ISSUE 3.1 FALL 2009
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The mark of a leader.
Passion. And persistence.
Maintaining the fervor to deliver your best performance
takes an intense desire aligned with strong staying power.
The same goes for moving your business forward, even in
adverse conditions. The right adviser can help. Someone who
understands motivation and can enhance it with insight and
experience. Which is the definition of a leader.
Like Phil Mickelson.
And KPMG.
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Name KPMG LLP (U.S.)
Diversity. Opportunity. Mobility.
It all adds up to a great career.
Location Worldwide
(KPMG International and the
member firms)
KPMGCampusUS
Web http://www.kpmg-go.com
Bio KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and
advisory firm, is the U.S. member
firm of KPMG International
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Updates
and tune in to our tweets.
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for tips and techniques on branding your unique self. You’ll find great information that can help you
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Next GO to > http://www.kpmg-go.com/ValuesInAction and check out KPMG’s e-book Values in Action—
Thinking Beyond, where words and images show the spirit of KPMG people supporting developed and
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KPMG has an eye out for the
best and the brightest who have
their sights set on business
careers. We offer opportunities
in our audit, tax and advisory
practices that include global
experiences and leadership
development programs. Factor
in your ability and commitment,
and it adds up to a calculated
career decision.
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Branding U on YouTube
KPMG.
A great place to
build your career.
Interviewing for internships or for your first job
is an exciting process, but today’s economy has
presented some challenges. That is why it is so
important to differentiate yourself and ensure you
make that right impression. KPMG has developed
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information contained in these videos can help
you land that internship or job you are looking for.
Good luck!
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and being an Employer of Choice. It demonstrates
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http://www.kpmg-go.com/ValuesInAction
Contents
Career
4
30 10
Go Global
4
Assignment Amsterdam, a Barcelona summer or a
Greek odyssey: KPMG people work around the world.
Shaping Your Bottom Line
12
Use your mental pruning shears to choose a
compensation package that’s right for you.
Three Pillars
16
ISSUE
3.1
Fall 09
Start building your career.
Communities
Go Ahead
14
How our Asian Pacific Islander Network works
like a great game of Go.
Spokespeople
19
32
26
14
24
The Chasing Daylight Team cycles down the
Mid-Atlantic coast.
Fields of Dreams
26
KPMG connects with the ball for RBI.
People
Sweet!
10
Nestlé makes the very best…chocolate and a whole lot more.
Freeze Frame
19
KPMG’s Brad Sparks goes looking for inspiration on ice.
22
Branding U
28
Become your own Google or Pepsi in four simple steps.
Lifestyle
Never Rome Alone
8
Or why you shouldn’t show your wacky side in Amsterdam.
The Greening of Apartment 12C
22
A renter’s guide to environmental responsibility.
What’s Smart to Wear
30
Understanding the difference between college
and corporate casual.
5 Hot Towns—4 Cool Sounds
Great KPMG locations for music lovers.
32
Hola!
Welcome to the fall issue of KPMG
GO Magazine. You’ll find it’s filled
with great information about KPMG.
What it’s like to work here. And all
the ways KPMG can help you build
a great career.
If you’re like me, you’ll want to start
building your career by getting
real-world, business experience.
When KPMG offered me a chance
at a global internship, I jumped at
the opportunity. Who wouldn’t?
I knew it would be a great way
to gain international business
experience and advance my
accounting knowledge. What I didn’t know was that my summer
internship with KPMG would be a unique, multicultural experience
that would change my life.
In 2008, I interned in Barcelona, Spain. A city of nearly 1.6 million
people, Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Summer
there means beautiful, sunny weather. I enjoyed walking around
the city admiring the architecture, including the work of one of my
favorite architects, Antonio Gaudi. I also loved “Las Ramblas”—
probably the busiest street in Barcelona—where I watched street
performers and visited the open market where fruits, vegetables,
seafood, meats and cheeses were on enticing display. Like most,
I relaxed on the wonderful Mediterranean beaches in the evenings
or on weekends.
