kpmg fit magazine v2.0

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Issue 2.0 You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit. You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit. Check inside for your Giving Together Donation Card. You and KPMG

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KPMG\'s FIT Magazine v2.0 for Graduate candidates looking to find out about KPMG and the opportunities that we offer them!

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Page 1: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

Issue 2.0

You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit.You and KPMG. A Perfect Fit.Check inside for your

Giving Together Donation Card.

You and KPMG

Page 2: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

You and KPMG A Perfect Fit

A career at KPMG can help you

reach new heights and develop

to your fullest potential through

challenging, meaningful work

experiences and a strong

mentoring culture. We know

our success as an organization is

built on the success of our people

and our teams. Our commitment

to people creates a connection

that lasts a lifetime.

The best minds. Developed

to their fullest potential.

Connected for life.

Sound like the Perfect Fit?

For more information visit:

www.kpmgfit.ca

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Page 3: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

ContentsCareer

People

Lifestyle

The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address thecircumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate andtimely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it isreceived or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such informationwithout appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

KPMG and the KPMG logo are registered trademarks of KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.

© 2009 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG networkof independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. All rightsreserved. Printed in Canada on recycled paper.

02 04

Fast Facts The Road to the Top

20

Been There ... Aced That!

Get a Head Start in

Your Career

23

KPMG’s Practice Areas

34

All AboutIFRS

10

Take aGood Look

22 28

KPMG EnterpriseEnters the

Dragons’ Den

26

Commited to Our

Communities

FashionWear-Withal

14

Fitting Fitness into Your Schedule

03

Five Relationshipsand One Big Vision

06

Designed forSuccess

08

Bon VoyagePostcards From Lyon

12

You and KPMG. A Recipe for a

Great Summer

18

Lunch Break

30

Standing Out fromthe Crowd

16

Page 4: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

FASTFACTS

AboutKPMG

KPMG International is a global network operating in over 144 countrieswith more than 137,000 professionals working around the world.

KPMG in Canada (“KPMG”), the Canadian member firm affiliated with KPMG International, operates in 32 locations across the country.The firm’s more than 430 partners and almost 5,000 employees providecrucial 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 firmin Canada in 2008. Our focus also helped us to achieve over 4 percentgrowth and earn over $1.1 billion in revenue for the year.

KPMG was chosen as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the sixth time in 2009. We were also recognized for the first time this yearas one of Financial Post’s Ten Best Companies to Work For. This specialdesignation recognizes fast-growing companies in Canada that offerstrong career advancement opportunities together with leading-edgeemployee rewards.

KPMG actively supports and encourages international assignmentsthrough our Global Opportunities (GO) program. Currently, KPMG has 80 individuals on both short- and long-term assignments in many differentcountries around the world. The most popular destinations include theUS, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

In 2008, KPMG, along with The KPMG Foundation, contributeddonations and sponsorships of $3.6 million to Canadian charitableorganizations, an increase of almost 30 percent over 2007. Donationswere made to support education, health care, children/youth, and communities.

On an annual basis, KPMG offices designate a period of time in which to support organizations in our communities across Canada, known asour KPMG Volunteers initiative. During this time, KPMG people worktogether and volunteer on one designated workday over the course of the volunteer period to make a difference to worthy causes in eachlocal community. In 2008, 2,972 KPMG people helped 173 organizations through a wide range of volunteer activities.

KPMG offers leading People programs, such as 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, andscoring concert tickets. In 2008, requests handled by the conciergeservice saved our people 5,984 hours.

KPMG’s e-learning tool, CLiX, provides learning options in a convenientMP3 format and via downloadable video playbacks, allowing forreal-time practice opportunities in the office, at home, or on the road.

For the second year in a row, KPMG’s efforts to create an inclusiveenvironment were recognized with two prestigious awards, includingbeing named one of the Best Employers for New Canadians and one ofCanada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2009.

KPMG has implemented a formal firm-wide program to help improve our environmental performance. The Environmental PerformanceInitiative (EPI) sets continuous improvement targets that apply to alloffices. This initiative helped KPMG to be named one of Canada’sGreenest Employers in 2009.

On January 1, 2009, Bill Thomas took over the role of CEO of KPMG; at 41 years old, he is one of the youngest CEOs ever of a Canadian Big Four accounting firm.

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www.kpmgfit.ca

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Page 5: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

Bill Thomas has a vision. Together with the

partners of the firm, he wants to make KPMG

“The Envy” of all professional services firms —

not just the other Big Four accounting firms.

It’s an ambitious goal for the new CEO, but

he’s got a plan and the enthusiasm to make

it happen.

At the heart of Bill’s philosophy for succeeding

in business is one simple word—relationships.

“If you want to stand out from the crowd,

especially in a challenging economy like the

one we are in today, it is crucial to build long-

lasting, deep relationships,” says Bill from his

office in Toronto. “For me, there are five critical

relationships for KPMG: the relationships we

have with our clients, our future clients, our

local communities, our global network, and

with each other.”

For Bill, relationships have always played an

important role in his career. “KPMG has a

strong mentoring culture. The coaching and

career advice I received right from the start

of my career here, almost 20 years ago, has

helped me get to where I am today.” And

where he is today is pretty extraordinary; at

41 years old, Bill is one of the youngest CEOs

ever of a Canadian national accounting firm.

Not bad for someone who never planned to

become an accountant.

Bill graduated from the University of British

Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree

in Bio-organic Chemistry and had a plan to

become a doctor like his father and his

grandfather before him. His dislike of blood

and hospitals made it abundantly clear that

medicine wasn’t for him and Bill fortunately

discovered his own Perfect Fit in chartered

accounting at KPMG.

In 1989, Bill joined the firm; he earned his CA

in 1993. Six years later, he was made Partner,

and from 2000 to 2003, he led the Financial

Institutions and Real Estate (FIRE) Services

Audit group in Vancouver. In 2003, he became

the Leader of the Audit practice for KPMG’s

Greater Vancouver Area office and, in

December 2006, took on the role of Managing

Partner. In September 2007, he moved to

Toronto to become Deputy CEO. On January

1, 2009, Bill officially took over as Chief

Executive Officer of KPMG.

Since then, Bill has been busy talking to people

from all levels of the firm about his plans for

KPMG. “This is a really exciting time for us and

I want to make sure that everyone is involved

in the excitement. We are all invested in making

KPMG ‘The Envy of the Professional Services

Firms,’ and our partners and our people are

what will drive our success. Just one more

reason that the relationship we have with

each other is so critical,” notes Bill.

“The competition for bright, talented people is

fierce, and it’s only going to increase. We want

KPMG to be known as a place that develops

outstanding professionals. That’s how we are

going to attract the best minds.” To do this,

Bill knows that KPMG has to be a people-

focused organization. Aside from offering

challenging, meaningful work experiences and

a strong mentorship culture, Bill wants to make

sure that coming to work each day is a fun

experience for KPMG people across Canada.

“I know for me personally that I want

challenging work and the opportunity to

make a real difference, but I also need to

have fun while working with great people.”

Bill wants to provide that same opportunity

to everyone who joins the firm.

Also important to Bill is the relationship the

firm has with our local communities. “For me,

corporate success and community leadership

go hand in hand. There are so many

opportunities out there to leverage the skills,

knowledge, financial resources, and passions

of our firm and our people in order to benefit

our communities.” Bill is an enthusiastic

volunteer, setting a great example for the rest

of the firm. Among other things, he is a

member of the Board of the Toronto Symphony

Orchestra and, before he left Vancouver, was a

board member of both Vancouver’s Science

World and the CA School of Business.

