BIG FOUR GUIDE
How to Write a CV for KPMG UK 2026 | Get Shortlisted Guide
By CVCraft AI Team · Updated March 2026 · 8 min read
KPMG UK employs over 17,000 people across audit, tax, consulting, deal advisory and technology. As one of the Big Four accountancy and professional services firms, KPMG receives tens of thousands of applications each year. Their recruitment process is rigorous but predictable — if you know what they look for, you can significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted. This guide covers exactly that.
🏢 KPMG UK fact: KPMG uses an AI-powered CV screening system as the first stage of their hiring process. CVs that don't pass the ATS screen never reach a human recruiter. Keyword optimisation is essential.
What KPMG UK looks for in a CV
KPMG assesses all candidates against their core competencies and values. Your CV needs to demonstrate evidence across these areas:
Delivering quality outcomes
Show examples where your work had measurable positive impact. Quantify results — percentages, time saved, revenue generated, client satisfaction scores.
Collaborative working
KPMG is a team-based environment. Include examples of cross-functional collaboration, client relationship management and working across organisational boundaries.
Commercial awareness
Critical for all KPMG roles. Show understanding of business challenges, market dynamics and how professional services creates value for clients.
Continuous learning
KPMG invests heavily in professional development. Show appetite for learning — courses, qualifications, staying current in your field.
KPMG service lines — tailor your CV for each
Audit
Emphasise attention to detail, analytical rigour, accounting knowledge and professional scepticism
Tax
Show commercial awareness, technical knowledge, client advisory experience and regulatory understanding
Consulting
Problem-solving, stakeholder management, project delivery, change management and analytical skills
Deal Advisory
Financial modelling, M&A experience, commercial diligence, analytical ability and client exposure
Technology
Technical skills, digital transformation experience, certifications (AWS, Azure, Salesforce) and delivery track record
Risk Consulting
Regulatory knowledge, governance frameworks, data privacy, cyber security and financial crime experience
KPMG CV structure and format
- Contact details — name, email, phone, LinkedIn, location
- Professional summary — 3-4 sentences referencing the specific KPMG service line and your top 2-3 relevant achievements
- Education — degree with grade, A-levels with grades, any professional qualifications (ACA studying, ACCA, CFA etc.)
- Work experience — reverse chronological, achievement-focused bullets with quantified outcomes
- Skills — technical skills, software, languages, professional memberships
- Activities — leadership roles, volunteering, sports, societies
CV dos and don'ts for KPMG
✓ DO
- Include degree grade prominently
- Show commercial awareness examples
- Quantify every achievement
- Mention any Big Four or professional services experience
- Include relevant professional qualifications or studying status
- Tailor to the specific service line
✗ DON'T
- Include a photo
- List job duties without outcomes
- Send a generic CV across service lines
- Use informal language or humour
- Exceed 2 pages
- Leave gaps unexplained
KPMG UK offices and locations
KPMG has 22 UK offices. The major hiring hubs are London (Canary Wharf HQ), Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Bristol. Some roles are office-specific — check the location carefully when applying and mention your location flexibility if relevant.
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