But my time in Barcelona was also spent gaining serious work
experience. For one thing, I had the opportunity to work with
professionals from all over Europe—Germany, France, Portugal, and
Italy. It was very interesting to see their different leadership styles,
and their diversity enhanced our team structure. That’s something
that I’ve really learned to appreciate about KPMG. I also participated
in Future Diversity Leaders (FDL)—a structured leadership
development and scholarship program for qualified students in
business curriculums.
Photos: (above, top to bottom)
garden sculptures, Parc Guell; desert beach
at Sitges; Antonio Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia;
lizard fountain, Parc Guell; (below) Gaudi’s
La Casa Mila.
I received financial and professional support through mentoring
and a three-day leadership conference. It’s easy to see that
diversity and inclusion are a lot more than buzzwords at
KPMG: they’re among the firm’s global core values.
To learn more about KPMG life, check out the great stories about
KPMG’s global internships, training and mobility programs; their
global Green Initiative; an adventure to Antarctica; and the success
of their Chasing Daylight cycling team. It’s a firm that’s on the move!
Carlos Orozco
Colorado State University ‘09
P.S. Visit kpmg-go.com to meet some
of the people I worked with, and find
more cool articles and features.
ISSUE 3.1 FALL 2009
LEED the Way
Megan Marco
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR FRANK FYFFE
SENIOR EDITORS JANET MANNING
JOANNA VARGAS
ART DIRECTORS Paul Pullara
KEVIN THOMPSON
CYNTHIA DAILEY
DESIGN MGT DESIGN, INC.
WRITING/EDITING KAREN DONOHUE FLEER
PROJECT DIRECTOR CAROLINE BRADLEY
PUBLISHER MANNY FERNANDEZ
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BLANE RUSCHAK
EDITORIAL OFFICES KPMG LLP
530 CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ 07677
SPECIAL THANKS Nicole Fritz
JASON LEHANSKY
Kathy Schaum
Holly Thomas
PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES, INC.
VEER
CORBIS
Illustrations HOWARD McWILLIAM
PETER HOEY
CONTACT KPMG Interested in joining KPMG?
Want to learn more about what
makes KPMG a great place to
build your career? Talk to your
campus recruiter or visit our
Web site at kpmg-go.com.
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO US-KPMGGOEDITOR@KPMG.COM
KPMG LLP is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V. Employment with
KPMG is “At Will,” which means that employment may be terminated with or without cause
and with or without notice at any time at the discretion of either KPMG or the employee. KPMG
maintains a drug-free workplace. KPMG LLP, the audit, tax, and advisory firm (www.us.kpmg.
com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International’s member firms have
more than 135,000 professionals, in over 140 countries. The information contained herein is of
a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual
or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no
guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue
to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate
professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. The information
contained in this issue of KPMG Go Magazine is accurate at the time of printing.
© 2009 KPMG LLP, a U.S. limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network
of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. All rights
reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. KPMG and the KPMG logo are registered trademarks of KPMG
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Companies for Diversity is a registered trademark of Diversity, Inc. KPMG Forensic is a service
mark of KPMG International. All Nestle trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé
S.A., Vevey, Switzerland. Pepsi is a registered Trademark of PepsiCo, Inc. Cracker Jack is a
registered trademark of Frito-Lay North America, Inc. Diversity Edge Magazine is a national,
quarterly publication of BB&B Enterprises LLC. THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Magazine is published
by IMDiversity, Inc. Computerworld is a trademark of International Data Group Inc.
