but it’s easier knowing you are not in it alone. Our Study Group program gives you the option to work with other writers while preparing for the exam.

4. UFE Mentor ProgramGet support from someone who has “been there, done that.” KPMG writers are paired with a UFE mentor—someone who has recently successfully completed the exam. Mentors are available to answer questions, offer advice, and support you through the process.

5. Financial SupportAt KPMG, we believe in supporting our writers and rewarding the hard work that goes into preparing for the UFE. In addition to offering paid and unpaid study days throughout the process, we pay all exam fees in advance for first-time writers, as well as all student fees, initiation fees (upon qualification), and annual CA dues.

Celebrating Your Success!

Writing and passing the UFE is a big accomplishment! At KPMG, we make sure to celebrate and reward the hard work of our writers. Celebrations vary by office, but these are some examples of what you can expect:

• Each CA candidate receives a $2,000 accreditation award upon passing the UFE

• In addition to the accreditation award, KPMG’s incentive program provides bonuses and prizes for exceptional exam results

• Good news is meant to be shared, which is why we publish a full-page ad in a national English and French newspaper with the names of all our successful writers. Many individual offices also publish ads in local papers

• After the results are announced, there are UFE celebration parties in many offices across the country.





Where you

The Global Opportunities (GO) international secondment program gives KPMG people the opportunity to live and work in a new country, develop new skills, and become well-rounded, internationally focused professionals who are poised for success. But with so many countries to choose from—there are over 90 currently participating—how do you decide where to go? Do you want to expand your network? Learn new technical skills such as IFRS? Work in new fast-paced industries? Four current GO secondees from KPMG International's member firms around the world talk to FIT about why they chose their secondment location.

When You Want to Take Your Career International

When I left Edmonton for Grand Cayman, I went from

– 30 degrees to +30 degrees in 1 day. While it is pretty

great being able to wear flip-flops and shorts every day

(except at the office, of course), it’s not the reason I chose

Cayman for my GO secondment. This place is unique in

that KPMG people from all over the world transfer here,

so it is an amazing place to grow your network. In my new

start group in Cayman, there were 38 of us, representing

countries from all over the world—England, Ireland,

South Africa, Australia, Jamaica, the US, and Canada. We

each bring our own strengths and knowledge to the table,

so it has been a valuable learning experience, one I know

will continue to benefit me as my career at KPMG grows.

GO

Blake SchneiderSenior Accountant, Audit

Secondment Location: Georgetown, Grand Cayman IslandHome Office: Edmonton


Secondment Location: Tokyo, JapanHome Office: Greater Toronto Area

I decided to go on my GO secondment when I was on

vacation in London, UK. While I was over there, I met with

a senior manager from KPMG in the UK’s London office

and we discussed the opportunities that are available

“across the pond.” Within a few months of that meeting,

I was on a plane to England to complete a 3-and-a-half year

secondment in the Insurance Audit group. Since arriving,

I feel that my career has really taken off. Most notably,

I was promoted to Manager and have had the opportunity

to take on more complex work for our large Financial

Services clients. London is also an excellent jumping-off

point to explore the rest of Europe, so even though I am

working hard here, I still have a good balance in my life.

Secondment Location: London, UKHome Office: Greater Toronto Area

Craig FultonAssistant Manager

Angelie WongSenior Accountant, Audit

Secondment Location: Sydney, AustraliaHome Office: Calgary

I chose a secondment in Sydney for the experience

I will gain working in a country like Australia that has

an IFRS–based accounting framework. Since arriving,

the opportunities for professional development have

surpassed my expectations. In addition to the

exposure to IFRS, I am working with clients in new

industries, and the new role allows me to work

closely with partners on projects that go beyond

standard audit engagements, including client

proposals, staff training, special engagements, and

manager resourcing. Living in a world-class city with

warm weather and endless beaches is not a bad

bonus either!

I am the type of person who enjoys change and thrives on

a challenge, which is part of the reason I chose to go

somewhere completely different for my GO secondment.