Bill recognizes that his goal for KPMG to be

seen as “The Envy of the Professional Services

Firms” is a big one, and that success won’t

happen overnight. “Strong, deep relationships

take time to build, which is why they are so

valuable. Yes, it will be challenging, but we are

committed to achieving our vision

because that is how we are

going to deliver real value to

our clients, our future clients,

our communities, our firm,

and each other. Besides,

life can get boring without a

good challenge!”

Five Relationships and One Big VisionCEO Bill Thomas Has a Plan to Make KPMG “The Envy of the Professional Services Firms”

Bill ThomasCEO and Senior Partner

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Page 6: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

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 you 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 a major 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 learnmore, 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. You could 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 “Bon Voyage” on page 8.

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 is a great place to start your career withKPMG because it will help you explore allof the opportunities we offer.

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Page 7: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

Learning and Development @ KPMGIt’s All About You!

At KPMG, we don’t believe in “one size

fits all” training. You can personalize

your development and reach your

career goals with a variety of learning

approaches, such as the following:

• CLiX, our online learning management

system delivers 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, for every role from

entry-level associate to partner, will

help you to understand what success

looks like and what it takes to get to

the next level as you chart your

career with us.

• Progressive and interactive e-Learning

and virtual classroom programs, such

as the Harvard Manager Mentor series.

• Face-to-face workshop sessions

combine learning new skills with

on-the-job training.

• KLearn, KPMG’s interactive Web

conferencing tool, allows real-time

learning and collaboration. You can

access KLearn anytime, anywhere,

from any KPMG computer.

ManagerYou’ve made manager! That’s a big step up. As a manager at KPMG, you will continue todeepen your 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 peopleand project management skills through KPMG’smanagement training courses, in order to makeoffice practice decisions, including resourceallocation, career development of staff, andother management decisions.

Senior ManagerNow 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.

PartnerCongratulations—you’ve made partner at thefirm! To get to this position you have been astrong performer throughout your career atKPMG, showing leadership capabilities and a commitment to the firm’s values. A partneris responsible 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 is just one way that KPMG builds lifelongrelationships with our people. To learn more, read “KPMG’s Practice Areas” on pages 22–25 You can also read a day in the life of an Audit, Tax, or Advisory,professional on our Web site atwww.kpmgfit.ca.

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www.kpmgfit.ca

Page 8: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

DESIGNEDSUCCESS

With a little help from IKEA , anyone and everyone

can play interior designer, assembling cool furniture

and decorating their space. For Alicia Pinarello,

an Auditor in KPMG’s Hamilton office, her IKEA

experience has helped her build something a little

different—her career! This Senior Accountant has

been part of the IKEA engagement team since her

first year with KPMG. Alicia recently sat down with

KPMG FIT to talk about working with the iconic

Swedish home furnishings retailer, and why KPMG

and IKEA are a good fit for each other and for her.

for

AP APAP

FITWhen did you join the firm and why did youchoose KPMG?

I started as a summer intern in 2005 while I was at McMaster University, then I joined the firm full-time in 2006. I was actually hiredthrough the GTA group, but because I wanted to stay close to school and the friends I’d made,the firm created a summer position for me inHamilton. They were so accommodating andvery supportive. I was really impressed and thisplayed a huge role in why I ultimately chose towork at KPMG.

FITIKEA must be a pretty popular client. How didyou come to work on the assignment?

Well, initially it was luck of the draw because I didn’t specify client preferences when I started.I was assigned to work on the engagement teamauditing IKEA in my first year and I’ve beenworking on it ever since. I look forward toworking at IKEA, just like the rest of the KPMGteam. For me personally, I feel I am a good fit forthe culture and, from IKEA’s perspective, havinga consistent group of auditors year after yearmakes working together that much moreenjoyable and efficient.

FIT

You mentioned that you’re a good fit for the culture at IKEA. Could you explain what you mean?

I guess the main reason I say that is becausethe culture is in many ways very similar to theculture at KPMG. The people are very friendlyand really sociable, but at the same time theyare highly professional and always focused onproducing excellent work. I came to realize frommy first interactions with the KPMG recruitingteam that this is something I really value. To thisday, I look for a mix of fun and professionalism,both in my clients and in my co-workers atKPMG. Also, the IKEA office is very open06

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Page 9: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

concept, with few walls and lots of light. This is great for knowledge sharing and itreminds me a lot of KPMG’s open-door policy.On a more personal note, I am concerned about the environment, and so I like that IKEAand KPMG are both taking tangible steps toreduce their eco-footprint and be responsibleglobal citizens. In the end, KPMG and IKEA areorganizations that value the relationships theyhave with their people and the largercommunity, which makes them a good fit foreach other and a Perfect Fit for me.

AP

AP

AP

AP

AP

FIT

FIT

FITWhen you first started auditing IKEA,

what were your responsibilities and

how have they evolved?

When I first started, I still had a lot to learn aboutIKEA’s business and audit techniques, so I wasassigned easier sections, like cash and fixedassets. The Senior Accountant on the job at thetime was awesome—so supportive!—and Ireally had the chance to get comfortable with the organization. During my second year on the account, I was given more responsibility. The work kept me challenged and alwayslearning. One of the highlights that year was that I got to take part in an inventory count; itwas really cool to see what goes on behind thescenes and it gave me a sense of how complexIKEA really is. The organization operates like awell-oiled machine—they are so organized! This past year, I was lucky enough to get to workas the Senior Accountant and participate in aworldwide proposal. I was excited to have theseopportunities so early in my career. I lovedgetting to manage and mentor a team of almost10 people, and was honoured that managementinvolved me in the oral presentation to high-levelIKEA representatives. It’s a great feeling to knowthat KPMG believes in me so much that theyentrusted me with a high-profile client like IKEA.

Looking ahead, what do you see in

the near future for your career?

I’ve worked with such a great team of people,both from KPMG and from IKEA, and I feel like I still have so much more to learn in my role.Working at IKEA, I’ve been able to develop mypeople management skills, which is excellentbecause one of my goals is to become amanager at KPMG. That’s one of the great things about working at KPMG in general—the opportunities for career progression areamazing. I’m only in my third year with the firmand I’ve already learned so much, worked withreally talented people, and had the chance to be a part of some exciting projects. The fact thatI have had this much opportunity so early onmakes me very excited for my future at KPMG.

FIT

FIT

So you have the opportunity to work

at the IKEA offices. What’s that like?

I always look forward to days at IKEA, which isimportant because when you are on an auditengagement you usually do most of your work at the client site. IKEA is a big client, so we do spend quite a bit of time there—maybe 2–3 weeks in the summer and then almost amonth around their year-end. I love workingthere, mostly because of the people, who are all really accommodating and take the time to get to know you as a person. Another perk ofworking on-site at IKEA is that you eat so well. You’re ready to tackle the afternoon after lunch because you’ve filled up on a great meal.I’m always excited to try the different Swedishdesserts and, of course, I love IKEA’s famousSwedish meatballs!

Sounds delicious…

It is! Whenever we go back to the office we can’t help but brag at least a little about how well we ate when we were there. Another fun thing about working at IKEA is that theiroffices are attached to a store, so you canalways work off that lunch you’ve just eaten by exploring the cool room displays and checking out the latest design trends.

Are you a big fan of IKEA products?