The modern exterior of KPMG Nashville’s
new office building is matched by its forwardlooking green certification. We’re proud to
show Tennessee that KPMG walks the walk on
environmental issues by selecting a building
that has earned Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) certification from
the U.S. Green Building Council. Operations
Services Principal-in-Charge Steve Clemente
says KPMG’s commitment to going green
extends well beyond Nashville: “The firm
is pursuing LEED certification on all new
construction and major office renovations
moving forward.” Nashville’s Managing Partner
Randy Laszewski adds, “We are doing business
in a way that is kind to our earth and good for
our people.”
global
“Living and working in another country can be a tremendous experience for any
professional. In a short time, you’ll acquire a greater awareness of our changing
world, gain a richer appreciation of diverse cultures and better understand how
business is conducted internationally,” says Manny Fernandez, KPMG’s U.S.
national managing partner for university relations and recruiting.
KPMG’s commitment to provide global training for professionals at the beginning
of their careers sets the firm apart. “Most companies don’t offer opportunities for
their employees to go abroad until they’ve been on the job at least five years,” says
Simon Kho, U.S. director of national student programs and global initiatives. “KPMG
encourages global experiences right from the start.” At a time when companies are
cutting back on benefits, perks and learning programs, KPMG employees discover
the art—and business—of the global marketplace early.
KPMG has several distinct programs that introduce qualified new hires to the
business world: Global Internship Program, Global New Hire Training and Global
Mobility Opportunities. Hundreds of KPMG U.S. associates and interns participate
in global training and development programs each year.
Lauren Easom, Justin Cash and Carlos Orozco are just three who’ve traveled far
with KPMG global opportunities—and have great tales to tell.
global opportunities
M
Barcelona Summer
“y global internship was a great opportunity to learn what working for
KPMG internationally would be like. I was really happy to find that
I wouldn’t be stuck in a cubicle doing the same thing day in and day
out. Every day was different and challenging in a new way.
When I started, I was amazed by the breadth and depth of the KPMG
culture. My first three weeks were spent in the Denver office. Then
I was off to Barcelona for four weeks. All the interns in the U.S. helped each other, but in
Spain, I was the only intern. No matter—people in and out of the office were always offering
help. I also received great mentoring in both Denver and Barcelona. My mentor was my
‘go-to’ person—not a supervisor or manager—who kept me in a positive frame of mind,
even when things were unfamiliar.
“One company I worked
with was like the European
equivalent of our Best Buy.”
During my global internship, I worked with two very different clients—one company was
like the European equivalent of our Best Buy. The other was a U.S. chemical company.
Both assignments enabled me to see firsthand a diverse group of international professionals
working collaboratively.
I am fluent in Spanish, so language wasn’t a huge issue for me. In this region of
Spain, however, people often speak a language called Catalan (which I don’t know), so
communicating wasn’t without challenge. The Barcelona approach to life is very different
from ours—people there are very laid-back. Their sense of time is different, too—they don’t
worry so much about whether an hour or two hours have passed. I found that residents
had a good sense of work/life balance, too—something KPMG holds as a core value.
In Barcelona, people take their time but still get things done. I really enjoyed exploring
the city by myself—its classic architecture, Mediterranean beaches and wonderful
open-air markets. Having an opportunity to spend this much time in a sophisticated
foreign city is an important added benefit to a KPMG global internship.
I will enter graduate school at Colorado State this fall to earn my MS in accounting and
sit for the CPA exam. By Fall 2010, I plan to be working full-time at KPMG. I’ll start in the
Audit practice in Denver. Thanks to my internship, it will be a little like coming home.
Looking back, the most valuable parts of my internship were the people I met here and
overseas, the intensity of the work experience and the self-confidence I gained knowing
that I can interact with anyone, anywhere. Now that’s an internship that counts.”
—Carlos Orozco, Colorado State University ‘09
5
Greek Odyssey
W
“
“Global Audit Training meant
completing a large assignment as part of a multicultural team.” hen you join KPMG, you go far—literally. My first experience with
the firm was my 2007 internship. As an intern working in the U.S.,
I participated in a few different engagements where everyone I was
with shared the same language. My internship was great—it made me
want to join to KPMG. But I’ve learned that one of my misconceptions
before accepting a full-time position last year was that I’d continue
to work with colleagues and clients who were culturally like me. I didn’t think I’d face the
challenges of international work until later in my career.