Being in Japan, the second-largest economy in the world,

I feel that I can get the best of both worlds. Professionally,

I have the opportunity to work with some of the most

prestigious multinational clients in Tokyo—one of Asia’s

largest financial hubs. Personally, I enjoy the fast-paced

lifestyle as well as the countless local festivals that define

the uniqueness of the Japanese culture. Having gone on

this secondment is definitely one of the best decisions

I have made in my life.

Meera VairavanathanManager



When it comes to compensation, there’s often more than meets the eye.

At first glance, seeing big numbers on your pay

cheque may seem like the only thing that matters

when deciding where to start your career. But make

sure you take a second (and third!) look and consider

everything an organization is offering you—from

benefits and time off, to learning opportunities.

At KPMG, we understand that our people are our

most important asset. We also understand that if we

want to attract and retain the most talented people,

we need to offer our employees rewards that fit their

immediate needs as well as their long-term goals.

That is why we have developed a “total rewards”

package, which provides options that you can adapt

to fit your changing life.

Take a Good LookLook


A Competitive Base Pay• KPMG bases its pay ranges on relevant market data, including other

professional services firms and general industry, in order to ensure a competitive rate for all starting salaries. To help ensure that our base pay ranges stay competitive, KPMG annually participates in several external pay surveys.

Opportunities to Earn Additional Pay Based on Personal or Firm Performance• KPMG offers a unique variable pay program called the Profit $haring and

Performance Plan (P$P), which shares a portion of the firm’s net income growth with employees. Last year, KPMG distributed $23 million in P$P awards. We also use our enCORE program to reward employees who make important contributions and who demonstrate our values in everyday interactions with each other, with clients, and in the community. enCORE rewards range from gift certificates and cash, to points that you can redeem for great prizes like an Xbox 360®, iPad, or movie ticket packages.

Health Benefits That Fit Your Life• The flexible benefits plan that KPMG offers allows you to customize your

benefits to fit your unique needs. Each employee receives annual Flex dollars to spend as he or she sees fit on various health programs—medical and dental coverage, life, accident, and disability insurance, etc. KPMG also provides the opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars to a health spending account. This account can be used to pay for various expenses, including larger cost items, such as laser eye surgery or cosmetic dentistry. In addition, a wide variety of fitness-related costs are eligible for reimbursement.

Making Fitness Fit• Our Fitness Reimbursement program is one important way KPMG helps

people develop to their full potential. Through the program, employees obtain financial support for a variety of health and fitness activities, equipment, and memberships. From sports clubs, to weight management programs, to home gym equipment, there is a wide range of choice available. Fitness claims are eligible for a reimbursement of 75 percent of the cost to a maximum of 1.25 percent of an employee’s annual pay.

I Can See Clearly Now …KPMG’s Total Rewards Statement makes it easier for you to

get a clear view of the value of your rewards. The statement

is sent out annually to full-time employees and outlines the

total dollar value of not only base pay but also things like

P$P, benefits, and fitness reimbursements.

Here are some of the Total Rewards KPMG is proud to offer:

A Matter of Family• We strive to offer a wide variety of programs that

meet the needs of KPMG families, including parental leave, maternity income benefits, paid paternity leave, and adoption assistance of up to $20,000.

Building a Stronger Financial Future• It is never too early to start planning for the future.

To encourage people to think ahead and save for retirement (no matter how far off that may be), KPMG offers a pension plan with matching contributions from the firm as well as a group RRSP program.

Extensive Learning and Development Opportunities• At KPMG, there is no such thing as “one size fits all”

training. From traditional classroom training to the latest in eLearning opportunities on CLiX, our online learning management system, KPMG people have access to a broad suite of integrated learning opportunities. In addition to our internal learning offerings, employees can take advantage of our Learning for All program. This program encourages lifelong learning by providing financial support for external part-time studies.