Absolutely! My first room in university was top to bottom IKEA. I remember putting together abig dresser all on my own. I should have gottensomeone to help me (the directions did say it was a two-person job), but I was so excited tohave my room finished, I couldn’t wait. It took me a while, but I got it together and had such a feeling of accomplishment when I did. I’m still pretty handy with an Allen key.

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www.kpmgfit.ca

Page 10: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

PostcardsStaff Accountant Nicholas Milosh is having the adventure

of a lifetime on a 2-year Global Opportunities (GO)

secondment to Lyon, France. Before he left, KPMG FIT

asked Nicholas to stay in touch—send us an e-mail once

in a while to let us know what he was doing, who he was

meeting, and what he was learning. Well, he did better

than e-mail, he sent us postcards! Here are a selection of

postcards we received from his first year on secondment:

08

Bon Voyage!

Greet ings from Lyon!

I am so excited to be here . Before I

lef t I was pret ty ner vous, thinking ,

“What am I get t ing myself into?”

But be ing here for the last week ,

I know I made the r ight decision.

I am set t ling in well and already

have an apartment, which is amazing ,

by the way—it’s r ight next to the

“central park” part of the city (that

has a ful l zoo!) and is close to the

center of the city with a great v iew

of the r i vers running through Lyon.

Everyone here is really welcoming.

My co-workers took me on a tour of

the city yesterday and the Managing

Partner is he lping me get set t led and

get the training I need.

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Page 11: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

In addition to these ones, Nicholas also sent us

postcards from Munich, Germany; Biarritz, France;

Torino, Italy; and Cape Town, South Africa. Bon Voyage!

from Lyon

www.kpmgfit.ca

Bonjour!

I am in Paris this week for training

and I’m having an amazing t ime.

First ly, I am learning a lot, especial ly

about IFRS and all the technical

specif icat ions that surround the

standards. Secondly, I am meet ing

other KPMG secondees from all over.

We come from different parts of the

world, but have so much in common.

Plus, we are al l going through the same

experience of get t ing set t led into our

new cit ies and acclimat izing to

the culture . It’s cool that even

though I am in France and

get t ing to know so many new

people in the Lyon off ice, I am

also building a net work of

col leagues from across the globe .

I was skiing again this weekend, which

was my third weekend in a row heading

to the French Alps, and I am planning to

go back again next week . While I am

def inite ly working hard over here, I like

that I am st i l l able to f ind a good

balance and have lots of opportunity

to travel and experience the French

culture . A big part of the culture is the

language and I am very proud to say

that I am now fully bilingual—speaking ,

writ ing , working , and li v ing “en

français”! This was a personal goal of

mine before I lef t, and it fee ls

great to have accomplished it.

PS – The other aspect of French

culture I am get t ing to know well

(maybe a li t t le too well!)—the food

and wine! If you ever come here you

have to try a fondue savoyarde—

c’est magnif ique!

I travelled to Geneva this week towork on an engagement for one ofmy bigger client accounts. It is aglobal audit for a v ideo gamesproducer and I can’t even te l l youhow interest ing the work is. I ge t to see how mult iple aspects of thebusiness work, from import ing theproducts to new game launches. We are constant ly liaising with thehead off ice in the US, as well aswith other contacts in Europe and

Asia. It’s cool to get a global perspect i veand see how integrated internat ionalbusinesses can be . The world seems a lot smaller than it did before I went on my GO secondment.

PS – I’ve sent you some Swiss chocolatesto get you through the busy season. Enjoy (and make sure you share themaround the off ice)!

I am on vacat ion this week andhave travelled to the Côte D’Azur(aka, the French Riv iera) with somefriends from university who havecome over to v isit me. We arehaving an amazing t ime and it isgreat to reconnect with my friendsfrom home. I am now half waythrough my secondment and,looking back , i t has been the mostexcit ing and enriching experience of my life .

The opportunit ies for personal andprofessional growth have beenincredible . I have proven to myself thatI am able to stay calm and col lected inany situat ion and tackle whateverchallenge life or work throws at me. Can’t wait to see what next year brings!

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At first glance, seeing big numbers on your pay cheque may seem like the

only thing that matters when deciding w here 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.

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

Look!Take a Good

www.kpmgfit.ca

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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.

Finding Focus

All opportunities and employers

aren’t created equal, and what works

for one person might not work for

another. So keep focused on what

is best for you by asking specific

questions during the interview

process, and weigh your options

before accepting an offer. This way,

you can help ensure you are joining

an organization that is the Perfect Fit

for you now and in the future.

Here are some of the Total Rewards

KPMG is proud to offer:

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.

UFE Preparation That

Helps You Succeed

KPMG’s UFE preparation course

is one of the best in the country and offers a

wide variety of supports, like practice

evaluations, study binders, study buddies,

as well as paid and unpaid time-off to prepare.

We cover all exam fees in advance for

first-time writers. In addition, to celebrate our

people’s success, KPMG offers accreditation

awards of up to $2,000. KPMG also supports

our people who want to pursue other

designations, such as a CGA or CMA. To find

out more about how KPMG’s UFE training

program helps our people succeed, read

“Been There, Aced That” on page 16.

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.

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.

Extensive Training 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.

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 6 weeks to 6 months after every 3 years

of service. In addition, throughout the year

you have access to a personal assistant

service to help with day-to-day errands and

personal needs, saving you valuable time.

You can read about other People programs,

such as Fitness Reimbursement and

Community Care, throughout KPMG FIT.

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.

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 $34 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 a Microsoft Xbox 360,

golf clubs, or resort vacations.

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You and KPMG. A Recipe for a Great Summer.

What do you get when you start with 2 months of interestingclient work, mix in some new friends, and top it off with agourmet food fight? If you are Saira Kanakalil, an intern at KPMG’sMontréal office, you’ve got the makings of one amazing summer.

For this third-year Concordia

Commerce student, the summer

of 2008 was set to be a very busy

one. Saira was not only interning at

KPMG, but also signed up for summer

classes in advanced financial

accounting. “At first, I was nervous that

it was going to be too much to juggle,”

Saira told FIT. “But the firm was really

supportive and right from the start my

manager sat down with me and worked

out a schedule that accommodated my

exams and major papers.”

In May, Saira packed her bags for a

KPMG training session at Mont Gabriel,

a resort north of Montréal. The 3-day

event was designed to prepare the

interns for the summer ahead, with

topics ranging from KPMG values to

roles and responsibilities, to how to

interact with clients. “I liked that it was

really interactive. We had two managers

come in and role-play with us about

how to handle different client situations.

One manager would pretend to be

really difficult or speak in a really quiet

12

Page 15: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

voice and we had to act out how we

would deal with this situation at an

actual client site. Building strong client

relationships is an important part of

being a CA, so even though we were

having lots of laughs, we were also

learning valuable lessons.”

The event wasn’t all training and

studying. In the evening, the interns had

the chance to get to know each other

better while taking part in different

activities like a wine and cheese tasting

event and a 70s disco night. “The 70s

night was hilarious! People got really

into it and there were bell-bottoms and

curly wigs everywhere. It was a great

way to get to know people better.”

Back at the office, the bell-bottoms were

put away and the interns got down to

business. “Once I received my

assignments, I was really excited about

the work I would be doing during the

summer,” remembers Saira. “I was part

of the Audit team for a relatively small

not-for-profit organization. That was a

cool experience for two reasons. First,

when you are working on a large public

company, there is so much to know that

you have to focus your efforts on one

area. But when you work on a smaller

client, you get to see the big picture of

how the whole organization works.

