KPMG Interview Questions for CA Articleship & Jobs in India (2026 Guide)

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is the classic opener - simple but decisive.

Structure your answer around:

• Academic background
• Interest in audit or finance
• Internships or practical exposure
• Skills like Excel, analytical mindset, or teamwork

Example:
“I’m currently pursuing CA and have developed a keen interest in how financial systems work practically. I’ve explored case studies on internal controls and taxation, which helped me understand business risks and compliance processes.”

2. Why KPMG?

This is one of the most common KPMG HR interview questions.
Don’t say “because it’s a Big 4” - go deeper. Talk about KPMG’s strong learning culture, its Audit Quality Framework, and its focus on innovation and data analytics.

Example:
“KPMG stands out because of its mentorship-driven culture and focus on technology in audit processes. I admire how KPMG India blends traditional assurance with data-driven insights.”

3. What are the types of audits performed in a firm like KPMG?

• Statutory Audit – mandated under law
• Internal Audit – focuses on controls and risk management
• Tax Audit – ensures compliance with the Income Tax Act
• Concurrent or Special Audits – for financial institutions

Add that you’re particularly drawn to understanding how audit helps clients improve processes - not just detect errors.

4. Explain the difference between Capital and Revenue Expenditure.

A must-know question for CA aspirants.

• Capital Expenditure creates assets or adds value to them.
• Revenue Expenditure maintains existing assets or supports daily operations.

Give a quick example - “Buying new machinery vs repairing old machinery.”

5. Walk me through an audit cycle.

KPMG loves structure, so frame it like this:

1. Client understanding
2. Planning
3. Risk assessment
4. Testing of controls
5. Substantive testing
6. Conclusion and reporting

Show that you’re familiar with working papers or vouching - even theoretically.

6. What is Materiality, and how is it determined?

Materiality is the threshold above which misstatements affect users’ decisions. It depends on size, nature, and context.

You can mention that auditors use both quantitative (percentage of turnover/profit) and qualitative measures.

7. How do you verify inventory during an audit?

Checklist-style answer:

• Physical observation
  You attend the client’s inventory count to verify the existence of stock. You observe the counting process, perform your own test counts, check labeling, and ensure the client follows proper counting instructions. This helps you confirm that the quantities recorded are actually present.
• Checking valuation as per Cost or NRV (Ind AS 2)
  After confirming quantities, you check if inventory is valued correctly. As per Ind AS 2, inventory should be recorded at the lower of cost or Net Realisable Value (NRV).
  • Cost → includes purchase price, conversion costs, and other directly attributable expenses.
  • NRV → the selling price minus estimated costs to sell. You review cost sheets, market prices, and ageing reports to ensure the valuation is not overstated.
• Cross-verifying with purchase/sales records
  You match inventory quantities with GRNs, purchase invoices, production records, and sales documentation. This ensures accuracy of inward and outward movement. If quantities don’t tie, it signals errors in recording, theft, or cut-off issues.
• Ensuring proper cut-off procedures
  You check transactions near year-end to confirm purchases and sales are recorded in the correct period.
  • Goods received before year-end must be included in inventory.
  • Goods sold before year-end must be removed from inventory. Verifying dispatch documents, gate passes, GRNs, and invoices ensures the closing stock figure is not misstated.

8. What are Related Party Transactions?

Transactions between entities with control or influence over one another - governed by Ind AS 24. Mention examples like transactions between parent-subsidiary companies.

9. Explain the difference between Ind AS and IFRS.

Ind AS is India’s adaptation of IFRS, with minor carve-outs for local context. KPMG interviewers often test your awareness of global standards, so this question checks your conceptual clarity.

10. What are the common red flags you look for in an audit?

List things like:

• Frequent changes in accounting policies
• Missing documentation
• Unusual journal entries
• Sudden increase in expenses or provisions

Show analytical thinking - that’s what KPMG values most.

1. Explain how you test internal controls.

“I start by understanding the process, identifying control points, testing them via sample transactions, and verifying documentation. If controls fail, I increase substantive testing.”

2. What is the difference between Substantive and Control Testing?

Control tests are performed to check whether the client’s internal controls actually work in practice, meaning, do their systems prevent, detect, or correct errors? Example: checking if purchase orders are properly approved before payments are made.

Substantive tests, on the other hand, directly verify the numbers in the financial statements. You’re not relying on controls, you’re checking the actual data. Example: verifying sales invoices, recalculating depreciation, or confirming balances.

KPMG and other Big 4 firms use this question to see if you understand the audit flow: Controls reduce risk while Substantive testing confirms accuracy.

3. How do you audit fixed assets?

Vouching purchase invoices
You check supporting documents for additions - invoices, agreements, approvals - to ensure the asset exists, is owned by the client, and is correctly valued.

Physical verification
You verify a sample of assets physically to confirm their existence and condition. You match the asset tag, location, and description with the Fixed Asset Register (FAR).

Checking depreciation
You ensure depreciation is calculated correctly - right method (SLM/WDM), right rate, right useful life (as per Schedule II or management policy), and consistent application.

Ensuring proper capitalization and disposal

• You confirm that only eligible costs are capitalized (e.g., installation charges, not repairs).
• You check disposals - sale invoice, asset removal, profit/loss calculation, and correct removal from the FAR.