WorkPerks • KPMG is excited to introduce a new discount

program for people at the firm. It’s called WorkPerks and it gives KPMG people and their families access to unique discounts on many brand-name retail products and services, as well as savings at smaller shops located close to home or the office. Users can save on everything from computers and clothing to dining and travel, all through an easy-to-use website.

Recognition That You Have a Life Outside the Office• KPMG’s progressive people programs are designed

to help you achieve a healthy balance between your work and your life. New employees are given 3 weeks (15 days) of vacation time every year, while managers and employees who have been with the firm for more than 5 years receive a total of 4 weeks (20 days) annually. In addition, every employee receives up to 50 hours of personal care time each year, if required, to help accommodate the multiple commitments of personal, community, and family life. For those people who need an extended period of time off to pursue their interests, KPMG offers sabbatical leaves from 3 weeks to 6 months after just 1 year of service. In addition, throughout the year you have access to a concierge service to help with day-to-day errands and personal needs, saving you valuable time.



Have you noticed the KPMG logo during the opening credits of CBC’s Dragons’

Den? Ever wondered why it’s there? Since 2008, KPMG Enterprise™ has had a

strategic partnership with the CBC to provide all facets of due diligence,

transaction-related services, and other professional services to the show. So what

exactly does all of this mean? KPMG FIT gives you the inside scoop on KPMG

Enterprise’s role behind the scenes of the hit show.

After the Handshake – Behind

The handshake that

entrepreneurs receive after a

successful pitch in the Den is the first

step in the process of closing a deal

with the Dragons. Before the papers

are signed and the big cheques handed

out, the deal has to make it through the

due diligence process, which is where

KPMG Enterprise steps in.

“At its core, due diligence is really all about

risk assessment,” says Dennis Fortnum,

National Leader of KPMG Enterprise, the

group that handles the due diligence for most

of the deals in the Den. “It allows investors—

in this case, the Dragons—to examine all

aspects of a deal, from finance to tax to legal

and beyond.” The KPMG Enterprise team

starts by looking at all of the basic

information—balance sheets, income

statements, and other financial data—to

ensure that all of the numbers presented in

the Den are accurate.

The next step for many of

the Dragons’ Den deals is a personal

background check. For this, a KPMG

Enterprise Forensic team is brought in to

investigate. Jessie Reynolds is a Corporate

Intelligence Analyst for KPMG Forensic. “We

get information from the contestants and

complete checks on their history and the

history of any companies they own—criminal,

civil litigation, reputation, reported assets, and

so on. Then we investigate the information

they’ve given us and see if there is anything

they didn’t tell us. We want to make sure the

Dragons’ investment is safe, so we have to

have a clear picture of who the contestants

are, who they work with, and what their

histories are.”


Advising a Dragon

In addition to due diligence, KPMG Enterprise also provides valuable Business Advisory Services to each of the Dragons based on their investments. Want to learn more about the knowledge shared in the Den? Check out Dialogue in the Den, a series of podcasts in which KPMG Enterprise professionals, Dragons, and other business leaders share insights and implications learned from each episode of Dragons' Den.

d the Scenes of CBC’s

Finally, KPMG Enterprise conducts an in-depth review of the business

in question. This process can take from as little as 30 days to over 1 year. The

goal is to fully understand if what was presented in the Den is an accurate

representation of the business. As Dragon Kevin O’ Leary put it on Season 4 of

the show, the review is like “peeling the skin off the onion—if you smell any rot,

or it looks bad, dump it!”

Tough words! That’s because due diligence is a tough process, and many deals

don’t make it through the rigorous evaluation. But, for those that do, the

Dragons and the entrepreneurs can be confident that the agreement they are

signing is a good one.





KPMG Presents:

Office OptionsDid you know that KPMG has offices in 32 cities across the country?

From Kamloops to London to Montréal, there is a lot of choice when deciding

where in Canada to start your career at KPMG. To help you decide what city

will be a Perfect Fit for you, we talked to six KPMG people from across the

country to find out why they chose the office and city they now call home.