Second, and this is more of a personal

thing, I liked knowing that I was helping

out an organization that makes a really

positive contribution to the community.”

Unlike some internships, KPMG people

don’t spend their summer making

copies or filing forms. Saira says, “The

great thing about this internship is that

you are doing real client work and have

real responsibilities and accountabilities

to your team.” In some ways, having

this much responsibility can be

intimidating, which is why KPMG

managers and senior accountants are

there to support interns every step of the

way. “At our training they make it clear

that there is an open-door policy at the

firm, and if you have a question or are

unsure of what you are doing, your

manager or engagement team

members are there

to support you.”

Building strong relationships with each

other is an important part of life at

KPMG. Saira also took advantage of

KPMG’s mentorship program, meeting

with her assigned mentor frequently

over the summer to talk over coffee or

breakfast in a nearby café. Saira would

ask her mentor about everything from

work to school, to career advice.

“It’s great to have someone to talk to

who has been through the exact same

process that you are going through.

Also, your mentor is not someone

you work with every day, so meeting

with them is an opportunity to grow

your network.”

Throughout their time at KPMG, the

interns had the chance to meet and

network with people from all levels of

the firm. Mid-way through the summer

they were invited to an event at the

Institute of Hotels and Services, where,

decked out in chef hats and aprons,

they broke into groups and were given

hands-on cooking lessons. “I really liked

the culinary school event because we

had the opportunity to talk with partners

and managers in a very relaxed, fun

atmosphere.” Things got a little crazy

when it was time to prepare the dessert.

A “chocolate fight” broke out in the

cocoa creation room, with several

interns and more than one partner

getting more truffle than they had

bargained for. “It was hilarious!

There was chocolate flying everywhere!

Good thing we had those aprons.”

At the end of the event the interns went

home with a recipe book of all the

dishes they had made during the event.

At the end of the summer, Saira was

convinced that KPMG was the Perfect Fit

for her and she made the decision to

join the firm full-time. Looking back,

would Saira recommend her KPMG

summer internship experience?

“One hundred percent! It is a great

experience for anyone considering a

CA career path. Throughout the summer

you have the opportunity to learn by

doing, and the people at the firm are

there to support you all the way. I don’t

know of any place else where a student

can get this kind of experience.”

www.kpmgfit.ca

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14

Staying in shape after university,

when time is suddenly an issue

Entering the workforce as an intern or a full-time employee will present you with great new

opportunities. It will also present you with the challenge of balancing your work and your life

in a way that works for you. With all of your new responsibilities, nutrition and fitness might

not be uppermost in your mind, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. So what can

you do to stay healthy while working full-time?

University life can offer lots of opportunities to stay fit. There are intra-mural

sports teams, easily accessible gyms, long walks across campus, and

impromptu games of Ultimate Frisbee or street hockey with your friends.

• Walk whenever you can. Get off transit a few stops early or park farther

away from the entrance and put your feet to work. Make believe the

elevator is out of service and take the stairs. Unless you’re on the 38th

floor, a few flights a day won’t hurt. If possible, try biking to work; you’ll

be doing a favour, not only for yourself, but also for the planet.

FittingFitnessinto Your Schedule

Keep moving!

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The key to staying in shape and achieving balance is finding anactivity that is a good fit for you and sticking to it. By combining a smart exercise regimen with sensible eating habits, your desire to stay fit will stay on course.

• There are lots of other ways to stay active. Take a dance class,

join a tennis club, or grab your snowboard and head for the hills.

KPMG’s Fitness Reimbursement program isn’t just for gym

memberships, it also covers a wide range of activities to help

you financially and encourage you to stay active.

• Combine a fitness activity with community involvement by joining

an event for a cause. Whether cycling, walking, or running, many of

KPMG’s Community Care initiatives will help get you moving while

giving back. Join events for causes such as the Heart and Stroke

Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and the AIDS

Walk for Life.

• Get your co-workers involved. Interested in a sport or activity, but don’t

have anyone to do it with? Put up a notice on your office bulletin board

seeking others who love to rock climb, dance, or cycle. Some KPMG

offices already have groups and networks that do activities like scuba

diving, cross-country skiing, and cricket. So make the first move—

you’ll meet new friends, build new social networks, and stay in shape.

• Great idea, but do some research before you sign on the dotted line.

What are the facilities like? Are fitness classes or personal training

offered? Is it conveniently located close to your home or the office

(or even better, both)? Ask if the gym offers a trial membership, which

will allow you to find out if the gym is right for you before you join. After

all, a membership won’t help you stay in shape if you don’t use it. When

you do find the right gym, KPMG offers a great Fitness Reimbursement

program to help you out with the cost of your membership.

Thinking of joining a gym?

Is a gym not your thing?

Combine fitness with community

Get your co-workers involved

www.kpmgfit.ca

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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. This 3-day

exam tests a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and judgment, and requires months of preparation.

Sounds tough, doesn’t it? But tough does NOT mean impossible, especially if you’ve got the right support

and some good advice from past writers. So what do you do when you have seven of the top UFE writers

in the country in one room? You pick their brains! And that’s exactly what FIT did when KPMG’s Honour

Roll recipients were in Toronto for a photo shoot for The Globe and Mail and La Presse. They were more

than happy to share their experience and pass on some advice to future writers.

Been There…Aced That!KPMG’s 2008 Uniform Evaluation Honour Roll RecipientsDiscuss Their Experiences and Tips for Success.

FIT: What were you expecting inpreparing for the UFE?

Katie denBok (KD) – I was expecting to put in a

lot of hard work over the summer—and I was

right! Lots of people at the firm had shared their

UFE experiences with me, so I was prepared

for what I was getting into.

Jennifer Chung (JC) – Having talked to past

writers, I knew that the preparation process

would be tough. Fortunately, I had a lot of

support from family, friends, and KPMG’s

UFE Committee, which helped me maintain

a positive attitude.

Sarah Flood (SF) – I agree. Having a good

support group around you is so important.

Going into the UFE, I was expecting to spend

lots of time writing questions and reviewing

technical info over the summer. What I didn’t

expect was how valuable the support of

my study group and UFE mentors at

the firm would be.

FIT: Did all of you work with a UFE study group or study buddy? How did you support each otherthroughout the process?

Sandy Chan (SC) – I had two study buddies.

We worked really well together because we

had similar studying styles and personalities.

We supported each other by encouraging

one another, venting our frustrations, and

making sure we took breaks from studying

to chat about other important things, like

celebrity gossip!

SF – I worked with one study partner. It was

really helpful to have another perspective

when you are writing cases or questions.

We were able to bounce ideas off of each

other and see how another person would

have approached writing the same question.

Stephanie Pankratz (SP) – A study buddy can

also help keep you on track and accountable.

My buddy and I met at a set time each day.

It was a great way to stay motivated because

you have another person encouraging you to

keep working toward your goal.

FIT: You mentioned the KPMG UFEpreparation program. How did theprogram help you prepare for the UFE?

JC – No question, the KPMG UFE prep program

was instrumental in my success on the exam.

Valentine Levina (VL) – I agree; KPMG’s program

was really helpful. It allowed me to get feedback

from experienced markers and access additional

cases. I enjoyed being marked by the UFE team

and felt they always gave constructive feedback.

They were always very helpful and encouraging.

From left to right: Jennifer Chung, Sandy Chan,Stephanie Pankratz, Valentina Levina, Sarah Flood, Katie denBok, and Marie-Annik Viau.16

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SP – While I was studying, I found that the

technical notes provided in the UFE Study Binder

were great for brushing up on my weak areas.

