Tax

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms. Across 144 countries, 137,000 KPMG people provide Audit, Tax and Advisory services to a huge range of clients, from the best-known brands to public bodies, global multi-nationals and local firms. KPMG people are professional, intelligent and talented; and they are complemented by an outstanding support network with superb opportunities to develop personally and professionally. Whatever we do, we always work together. We provide the best services for our clients; we give meaningful insight, master the issues and deliver what businesses need to succeed.

Tax at KPMG

In 2007, according to published annual reports, KPMG firms had the fastest-growing tax practice of the ‘Big Four’. For the first three-quarters of 2008 combined revenue growth across KPMG member firms’ tax practice hit 20 percent. We are constantly adapting to the changing market which means that graduates joining KPMG firms get a global immersion into the role tax plays in business, and get equipped with the technical and industry knowledge to keep them at the forefront of the new world of tax. One thing is for certain, it has never been a more exciting time to be a tax professional at KPMG.

What is tax?

Attitudes, policies and issues regarding tax are constantly changing and tax has never been under so much scrutiny or at the center of so much debate. Increasing globalization and information-sharing means tax is now a hugely important international issue. The constantly changing landscape means the challenge has never been greater. The modern KPMG tax professional keeps on top of these challenges to show our clients how to meet these responsibilities and compliance regulations.

KPMG supplies tax know-how to our clients: we advise businesses on how taxation fits into the broader business picture, and implement decisions that deliver real value. We gain an in-depth understanding of our clients’ needs and then provide insights to help them optimize costs – things like where in the world they should base their business to ensure they take advantage of the best tax incentives, and how they should organize their internal structure and tax department: extremely important factors which can help determine cost effectiveness.

What will I do in Tax?

There are two main functions in Tax services: tax advisory and tax compliance. Tax advisory frequently involves working in a multi-disciplinary team and meeting Finance Directors and Senior Managers on client visits. Tax compliance will see you take a more specialized approach to analyzing clients’ business and tax profiles, looking for process improvements and collaborating with advisory colleagues. But both functions share similar practices – starting with an in-depth understanding of the client and a detailed knowledge of the technical issues coupled with communicating complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner. A typical client relationship involves:

• Extensive preparation and research into the business and client issues
  
• Checking client tax returns for accuracy and identifying potential savings
  
• Helping clients by checking they have all the information required by tax authorities
  
• Organizing client files and preparing initial advice
  
• Consultation and communication with clients’ senior management and auditors
  
• Mastering and understanding the latest tax legislation and working practices
  
• Closely monitoring the client-tax authority relationship
  
• Data analysis and modeling to help clients understand the implications of different tax solutions
  
• Preparing and presenting pitch proposals, client reports and recommendations

KPMG’s tax professionals face a challenging environment as processes and legislation change frequently – you’ll stay on top of developments to help provide the best possible tax advice for clients.

Who will I work with?

A tax advisory engagement will see you team up with colleagues – the size and length of each project varies from client to client but a team of three is typical. The team will be made up of KPMG people at the top of their profession - giving you an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best and gain top-quality experience. On larger and more complex projects, such as those for multinational clients, the teams are much bigger and will see you working collaboratively and globally with professionals from Tax, Audit and Advisory services, as well as other relevant specialists. Tax compliance engagements are usually office-based and mean working more independently on a wider range of clients from many different fields.

Across both of these functions you’ll report to an Assistant Manager (who will typically have two or three years’ experience). On larger projects a Manager (or sometimes Senior Manager) will be present and ultimately all tax submissions will be approved by a KPMG Partner. You’ll also have a coach who will help you develop your skills and measure your improvement – you’ll have regular reviews to see how you’re doing, and to see where you can extend your abilities.

You will be appointed a mentor who will be in the second year of their training contract and will be able to provide advice and support in relation to the culture of the office and the qualification training. You are also allocated a performance manager who will provide feedback on your skills, learning and development and performance, to enable you to progress in the best possible way, and make the most of every opportunity.

Where do I go from here?

We’re committed to providing you with the best tools, resources and support throughout your career. Our success is based on the talents and abilities of our team, and our focus is on providing you with the best opportunities to learn and develop across the organization.

From your first day you will be immersed in a culture of learning and development and receive some of the best training in the industry. You’ll learn the technical knowledge needed to succeed in Tax services, with general business skills on top to round your knowledge. You’ll also work towards the ATT or CTA qualifications.

Wherever you’re based, KPMG offers the Tax Trek program which is a superb way to gain experience in a different country. You could work for three months overseas in another KPMG member firm – a valuable learning program to help you develop new skills and gain international business experience.

KPMG is a global organization with an extensive network of member firms, meaning we’re able to offer an outstanding range of opportunities, roles and locations as you develop. We run programs to support people on international assignments so that our people really get the chance to make the most of our size. Plus, our multiple business streams mean you have the chance to move internally and widen your experiences across a variety of functions, all the time learning new skills and developing your personal and professional life. Promotion can come quickly and it’s usual for graduates to reach Assistant Manger level after three years, and then Manager another three years after that.

What else do I get?

At KPMG Channel Islands Limited, training and career development are fundamental to our business. We believe training and development are essential elements in a successful professional career. Our business depends upon our people, and it is your skills, ability, expertise and enthusiasm, which makes KPMG a leader amongst professional firms.

We ensure that all staff attend regular accountancy seminars and courses so that they have up to date knowledge of the financial environment. In addition to technical training we also provide training in business skills to assist with your development as a professional.

KPMG have a sports and social committee which organises a number of events throughout the year, including trips to local islands, rib voyages and kayaking. We also organize a number of events to help the local community. Recent events have included redecorating a charity shop, painting a Youth Centre and reading with pupils at a local Primary School.

Tax is an extremely rewarding business function to be a part of. It offers you the chance to gain a thorough and well-rounded understanding of the business world, helping you develop the skills and knowledge to shape your career in whatever direction you choose.

We offer benefits that really mean something to KPMG people. We offer market related starting salaries as well as:

• Three Year Training Contract
  
• 23 Days Annual Leave
  
• £200 Annual Travel Allowance
  
• £200 New Job Clothing Allowance
  
• Paid Overtime
  
• Performance Related Bonus Scheme
  
• Life Insurance
  
• Permanent Health Insurance
  
• Private Health Cover
  
• Annual Gym Membership
  
• Annual Institute Subscription Fes
  
• Sports and Social Events
  
• Catalyst Confidential Counselling Service

What do I need?

We employ lots of different people with lots of different skills, but there are universal strengths that all KPMG people have. In addition to a strong academic record, we want people with strong people skills. So to begin with you’ll need to meet our minimum standards:

Graduates

• First or Upper Second class honors degree
• 3 A Level qualifications at grade B or above
  
• Grade B or above in both GCSE English and Mathematics

‘A’ Level School Leavers

• 3 A Level qualifications at grade B or above
  
• Grade B or above in both GCSE English and Mathematics

In addition, you will also need good writing skills to help you construct reports, and you’ll need to hold your own when communicating with clients and partners. Relationships with your clients and colleagues will be important to you – so you’ll need to be comfortable working with many different types of people. Crucially, you’ll need good problem-solving skills combined with a commercial focus – you need to help our clients thrive in a complex technical environment. You’ll need skills above a technical level too: we’re looking for globally-minded people who can act and think beyond traditional boundaries, and who appreciate the future challenges that tax legislation provide.

To apply

Send your CV and Covering Letter to:

Guernsey
Elaine Painter
careers@kpmg.guernsey.gg

Jersey
Louise Carrington
careers@kpmg.jersey.je