Paula PrestaSenior Manager, AuditKamloops, British Columbia

I grew up in Kamloops and started my KPMG career here, first as a co-op student and then as a full-time accountant. I always knew I wanted to return to Kamloops eventually, but it took me a while to find my way back. My first transfer took me to KPMG’s Vancouver office, then I went to London, UK, on a 2-year Global Opportunities (GO) secondment. That’s where I met my husband Pete, a fellow KPMG GO secondee from Sydney, Australia. After a 1-year sabbatical in Australia, Pete and I made our way back to the Vancouver office. While I really love Vancouver, I knew I wanted to raise my family where I had grown up. So 10 years after I left, I called up the partner who had hired me as a co-op student and said I was ready to come back. What I really enjoy about working in the Kamloops office is the client base. The majority of our clients are private companies with owner-managers. With this type of business you have the opportunity to be so much more than an auditor—you are a trusted business adviser.

Roopa DavéManager, Talent Attraction TeamGVA, British Columbia

I grew up in Calgary, but moved to Ontario to go to university and complete my internship with KPMG. While I really enjoyed my time in Toronto, I am a West Coast girl at heart, so I decided to start my full-time career with KPMG in Vancouver. At first I thought about moving back to Alberta, but the diverse client roster in the Greater Vancouver Area office really appealed to me, especially the high-profile clients. Also, KPMG’s offices are right downtown, and only a few blocks from the waterfront, so there is always something going on if you want to go out with your colleagues after work.

Mark TysdalSenior Manager, AuditCalgary, Alberta

I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and came to Calgary for my summer internship. The reason I chose Calgary was the amount and diversity of opportunity available, including the possible opportunity to work for an international firm. When everyone thinks Calgary, they think oil and gas, but in truth there has been so much expansion beyond that. A lot of public companies, both big and small, are based in Calgary, so the work here is diverse and interesting. We have KPMG people from all across Canada and abroad coming to Calgary to do both short- and long-term secondments. The culture at the Calgary office is a lot like the city itself—young, fun, and energetic. We have Friday afternoon celebrations in the boardroom during busy season and an employee of the month program where we give out piggy banks full of 50 loonies. It’s your coffee money for a month!

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Ali AkbarStaff Accountant, Audit GTA, Ontario

After spending 4 amazing years at McGill and one incredible summer internship with KPMG in Montréal, I thought I would be ready to head back to my hometown of Vancouver. I originally interviewed at KPMG’s Vancouver office and was really impressed with the whole process. I even had the chance to meet the future CEO, Bill Thomas, while he was still Office Managing Partner in the GVA. It was after meeting Bill that I knew I wanted to join KPMG full-time, but I just wasn’t sure where. I figured, who better to ask for advice than someone who had been there from the start and had also recently made the move from Vancouver to Toronto. So I e-mailed Bill Thomas, who by that point was Deputy CEO of the firm and working in the Toronto office. He called me back that same day and told me what he liked about Toronto and missed about Vancouver, and he gave me some great advice. He said that Vancouver will always be there, and if I want to jump-start my career, Toronto is a great place to do it. After that, I was sold and ready to make the move. I have been living in Toronto and working for KPMG for over 7 months now, and while I sometimes miss Vancouver, I love this city, I love the KPMG office, and I know I definitely made the right decision. In the end, I guess you just can’t go wrong when you listen to Bill.

Ian JefferiesPartner, AuditLondon, Ontario

I went to university at Huron College in London, Ontario, and just never left. I love London. It is the perfect size, it has everything you would want in a city, but with the laid-back lifestyle that you don’t find in major centres. Summer festivals, sports teams, big-name concerts—London’s got it all. What I like about the city is also what I like about the office. It’s big enough that the opportunity and challenging work are there, but it’s small enough that you know everyone by name. There are about 45 people in our Audit group and throughout the year I will work with every one of them. It’s a real team atmosphere. If you are just starting out in your career, London is a great choice. Our smaller teams and wide range of clients, both from an industry and size perspective, mean everyone has more responsibility and opportunity to learn at an earlier point in their career.