I also appreciated the personal support from

my KPMG UFE mentor who helped keep me

motivated and confident throughout the process.

Marie-Annik Viau (MAV) – The Study Binder

was so helpful; I was constantly reading and

re-reading the sections throughout the

different stages of my prep process.

KD – I also found the binder to be a great

resource. The National Practice Exams are also

a great way to help gather momentum as you

approach your UFE summer, and to judge how

you perform compared to others across

Canada. The feedback provided by the markers

was very detailed and helpful.

SC – The Practice Exams were a great resource

for me as well. I was able to get feedback from

a number of different reviewers, and the

exams exposed me to what the UFE is like

early on.

FIT: So what was the most challengingthing about preparing for the UFE?

SP – The UFE was by far the biggest exam

I had ever written and the amount of

preparation required to be successful far

exceeded anything I had ever been required

to do for university exams. I found getting

past the intimidation and getting started was

the hardest part of preparing.

SF – That’s true. It is such

a big deal that it can be

hard to keep perspective

throughout the process

and not become

overwhelmed by the

idea of the UFE.

VL – Also, it is

challenging

sometimes to stay

motivated when

you are writing

cases and not

getting the results you

want. When this happens,

it is important to take a

step back, take a break,

and then debrief it properly

instead of giving up.

MAV – I experienced that too. When it

happened to me, I tried to be objective and

summarize on paper the areas I needed to

improve on. At the same time, I would also

write down the areas I had done really well

in, which helped me stay positive.

FIT: It sounds like you all put anenormous amount of effort intopreparing. How did you feel when you found out you were on theHonour Roll?

KD – At first, I felt numbness. I was shocked

and surprised—Ithink I asked if they were

sure they got the right name. When it finally

hit me though, I was ecstatic!

SC – I was also shocked at first. Then,

I calmed down a bit and felt a huge sense

of relief because my goal first and foremost

was to pass. Then, after the calm, I just felt

immensely excited.

FIT: Finally, if you could give a piece ofadvice to our readers about preparingfor the UFE, what would it be?

SP – Talk to several past writers about their

approach and experience. You will find that

everyone’s approach and progress during

their study period was different, and it is

encouraging to hear that while some people

easily improve over their study period, others

suffer more setbacks.

SF – That’s true. It is valuable to talk to past

writers. At the same time, don’t let yourself

get too caught up in trying to find the “right”

way to study and prepare for the UFE. You

need to find what works for you and combine

that with the advice from past writers and

experienced professionals.

MAV – Discovering your own study style

really helps. For me, it was important to find

balance in my summer, so on sunny days I

would study in the park. In the evening or on

weekends, I would always find time to relax

and not think about studying. It helped

reduce some of the stress that can build up

over the prep period.

JC – When it comes right down to it, the best

advice I can give is to have confidence in

yourself, never give up, and stay focused.

In the end, hard work pays off!

Supporting Your Success.KPMG’s UFE Training Program

KPMG will help you on your path to

achieving a professional CA designation

by providing one of the best Uniform

Evaluation (UFE) 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 Evaluations

Professionally marked practice

evaluations with debriefings by

Densmore Consulting or by a recent

successful UFE writer in your local office.

2. KPMG’s Study Binder

An amazing resource for writers!

The binder has technical summaries for

each competency area, which assists in

understanding the UFE and promoting

efficient use of study time. It also features

comprehensive simulations to take your

studying to the next level.

3. KPMG’s Study Buddy Program

Lean on me! The UFE is challenging, but

it’s easier knowing you are not in it alone.

The KPMG Study Buddy program gives

you encouragement, support, and direction

from a recent successful UFE writer.

4. Compensation and Incentives

At 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 UFE process, other

compensation and incentives include:

• KPMG pays all exam fees in advance

for first-time writers

• KPMG pays all student fees, initiation

fees (upon qualification), and annual

CA dues

• KPMG’s Incentive program provides

bonuses and prizes for exceptional

exam results

• KPMG’s national marking policy

encourages and supports employees

to become provincial exam and UFE

markers, leading to knowledgeable

in-house staff

• CA candidates receive a $2,000

accreditation award upon passing

the UFE.

www.kpmgfit.ca

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18

For lunch I like to do what lots of other people here do—stay in the office. The Montréal office has a really nice modernlunch room with lots of windows and natural light, so I usually eat my lunch there. It has microwaves, a high-tech

coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV, which allows me to catch up on the news of the day. Some people will buy food andbring it back to eat, but I really like to cook, so my lunch usually consists of leftovers from whatever I made the nightbefore. The lunch room is also a central meeting place, which is great because when you are working you don’t always get to see your friends from different practice areas or functions. Lots of people I went to school with also work at KPMG,so we will often meet for lunch and catch up.

The Miller Tavern is probably my favourite place to head for lunch. It’s walking distance from the office, which is great,and it is on the subway line, making it a central meeting spot. The building itself is actually a historic site—built in the

1800s as an inn for people travelling along Yonge street to Toronto. What I like best is that the restaurant has two areas—a more formal dining room for when I have a client meeting, and a casual area for when I am there with friends. When theweather gets warmer and they open up their large patio, you are almost guaranteed to run into a KPMG colleague or twositting outside and enjoying the sunshine.

Marie-Michèle Cloutier, Senior AccountantMontréal Office

Favourite Lunch Spot:KPMG Lunch Room

Pardeep Singh Gil, ManagerGTA – North York Office

Favourite Lunch Spot: The Miller Tavern

Lunch Break!Picture this: It’s the night before your first

day of work with KPMG. You’ve got yourclothes laid out, your route to the office

planned (and timed!), and you’ve read andre-read the information in your offer

package so many times you could recite it by heart. You are ready to go! But wait.

What about lunch? Should you bring itwith you? Buy it there? Where will you

eat? What will you get?

To help you plan your lunch break, weasked KPMG people from offices across

the country:

What is your favouritelunch spot?

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I try and eat my lunch outside whenever I can. Whether I am at the office or away at a client site, it’s just nice toget some fresh air during your lunch break. Lots of my colleagues and engagement team members feel the

same way. We’ll often all bring or buy our lunches and find a place where we can sit and eat together. When weeat in the courtyard outside the Burnaby office, I end my lunch with a trip to the Starbucks next door. A ristretto,grande, non-fat, no-foam, 180-degree, marble, mocha macchiato or an iced, black tea lemonade is the perfect wayto kick off your afternoon!

On the days I don’t have client meetings or recruiting lunches, I’ll often head to Ottawa’s Byward Market andgrab a sandwich from Le Moulin de Provence bakery. The ham and Swiss on a croissant is a favourite of mine.

The bakery has always been a popular spot with both locals and tourists, but since Obama stopped in there andbought cookies during his visit to Ottawa it has been exceptionally busy. There is always a lot of activity in themarket, making it a great place to go for a walk around. I’m a bit of an outdoor sports nut—skiing, mountain biking,snowshoeing—so after I eat, I’ll often stop into the sporting goods stores in the area and check out the latest gear.

I know it sounds a little odd that my favourite place to go for lunch is at a food court Chinese restaurant, butthat’s only because you haven’t tried it! My co-workers introduced me to Chicken for Lunch a few years ago and

now I am hooked. I’m not the only one either—if you don’t get there early, expect to be waiting in a line-up 60people long. So now a group of six of us from the office go down about once a week to get our fix of the spicychicken. The food court is right downstairs from our office, which is great because during an Edmonton winter youdon’t want to be going far. The tradition is going to come to an end in June though—I am starting my paternityleave, so for the next 3 months my favourite lunch spot will be at home with my 9-month old son. Can’t wait!