4. Explain Deferred Tax Assets/Liabilities.

They arise from timing differences between accounting and taxable income.

Give an example: depreciation differences or provision for doubtful debts.

5. What are Adjusting and Non-adjusting Events after the Balance Sheet Date?

Refer to Ind AS 10.

• Adjusting – conditions existed at year-end (e.g., lawsuit settled).
• Non-adjusting – occurred later (e.g., fire after balance sheet date).

6. What is CARO 2020, and what are its key clauses?

List main areas:

• Fixed assets
• Inventory
• Loans and advances
• Statutory dues
• Fraud reporting

This question appears frequently in KPMG interview questions for freshers and audit trainees.

7. How do you evaluate the Going Concern assumption?

Explain that you assess liquidity, profitability, plans, and management representations. Mention SA 570 (Revised) if you can - shows depth.

8. What are the latest amendments in the GST or the Companies Act?

Stay updated. KPMG appreciates candidates who know recent changes - like new TDS provisions or CARO updates.

9. What is your understanding of ESG Reporting?

Since KPMG leads ESG audits globally, mentioning it adds value:

“ESG focuses on Environmental, Social, and Governance metrics. It’s becoming an integral part of assurance and risk advisory services.”

10. Explain Risk-Based Audit Approach.

This is a favorite KPMG consultant interview question.

“Risk-based auditing focuses on identifying areas with high risk of material misstatement and allocating audit effort accordingly.”

Add that it’s more efficient and in line with KPMG’s global audit methodology.

1. Why do you want to join KPMG and not another Big 4?

Sample answer:

“KPMG is known for its focus on professional growth and learning. The structure of KPMG’s audit training, use of analytics tools, and collaborative culture really align with how I want to grow as a professional.”

2. Describe a situation where you worked under pressure.

Talk about exams, project deadlines, or internship situations - but focus on how you stayed organized and calm.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Keep it balanced.

Example:

“I’m analytical and reliable, but I sometimes over-analyze. I’ve learned to manage time better through structured planning.”

4. What motivates you to work in audit/finance?

You can say:

“I enjoy understanding how numbers tell business stories and how audits help companies stay transparent and efficient.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Show long-term intent:

“I see myself leading audit engagements, managing small teams, and building deep expertise in financial analysis and risk management.”

6. How do you handle repetitive or monotonous tasks?

Answer:

“Even repetitive work like vouching helps me understand business patterns. I focus on accuracy and efficiency, knowing it contributes to the bigger picture.”

7. Tell me about a time when you faced a conflict at work or college.

Describe how you handled it diplomatically and focused on the outcome - collaboration and communication are key at KPMG.

8. What do you know about KPMG’s values?

List:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Courage
• Together
• For Better

Then explain which one resonates most - e.g., “Integrity” or “Together.”

9. What would you do if you found a major error in client books during an audit?

“I’d verify supporting documents, discuss with my team/senior, and ensure we communicate findings ethically as per firm policy.”

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Always ask one thoughtful question, like:

“How does KPMG integrate AI tools or analytics into audit training for new interns?”

1. Tell us about a complex audit or consulting project you managed.

Share the objective, challenges, actions, and impact. Focus on how you handled risks, timelines, and communication.

2. How do you ensure audit quality under pressure?

“Through effective planning, clear documentation, and continuous team review. Quality is maintained by catching issues early.”

3. What’s your approach when a client disagrees with your findings?

Show maturity:

“I try to understand their perspective, explain our rationale with standards, and escalate diplomatically if required.”

4. How do you keep up with global audit trends and regulations?

Mention updates from ICAI, KPMG global publications, or industry reports - shows awareness.

5. What’s the biggest professional challenge you’ve faced so far?

Pick one with learning outcomes - e.g., managing a tight deadline or learning new software during a busy season.

1. Focus on understanding, not memorizing.

Interviewers can sense if you’re repeating lines. Be natural and structured.

2. Stay updated.

Check ICAI announcements, KPMG India LinkedIn, and recent budget amendments.

3. Work on your tone.

Professional, calm, and clear. Don’t rush - KPMG values articulation.

4. Know your resume.

Whatever’s written - software, certification, or internship - can be questioned in depth.

5. Reflect KPMG’s values.

Integrity and teamwork matter more than perfect answers.

1. How many rounds are there in the KPMG interview for CA Articleship?

Usually two - a technical and an HR round. Some offices add an aptitude test first.

2. What kind of KPMG interview questions are asked for freshers?

Expect basics:

• Difference between AS and Ind AS
• Audit process
• Why KPMG
• Strengths & weaknesses
• Accounting principles

3. What are the KPMG interview questions for an audit associate?

• Audit sampling techniques
• Internal control testing
• CARO clauses
• IFRS vs Ind AS differences

4. How can I download the KPMG interview questions and answers PDF?

You can make your own using blogs like this one - copy the technical and HR questions, save them as a PDF for offline use.

5. What is the hardest question asked in a KPMG interview?

“Why should we hire you?” Answer confidently - combine your skills, work ethic, and fit with KPMG’s values.

6. Are KPMG consultant interview questions very technical?

Yes - they test your understanding of risk assessment, IFRS applications, and client management scenarios.

7. How can I prepare for KPMG HR interview questions?

Practice behavioral responses aloud using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method.