Mireille JeanSenior Accountant, AuditMontréal, Quebec

Born in Gaspésie, I grew up in Chapais, Abitibi, and my teen years were spent in Fermont, in the northern part of the province of Québec. When the time came to select the city in which I would study, I chose Trois-Rivières, as its student population was just the perfect size. There was a transition period from the village I grew up in to the city. While in university, I decided to come to Montréal in order to join KPMG. As a member of the KPMG Enterprise team, I am able to work with small and medium enterprises while being part of a big firm. With all its colourful festivals and international artists, the city of Montréal welcomes everyone. The city's many cultural communities allow me to meet people from around the world. I find Montréal to be an endless source of amazement.

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To win in Canadian business, you need to build a strong team that

mirrors the diversity of the society itself. KPMG knows this, and so

do our clients. The energy, creativity, and adaptability of our diverse

team give KPMG and our clients a competitive advantage in an

increasingly globalized market. At KPMG, encouraging diversity in

the workplace is all about celebrating our differences and bringing

out the best in every one of us. Our goal is to ensure we have a

workplace that is inclusive of all our people. If we work together, we

can achieve this goal and, in doing so, create a workplace where

everyone has the opportunity to succeed.


Networks and Clubs

One way KPMG puts its diversity philosophy into action is through its networks and clubs. Networks provide a forum for conversation, meeting new people, and encouraging the next generation of leaders to stand up and be counted. Some of KPMG’s networks include:

Women’s Interchange Network (WIN)

The purpose of the Women’s Interchange Network (WIN) is to strengthen

internal networks and provide mentoring in support of women across the

firm. KPMG has held successful WIN events in major cities across the

country, including sessions on volunteerism, personal finance, and

generational differences in the workplace.

pride@kpmg

KPMG’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans-identified (LGBT) network was

started to support and advance the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and

trans-identified people at the firm. The pride@kpmg network has

strengthened its relationship with the LGBT business community through

its partnership with Pride at Work Canada, a workplace advocacy group.

East Asian Network

The East Asian Network (EAN) recognizes and celebrates the diversity of

East Asian cultures through networking with the firm’s existing East Asian

employee base. Its focus is on coordinating activities that allow

employees to develop professionally and personally.

Join a Club. Start a Club.Clubs are a fun way for KPMG people who share a common interest or experience to

connect with each other, swap stories and information, and get together for after-work

activities.

Here is a list of KPMG’s existing clubs:

• Cricket Club

• French Club

• Scuba Diving Club

• Tennis Club

The possibilities for networks and clubs are endless. All it takes is someone like you to

take the initiative to start one. So start thinking about it now, because part of creating the

Perfect Fit at work is finding a fun way to express who you are and connecting with your

co-workers. At KPMG, the opportunities are as diverse as the people who work for us.

In 2010, for the third year in a row, KPMG was chosen as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and as one of the Best Employers for New Canadians. These awards recognize the efforts of all KPMG people, led by the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team, who work together to make the firm an inclusive organization. We are a team that values and respects the opinions and contributions of all of our members because we know that talented people aren’t all cast from the same mould.

Recognizing Diversity @ KPMG



Developing Potential. You and KPMG.

The KPMG Accounting Scholarship KPMG is pleased to offer two national scholarships valued at $5,000 each. For exceptional first- and second-year full-time university students, this is an opportunity to develop your potential and pursue a career in the challenging and ever-changing world of accounting.

To find out more and apply, visit www.kpmg.ca/developingpotential.


KPMG’sPracticeAreas

““KPMG’s Audit practice is an exceptional place to build your career. We serve many of Canada’s largest and most prestigious blue-chip companies, as well as high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses. As auditors, we perform a high quality of work in order to uphold the public trust in the companies we audit. By building strong relationships with our clients, we gain an understanding of their business drivers, collaborate with them on challenging issues, and help them pursue their strategic objectives. Working with our teams will give you the opportunity to learn from among the best and brightest in our industry.