About two blocks away from the Calgary office is a street called Stephen Avenue, and it is definitely myfavourite place to go for lunch. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from, lots of them with great outdoor

patios where you can sit and watch the world go by. Stephen Avenue is where I take the first-year accountants I am mentoring for our mentor lunches. It’s a fun atmosphere and it’s good to get out of the office and spendsome one-on-one time discussing things like the UFE or how they are finding the work so far. Right now, my favourite place on the street is Divinos—they make a mean cheese plate!

Robin Yong, Staff AccountantGVA and Burnaby Offices

Favourite Lunch Spot: Outside!

Alex Beis, ManagerEdmonton Office

Favourite Lunch Spot: Scotia Place Food Court

Grace Fung, Senior AccountantCalgary Office

Favourite Lunch Spot:Stephen Avenue

Denis Trottier, PartnerOttawa Office

Favourite Lunch Spot: Byward Market

www.kpmgfit.ca

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Get aHead Start

inYour Career

Do you know where you want to go in your career?

Do you have what it takes to be a leader in a prominent firm like KPMG?

If so, why wait to kick your professional life into high gear? KPMG’s student-focusedprograms give you the opportunity to get a head start on an amazing career.

******************************************************************************************

*******************************************************************************************

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.

Ace the Case Workshop OutlineDay 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.

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“ Meeting KPMG people from all over the worldat Audit 1 gave me a glimpse of how manyopportunities exist through the firm. It wasn’tjust a chance to network and make friends, it was a chance to see that the skills Iwill develop over the next few yearswill give me the opportunity to takemy career international.”

Kevin BaldwinsonKPMG Staff Accountant and Audit 1 Participant

“Fast Forward is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

to discover what KPMG is all about: committed

and passionate people striving to provide the

highest professional standards to their clients

and community. The experience is

truly unforgettable, especially with

the crazy, fast-paced backdrop of

Hollywood, California.”Patrick Mercier

Fast Forward Participant

Fast Forward

KPMG’s Fast Forward (FF) program is an

interactive training program and valuable learning

experience that provids 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 Four firm.

Audit 1

Audit 1 is a 5-day international training program

available to a select number of full-time new hires

who start with KPMG in the fall and are interested in

launching an international career right from the start.

Participants get to experience first-hand what it means to

be part of a truly global organization as they learn from top

instructors from KPMG member firms around the world.

Learning side by side with new hires from across

North America and Europe will give participants a chance

to start building an international network of colleagues

(and friends!) that will last long after the conference

has wrapped up.

Last year’s conference took place in Athens, Greece, and

was a huge success. This year’s session will be in Rome,

Italy, where participants will have the opportunity to

experience the country’s rich history, food, and culture,

all while getting a jumpstart on their careers.

You can see Kevin and other Audit 1

participants talk about their experience

on KPMG’s YouTube Channel,

www.youtube.com/KPMGFIT.

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.kpmg.ca/careers for the Ace the Case posting

and to ensure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

Being able to participate in KPMG’s Ace the Case was a

great learning experience. Not only did we get a taste of

what the UFE is all about, we met so many great people

from all levels of KPMG. I had the opportunity to

speak to senior accountants, managers, partners,

and even the CEO!

Alice Ma, Student, Schulich School of Business,

York University

www.kpmgfit.ca

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KPMG Enterprise Enters

the Dragons’ Den

ur advisers’ knowledge and

experience starts with accounting

and tax, and extends to many other

areas, including financing, performance

measurement, succession planning,

wealth preservation, and more. Our

dedicated teams of experienced advisers

across the country have the skills to help

businesses grow and succeed.

In 2008, KPMG Enterprise entered into

an exciting arrangement with the CBC

to provide all facets of due diligence,

transaction-related services, and other

professional services to the Dragons for

Season 3 of the CBC television program

Dragons’ Den. After an incredibly

successful strategic partnership, KPMG

Enterprise will once again be in the Den

for Season 4.

With Canadian entrepreneurs pitching

business ideas to major league investors,

Dragons’ Den is an excellent opportunity

to demonstrate that KPMG Enterprise is

“your private company adviser.” KPMG

Enterprise people working on the service

delivery team will have the opportunity

to make a real difference in the success

of these endeavours, while gaining

valuable work experience and becoming

trusted advisers to some of Canada’s

well-established and up-and-coming

entrepreneurs.

In addition to providing professional

services to the show, each of the

Dragons—Arlene Dickinson,

Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary,

Jim Treliving, and W. Brett Wilson—

are all clients of the firm. “Reliable due

diligence is critical to the success of our

deals in the Dragons’ Den,” explains

Dragon Arlene Dickinson. “We are really

pleased that KPMG Enterprise will be

working alongside us this season

providing this key knowledge—their

reputation is unrivalled.”

You can watch the upcoming season of

Dragons’ Den this fall on CBC television.

KPMG EnterpriseTM

is focused on helping

Canadian private companies succeed.

O

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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

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.

Greg Wiebe – Canadian Managing Partner, Tax

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.

John Herhalt – Canadian Managing Partner, Advisory

www.kpmgfit.ca

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24

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 just beginning their

accounting careers?

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.

Tax today is about much more than just getting the numbers right. It’s

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.

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 Team

With 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

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.

To do this, 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

• 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.

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An Audit Methodology That

Raises the Bar

KPMG’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 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

Resources

Another advantage to working in KPMG’s Audit

practice is the ability to tap into the global

network of member firms. This means being

able to reach out to individuals around the

world for their in-depth knowledge in such

areas 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.

• 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

• 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 KPMG’s Tax practice—and from

which new tax professionals can choose to

begin their careers—are:

• Canadian Corporate Tax Services: Advise

organizations of all sizes on managing

corporate taxes, planning for mergers and

acquisitions, and understanding the tax

implications of the new International

Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

coming to Canada.

• Global Tax Services: Consult with

multinational companies on global and

cross-border tax issues.

• KPMG Enterprise™Tax Services:

Address the financial, tax, business,

and compliance issues that private

companies and owner-managers 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.

Here are some of KPMG’s services that

today’s professionals can choose from to

begin their Advisory careers:

Transaction Advisory: We help companies

grow and enhance shareholder value by

providing strategic advice to help them assess

and manage the complexities of a transaction.

Operations Improvement: We help create

and enhance business processes and systems

to overcome barriers to business productivity,

thereby growing sustainable business value.

Risk and Compliance: We help organizations

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.

www.kpmgfit.ca

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Building valuable relationships in thecommunities where we live and work

Committed to Ourommunities

Calgary

March and April is a very busy season for KPMG people (can you say

tax time?), and sometimes you need a little treat to get you through the

day. That’s why each year KPMG’s Calgary office runs a Juvenile

Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) “store” on each floor of the downtown

office. The stores run on the honour system and staff can drop in at any

time to buy snacks, with all proceeds going to JDRF. This year, the store

raised almost $2,500 in funds. That’s some hungry accountants!

Vancouver

When an invasive species is taking over and smothering BC’s

natural vegetation, it’s time to call in the GVA summer interns

to help out. Working with Ivy Busters, part of the Stanley Park

Ecology Society, 35 interns got involved, removing invasive

species from Burnaby Lake Park, making it safe once again for

native plants to grow. The group then celebrated their victory

over the eco-intruders with a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Regina

Last summer, 33 people from KPMG’s Regina office

traded in their laptops for tool belts and took part in

a Habitat for Humanity build. Never ones to shy away

from hard work, the team was swinging hammers,

hanging drywall, and insulating the attic. Three of the

more handy KPMGers even got together and built a

veranda at the front of the house. Those who

weren’t so versed in home improvement did

their part by picking up brushes and painting

their hearts out.