PETER DOYLE – CANADIAN MANAGING PARTNER, AUDIT

”

””

GREG WIEBE – CANADIAN MANAGING PARTNER, TAX

JOHN HERHALT – CANADIAN MANAGING PARTNER, ADVISORY

””

“““

“““

When you join KPMG’s Tax practice, you can take your career to the next level. There are so many opportunities for talented people to gain new skills and experience. Tax is constantly changing and developing in Canada and around the world, with new challenges arising each day. A career with the firm’s Tax practice will prepare you to meet these challenges head-on by allowing you to provide value to your clients while growing as a professional.

Advisory is an exceptionally collaborative practice, making it an excellent career choice for people-focused professionals. We work in teams with people from across the firm to deliver outstanding value to KPMG’s clients in areas affecting growth, governance, and performance. A career in the Advisory practice will not only develop your technical skills and knowledge, but also help grow your relationship-building abilities and put you on the fast track to success.



Tax today is about much more than just

getting the numbers right. Being a modern tax

professional is about understanding the long-

term impact of tax decisions. It’s about

keeping on top of local and global trends in

tax regulation and administration. It’s about

helping companies and entrepreneurs benefit

from the value of our firm’s tax knowledge.

KPMG’s Advisory practice helps companies

better understand and manage the vital

relationship between strategy and execution in

areas of growth, governance, and performance

to drive sustainable results.

From a career standpoint, starting out as a professional in KPMG’s Audit practice can be the first step into a world of career opportunities. It’s a fast-paced world where young professionals can hit the ground running, using their analytical skills and knowledge to help today’s leading companies understand and meet evolving financial reporting standards and regulations. What’s more, it’s an environment where new auditors can get their careers off to the right start, thanks to the latest tools, methodologies, and resources KPMG provides to help them keep pace in this all-important business arena.

For tax professionals who can think past the present, see beyond borders, and deliver long-lasting value, there has never been a better time to be part of KPMG’s Tax team.

A Terrific TeamWith KPMG, you’ll have a variety of interesting and challenging career paths ahead of you. At each step, KPMG’s Tax practice is there with you:

• Helping you achieve your professional CA designation, through financial support and our mentoring and peer-study programs

• Encouraging you to gain experience in various tax disciplines, with plenty of flexibility to move into the areas of the profession that are right for you

KPMG’s Advisory professionals work as a team to deliver a variety of services designed to provide trusted advice to help clients achieve sustainable value. For new advisory professionals, this translates into a world of ways they can use their skills and increase their knowledge while helping companies to:

• Strengthen governance, reporting, and internal controls to build stakeholder trust

• Achieve early identification and assessment of risk and control issues that can affect performance

• Enhance efficiency and effectiveness of key business processes

KPMG’s Audit practice plays a key role in

helping to build and maintain the credibility of

independent reporting for today’s capital

markets system. But what does that mean for

those who are just beginning their accounting

careers?

Be Amazing in Audit

Triumph in Tax

Be Awesome in Advisory


• Provide informed, effective responses to existing and proposed regulatory requirements, including geographic- and industry-specific issues

• Enhance the selection and execution of strategic transactions to preserve and create long-term business value.

Here are some of KPMG’s services that today’s professionals can choose from to begin their Advisory careers:

• Transaction Advisory: Help companies grow and enhance shareholder value by providing strategic advice to help them assess and manage the complexities of a transaction.

• Operations Improvement: Help create and enhance business processes and systems to overcome barriers to business productivity, thereby growing sustainable business value.

• Risk and Compliance: Work with organizations to assess and manage their critical business risks by providing structured risk assessment frameworks, thereby helping to create resilience in the organization’s systems and controls. Our professionals help uncover the facts and create clarity when people and organizations do not agree, or where financial and business behaviour does not comply with expectations.

• Providing opportunities for you to grow through technical training and enhance your skills as you progress to new levels in your career

• Offering transfer opportunities within Canada and around the world to help you build your knowledge, experience, and professional network.

When you join the Tax team at KPMG, you’ll develop and grow as a professional, closely advising our clients about the challenges they face. Among the specific services that make up the firm's Tax practice—and from which new tax professionals can choose to begin their careers—are the following:

• International Tax Services: Consult with multinational companies on global and cross-border tax issues, including those of expatriates, understanding the application of Canada–US and other international tax treaties, building a savvy tax financial structuring for a global merger or acquisition, reviewing a transfer pricing policy, etc.

• Domestic Tax Services: Advise organizations of all sizes on managing corporate taxes, planning for a strategic merger or acquisition, looking for opportunities to claim research and development and other tax incentives, or understanding the tax implications of the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) coming to Canada.

• Private Company Tax Services (KPMG Enterprise™): Develop a trusted adviser relationship with private companies and owner-managers to address the financial, tax, business, and compliance issues that they face in their daily operations.

• Indirect Tax Services: Consult on a wide range of compliance and provide planning advice regarding retail taxes, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and various provincial sales taxes.

• Trade & Customs: Advise a client new to sourcing abroad on the application of a new free-trade agreement, or help the client understand Canadian and foreign customs regulations.

An Audit Methodology That Raises the BarKPMG’s Audit Methodology (KAM) combines a rigorous approach to audits with robust technology, which translates into high-quality audits for our clients and a sound, consistent approach for KPMG International's member firms’ auditing teams around the world. KPMG offers auditors an enhanced and automated platform that provides a suite of technology tools specially designed to help them make the most of the firm’s proprietary methodology.

A Chance to Tap into a World of ResourcesAnother advantage of working in KPMG’s Audit practice is the ability to tap into a global network of member firms. This means being able to reach out to individuals around the world for their in-depth knowledge in areas such as tax, forensics, information risk management, valuation, and more, as well as for their extensive experience in today’s leading industries. This multidisciplinary approach and access to a wide range of highly experienced senior-level professionals

mean more opportunities for those starting out to develop the skills, knowledge, and relationships they need to keep climbing the career ladder. This all adds up to make KPMG’s Audit practice a great place to start—and build—a career.




Canada’s Greenest Employers

In 2010, we were excited to learn that for the second time KPMG has been chosen as one of

Canada’s Greenest Employers. This award recognizes employers that lead the nation in

making environmental values part of their organizational culture.

For more details on the reasons for our win, visit

www.eluta.ca/green-at-kpmg.

Sustainable SpacesFrom installing fluorescent light bulbs to washing our

clothes in cold water, we’re all doing what we can to

reduce our environmental footprint at home.

But what about at the office?



One of KPMG’s Community Leader commitments is to reduce our impact on the environment and to be more sustainable. In 2009, KPMG in the Greater Toronto Area took a big step toward sustainability by moving to the

new Bay Adelaide Centre (BAC), located in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The BAC is built to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – New Construction (LEED-NC) Gold standard, the internationally accepted scorecard for sustainable green buildings. The entire complex will save an estimated 40 percent more energy than other existing buildings. From rain water collection to bike storage, almost everything about the BAC is designed to reduce our environmental footprint.

In addition, the firm’s leadership decided to take our commitment to the next level and build the interior space to a LEED-NC Gold Standard as well. Some cool interior features include:

• Designing the office space to maximize natural light

• Installing lighting controls to automatically switch off lights in unoccupied spaces

• Using ENERGY STAR certified equipment

• Using low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and adhesives to improve office air quality

• Urea formaldehyde (UF)-free furniture

• All wood is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. FSC certified wood comes from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic, and ecological needs of present and future generations.

Halo Room

The BAC is equipped with a state-of-the-art Halo Room that enables people in different locations to communicate in a vivid, face-to-face environment in real time. Whether across a country or across the world, users are able to see and hear one another’s physical and emotional reactions to conversation and information as they’re being shared. The addition of a Halo Room has allowed us to cut down on the amount of travelling required.