One of KPMG’s core values is that we are committed

to our communities, and with almost 5,000 people

in 32 offices across the country, we are in a position

to make a real difference in the cities and towns in

which we do business. From volunteering and

fundraising, to “greening” our office space, KPMG

people are getting out, getting involved, and having

some serious fun while they’re at it. Check out

some of these cool initiatives that our local offices

have been up to over the past year!

Page 29: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

Toronto

Who knew growing a moustache could raise so much money?

In November 2008, several partners, managers, and staff in the

GTA’s Audit practice participated in “Movember,” a fundraiser for

the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada.

From November 1 to 30, the men on KPMG’s “Mo Bros and Sistas”

team grew mustaches to raise funds for the foundation.

By the end of Movember, the team raised a whopping $36,773,

placing fourth overall in Canada in terms of money raised,

and 12th in the entire world! Way to grow!

Halifax

Each year, members of KPMG’s Halifax

office lace up their walking shoes and

get ready to take part in the MS Walk.

The walk is 5–8 km long, starting at

Dalhousie University and winding its way

through the streets of Halifax. The KPMG

team calls themselves “Counting on a Cure”

(counting … a-counting … get it? CAs can be

punny too, you know!), as money raised

from the event goes to fund research in

search of a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

Last year, team members were able to raise

over $7,000 in pledges, and they are hoping

to beat that record this year.

Montréal

The Montréal office’s Environmental

Committee is helping to ensure the

office is thinking, acting, and going

green. The 16-member committee is

focusing its efforts on issues such as

reducing waste and lowering carbon

emissions. So far, the committee has

increased recycling in the office,

spearheaded a bike-to-work program,

and is holding a Green Lunch Hour

session to educate employees about

community-sustained agriculture.

Très bien!

Being a Community Leader KPMG values the relationships we

have with our local, national, and global

communities. This is why we have

developed The Community Leader strategy

as part of our overall 5 year business

strategy. The Community Leader strategy

translates the passions of our people into

leadership in our communities and our

profession. Our goal is to stand out and

be recognized as the firm that makes a

difference in each community. KPMG’s

strategy has the following objectives:

• Community Impact – Make the most of

the skills, knowledge, financial resources,

and passions of our people and our firm

to make a difference in our communities

• Engage Our People and Excel in the

Community – Actively mentor, support,

and create opportunities for KPMG people

to excel in their community leadership

roles, while providing them with the skills,

time, and financial support to pursue

their passions

• Celebrate Success – Celebrate our people

and their many community involvement

achievements

• Leverage Relationships in the Community –

Encourage a strategic approach to our

community involvement initiatives and

financial contributions to ensure that we

are supporting the passions of our people

and our firm

• Reduce Our Environmental Impact –

Implement the action plan set out in our

Environmental Performance Initiative

(EPI) to reduce the firm’s overall

environmental footprint.

Beth Wilson has been named the Canadian

Managing Partner of Community Leadership,

accountable for ensuring KPMG leverages

the skills, knowledge, financial resources,

and passions of our firm and our people to

make a positive impact in our communities.

In addition, KPMG has also appointed a new

National Director of Community Leadership,

Tania Carnegie, to spearhead the strategy.

Both Beth and Tania are active volunteers,

supporting worthwhile organizations such

as the National Ballet of Canada and Habitat

for Humanity.

www.kpmgfit.ca

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How to dress right for work without sacrificing your personal style or

running up your credit card bill. Which basics are worth paying a bit

more for? Which trends will only last a season? The key is buying a

few basic colour palettes and getting separates to mix and match.

Think quality, not quantity. Start to build your wardrobe with some

smart, affordable basics. Depending on where you work, black and

neutrals accented by splashes of colour, are a great start. Don’t feel

you have to fit some cookie-cutter corporate image; instead, be

yourself and let your personal style shine through.

Starting from scratch?

The challenge:

FashionWear-WithalGone are the days when sweat pants and tank tops would

take you from the dorm to class to hanging out and back

again. When that alarm clock goes off and you’re standing in

front of the closet wondering what to wear, the idea of a

work wardrobe suddenly hits home.

28 © 2009 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network ofindependent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. All rights reserved.

Page 31: KPMG FIT Magazine v2.0

Dress for Success Without the Stress

Today’s smart companies recognize the value of

letting people express their individuality while still

presenting a business face to clients. For example,

KPMG has a “Dress for the Occasion” policy, which

means just what it says—KPMG people consider

where they’ll be going and who they’ll be meeting in

the course of the day and dress accordingly. If you

are in the office all day, business-casual attire works.

If you are heading to a client site, consider that

organization’s culture and dress code. When you are

not sure, remember that it is always better to be

overdressed than underdressed.

Choose attire that gives you confidence and comfort,

but always remember to maintain a professional

image. For women, this could mean well-cut suits,

tailored tops, sensible shoes (leave the 4-inch heels

at home), and light makeup. Casual alternatives

include sweater sets, turtlenecks, and skirts or well-

cut pants. Jewellery is a great way to bring your

personal style through, as long as it doesn’t

overwhelm. Avoid clothing that is too tight

or shows too much skin.

For men, a conservative suit and tie, matching

socks, and dress shoes are always a safe bet.

For non-meeting days, casual shirts with collars,

golf shirts, sport jackets, or sweater vests are all

acceptable. The key is to look put-together and

casual, but never sloppy.

For women, here are somewardrobe quick starters: A good black pantsuit. Straight-leg

trousers and a classic jacket that can be

worn together or as separates.

Dress pants in a neutral colour. Maybe one solid

pair, another with a pinstripe or subtle plaid pattern.

Button-up shirts. Look for ones with a little stretch;

they are more comfortable and reduce the need for

ironing (always a plus!).

A skirt. Knee-length in a neutral colour that you can

pair with brighter tops.

A more casual jacket (not denim) in your favourite colour.

Shoes that mean business. A pair of good-looking

pumps or boots.

For men, some suggested starters:

At least one good suit. Black, dark grey, or navy.

Grey or tan trousers. Neutral pants work well

with almost all colours of shirts and jackets.

Dress shirts. White or light colours, or even

stripes, all work well with suits and blazers.

Dress shoes in black or brown. To keep them

looking new, pick up some shoe polish for quick

touch-ups.

Striped or small-patterned ties. Bold ties can work,

but make sure they are a good fit. You want people to

remember you, not your tie.

With work-wear policies, like KPMG’s “Dress for the

Occasion,” dressing for work can be fun. However you

accomplish it, finding good-fitting, appropriate fashions that

work without worry will get you out the door and let you

concentrate on what’s really important—your new career!

These items can be mixed and matched to create the basis

for a great professional wardrobe. Accessories are a fun

way to incorporate the latest trends without breaking the

bank. Let your own style shine through with colourful

scarves, bold necklaces, and cool coats.

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30

Standing Outfrom the Crowd

KPMG strives to be “The Envy of the

Professional Services Firms. “ To achieve

this goal, we need the perspectives,

ideas, insights, and experiences that

come from a diverse workforce.

To truly stand out in Canadian business, you need 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. For the second year in a row, KPMG was chosen

as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for

2009 and as one of the Best Employers for New

Canadians for 2009.