The reason for Bill’s call that day was to congratulate Shannon on being selected as one of the recipients of KPMG’s CEO Community Excellence Awards. The award recognizes KPMG people who are passionate about giving back and who make significant or unique contributions to community organizations.

For Shannon, a member of the Audit practice in KPMG’s Saskatoon office, giving back has always been an important part of her life. From camping out on the street to raise awareness about homelessness, to collecting old prom dresses for under-privileged high school students, Shannon is an active volunteer. Most recently, she has been working as a “Capital Building Ambassador” for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan (CHFS). “That’s a fancy way of saying I am helping to raise the $25 million needed to build a hospital for children here in Saskatoon,” says Shannon. “It’s a lot of money, but I feel so strongly that children shouldn’t have to travel to another province to get the health care they need. I’m confident that we can reach our goal.”

As a recipient of a CEO Community Excellence Award, Shannon was able to give her fundraising efforts a boost with the $1,000 donation prize. “That was definitely one of the highlights of winning the award,” says Shannon. “It felt so good walking into the CHFS offices and being able to say ‘Guess what? I’ve got money to donate!’” The other highlight of the win was travelling to Regina to meet Bill Thomas and accept her award.

“The entire Saskatoon office was watching via video conference, so it was fun giving shout-outs to everyone there.”

“It can be challenging to find a balance between work and volunteer commitments, especially if you’re like me and want to help out everywhere. To make sure I don’t over-commit, I prioritize one or two organizations that I am passionate about and where I think I can make a real difference. Also, working for an organization like KPMG that values community leadership also really helps. Having the support of my co-workers and my managers makes a huge difference.”

In 2009, KPMG launched a new Community Leader strategy; already, Shannon is noticing an impact. “The firm has always been committed to our communities. It’s one of our global values,” says Shannon. “With the Community Leader strategy, we are taking that commitment to the next level. It’s doing a great job of getting people excited about becoming involved in the Saskatoon community. I have people coming up to me and asking me what they can do to give back in a meaningful way.”

So what is Shannon’s advice for finding your passion when it comes to giving back to the community? “Just get out there and get involved. Don’t be afraid to try new things. It may take a couple of tries to find a cause or organization that works for you, but you’ll never know until you try.”

When Shannon Heincke’s performance managers nominated her for a CEO Community Excellence Award, the KPMG Staff Accountant was in school working toward her Masters of Professional Accounting (MPAcc).

So, a few months later, when she was back in the office and KPMG CEO Bill Thomas called, she didn’t realize who was on the line. “At first, I thought it was a client calling,” remembers Shannon.

“I mean, why would the CEO of the firm be calling me?”

A Passion forGiving Back


KPMG Partners with Students Offering Support!

KPMG is happy to announce a new partnership with an

organization that is truly making a difference on campuses

across Canada and in cities and villages around the world!

Students Offering Support (SOS) is a student-led charitable

association that raises money to raise roofs through raising

marks during their “Exam-AID” group review sessions,

taught and coordinated by student volunteers.

Find out more by visiting www.studentsofferingsupport.ca.

www.kpmgfit.ca

Raise RoofsRaise MoneyRaise Marks


Want More?

For more information on KPMG’s people,

programs, and culture, visit www.kpmgfit.ca.

KPMGFIT.CA

KPMG’s YouTube Channel—www.youtube.com/KPMGFIT—is packed with videos

made by KPMG employees specifically for students.

Still have questions about KPMG and the career opportunities we provide? In addition to KPMG FIT, there are plenty of other resources available to you to learn more about the firm.

AMBASSADORS

Looking for a student’s

perspective on what life at

KPMG is really like? Our Campus

Ambassadors are a great resource

for first-hand information on the

people and culture at KPMG. Go

to www.kpmg.ca/ambassadors.

Everything you need to know about KPMG in 140 characters or less. Follow our

KPMGCampusCDN Twitter feed and stay up to date on all of the firm’s campus

news at www.twitter.com/KPMGCampusCDN.

TM

kpmg.ca




campus fit magazine 2010

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