These awards recognize the efforts of all KPMG

people, led by the Diversity, Equity, and 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

our members because we know that talented

people aren’t all cast from the same mould.

Standing Out from the Crowd©

2009

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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. WIN includes

a chapter that focuses on emerging women leaders in

Information Technology Services (WIN ITS).

WIN helped me realize that the key to being a successful

professional woman is to not set any limits on what you

can do, and that it is not about being a man or a woman

but about having good support networks to help you

grow within the firm.

Inka Bari, Manager, Advisory, and WIN member

Women’s Interchange

Network (WIN)

Other KPMG Networks

• International Club – Assists new Canadians and international

secondees in acclimatizing to Canadian business and culture.

• Parents of Children with Special Needs – A networking and

support group for parents of children with special needs.

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.

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 recently strengthened its

relationship with the LGBT business community through

its partnership with Pride at Work Canada, a workplace

advocacy group. KPMG is one of 15 corporate partners

participating in roundtable discussions, workplace

advocacy, and networking events across Canada.

I think the network is important for a number of

reasons. It provides support for anyone who may be

apprehensive about coming out, and who may be

wondering how that may affect their day-to-day life.

We provide mentoring and support for anyone who

has questions or concerns.

Corey Rosen, Senior Manager and pride@kpmg

network member

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:

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. The network also engages

KPMG employees of East Asian descent to be active and to

build strong relationships within their communities.

Joining the East Asian Network has not only allowed

me to attend fun events and meet amazing people

across different levels and positions at KPMG, but it

has also given me an opportunity to learn and embrace

new cultures, while even helping to further explore

my own cultural background.

Eileen Choi, Staff Accountant/Analyst and EAN member

The East Asian

Network (EAN)

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$1,000Favourite

Charity?

for Your

For those who are just starting to explore volunteer opportunities,

KPMG’s Community Care initiative offers a number of programs

to encourage you to get involved, including:

� Time-off for volunteering – Working with you to find the time

to give back.

� Financial support for volunteering – To recognize employees

who donate a significant amount of their time, KPMG will

make a financial contribution in each person’s name.

� KPMG Volunteers – An annual event for KPMG people to get

out into the community and make a difference.

To find out more about how KPMG can help you give back

to your community, visit www.kpmgfit.ca.

Committed to the CommunityKPMG wants to give its people the chance to stand up,

stand out, and make a difference in their communities.

Each year, up to 20 KPMG employees are recognized

with the CEO Community Excellence Award for making

significant or unique contributions to community

organizations. Every winner receives a $1,000 donation

in his or her name to the charity of his or her choice.

Want

Passionate Giving Back?

Are You

about

YOU AND KPMG.

GIVING TOGETHER.

Are you interested in teaming up withKPMG and doing your part to give back to the community? At KPMG, we arededicated to building strong relationshipsbetween our people and the communitiesin which we do business. That’s why welaunched “You and KPMG. Giving Together,”a program that allows students to goonline and donate their 200 “points” to an organization of their choice. Oncedonated, the points are converted to realdollars and then matched dollar for dollarby The KPMG Foundation.

In its first year, “You and KPMG. Giving Together.” raised

thousands of dollars for four very worthy charitable

organizations—the Canadian Cancer Society, the Children’s

Wish Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the

Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research.

Visit the Web site www.youandkpmggivingtogether.ca to

donate your points to the charity of your choice and to

check the results of the program throughout the recruiting

season. You’ll see how your school is faring across Canada

and how much has been donated to your charity.

Committed to the Community32

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WANT MORE?Still have questions about KPMG and the careeropportunities we provide? In addition to KPMG FIT,there are plenty of other resources available to youto learn more about KPMG.

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

made by KPMG employees specifically for students. From summer intern videos to

UFE study tips, KPMG’s YouTube channel lets you meet KPMG people from across

Canada and share in their experiences—from the comfort of your computer!

New videos are uploaded regularly, so become a subscriber and stay up to date.

KPMGFIT.CAFor more information on KPMG’s people, programs, and culture, visit

www.kpmgfit.ca. Our easy-to-navigate site is a one-stop shop for everything

you want to know about the firm. The site also features videos, columns from

KPMG employees, and bios of all the members of our local campus recruiting

teams. If you want to know about it, you’ll find it at kpmgfit.ca!

AMBASSADORSLooking for a student’s perspective on what life at KPMG is really like? KPMG’s

Campus Ambassadors are a great resource for first-hand information on the people

and culture at KPMG. All Campus Ambassadors are former summer interns or co-op

students who are ready to share their experiences and advice with you. To find out

who the Campus Ambassadors are at your school, visit the Ambassadors section of

our Web site for photos and bios of your Campus Ambassadors, and information on

how you can get in touch with them.

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What they are:IFRS are a single set of globally accepted, high-quality accounting standards. They areprinciples-based standards, and applying them will require greater use of professionaljudgment than Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Who they affect:IFRS will be mandatory for all publicly accountable enterprises, which include listedcompanies and any other organizations that hold assets in a fiduciary capacity for largeor diverse groups of stakeholders, such as financial institutions, insurance companies,and securities dealers. IFRS may also be required for all government businessenterprises.

Where they are used:IFRS are currently used in over 100 countries, including the European Union, Australia,and parts of Latin America. Along with Canada, a number of countries are moving toadopt IFRS by 2011, including China, Korea, India, and Brazil. In fact, there is speculationthat the United States may move to IFRS as well.

When the changeover is happening:On January 1, 2011, IFRS will replace current GAAP for publicly accountable enterprisesin Canada.

Why Canada is switching:Capital markets are far more global today than a decade ago, and IFRS is quicklybecoming the common global accounting language. Using one common global set ofstandards will help ensure the reliability and consistency of financial reporting aroundthe world, while also eliminating the confusion caused by different national accountingstandards. In Canada, the transition to IFRS will help Canadian businesses staycompetitive in the global capital markets. By increasing access to these markets, IFRS can reduce the cost of capital and provide more business opportunities for Canadian companies.

How You Can Get IFRS Experience

A career with KPMG is a great place

to start. Here in Canada, many

organizations have commenced

large-scale projects for their conversion

to IFRS in 2011. Adoption of IFRS is far

more than just an accounting exercise;

its adoption can have enterprise-wide

implications for IT systems, business

processes, and budgeting. We have a

number of significant IFRS advisory

projects underway, which will continue

through to early 2012. At KPMG, we have

created tailored IFRS learning programs

for our people, and our IFRS assignments

provide exciting and challenging

opportunities for our teams to use their

related skills.

All About

IFRSIf you are considering a career

in accounting, no doubt you’ve

heard the term “IFRS” more

than a few times. But how much

do you actually know about

these new standards, which will

have a significant impact on the

Canadian business landscape?

To help you get up to speed on

the basics, we’ve compiled the

following need-to-know

IFRS facts:

What IFRS stands for: International Financial Reporting Standards

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Learn more about KPMG by visiting us on

YouTube at www.youtube.com/kpmgfit.

Have a question about KPMG?

E-mail it to us at [email protected]

and you may get a video response!

KPMG’s on YouTube!

UFE Advice

Intern Experiences

Global Training Programs

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Reach New

Heights

You and

KPMG

KPMG believes in supporting

people to help them achieve

their goals and reach new

heights in every aspect of

their professional lives.

This is why we are proud

to sponsor world champion

freestyle skier Alexandre

Bilodeau on his journey to

compete for gold in the

2010 Olympic Winter Games

in Vancouver.

What do you want

to achieve?

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