KPMG’s Global Audit Training program gave me the opportunity to become more adept with
international work by spending two intense weeks in Athens, Greece. There were many
lessons and exercises, including topics such as cultural differences and KPMG opportunities
for global travel.
My initial professional engagement was with a KPMG client that is one of the world’s
largest global companies. And for nearly all of my assignments so far, I’ve worked with the
finance managers and operations staff of different management entities from the U.S., U.K.,
France, the Netherlands, India, Australia, Germany, Brazil and Argentina. Communication
is a challenge—because of language barriers, time zones or different accounting practices.
While it can be tough to communicate solely by email and receive emails and other
documents in a variety of languages, it’s the reality of the business world today. Participating
in the global training program changed my perspective and helped me to work through these
situations with a strong success rate.
Global Audit Training gave us the opportunity to work as an international team and simulate
the completion of a large assignment. There were high expectations as the trainees
presented a capabilities exhibition to partners and managers flying in from
around the world. Using the tools we’d been taught, we were able to overcome
some specific challenges, resolve differences and achieve our goals as with
any other project.
Just being in Athens was a great experience I never expected to have so early.
I toured around, sampled the local food and became familiar with Greek life.
I was able to network, too. In Athens, I reconnected with my roommate from
intern training, and soon I’ll attend a reunion of Global Audit Training veterans.
Since my return, I’ve traveled to Singapore on assignment and put my training
experience to work for other KPMG global engagements. I’m not a global expert
yet—but I’m on my way.”
—Justin Cash, Audit, KPMG Atlanta
Assignme nt Amste rdam
I
’ve been on assignment in Amsterdam for just over a year now.
“
I’m an advisor (senior associate) in the IT Advisory practice. I joined
KPMG three-and-a-half years ago and moved from small, rural Missoula,
Montana, to exciting San Francisco. The change affected every aspect
of my life: I had to make new friends, adjust to a career after being
a student and learn how to get by in a big city.
Global Internship Program (GIP)
My successful transition from college to career made me confident and
adventurous, so I began considering a global rotation. As a new hire, I worked
on developing my delivery skills and subject knowledge. Where possible,
Land a KPMG internship and you could spend a month of it in a foreign country.
The Global Internship Program (GIP) offers talented interns the opportunity to
gain or enhance international experience while being introduced to the firm’s
“Global Accounts” client network. GIP participants work on projects for some
of the world’s largest multinational companies. If you’re selected for GIP, you’ll
begin your internship working as a member of a U.S. office. You’ll attend your
local office orientation program, KPMG’s National Intern Training, and work
on a U.S. client engagement. From there, you’ll travel overseas for a four-week
international rotation. The learning experience will continue at your global
destination, where you’ll work with the KPMG team in your host country,
guided by in-country mentors. Your performance manager will help you stay on
track, wherever those tracks lead you. If you accept an internship with KPMG,
you’ll be eligible to apply for the Global Internship Program.
global opportunities
I chose projects with multinational companies in service lines with global significance. When I
was promoted to senior associate, I not only focused on project management and leadership
within my own teams, but I also looked for opportunities to network with professionals in
Europe and other regions. By attending conferences and seminars, I learned about the issues
faced in those markets and tailored my career development goals to align with them.
Leveraging the relationships I’d developed with global teams and the support of my
performance manager and partners, I applied for and was granted an 18-month international
assignment. As soon as my contract was approved, KPMG sent helpful books and materials
about living in Holland, as well as general guidance for working and living abroad. I tried to
prepare for the cultural differences between Americans and the Dutch, but each office has
its own personality.
“I write thought leadership
pieces and collaborate
with teams from across
the globe.”
I live in Amsterdam and my office is in a tiny town to the south (I can see goats from the
window). When I arrived, I was the only non-European professional in my business unit of
56 people. Fortunately, meeting new friends has been easy: being an expatriate gives you
something in common with like-minded people from all over the world. One of my favorite
things about living here is my traditional Dutch bicycle. I also love food shopping in the
open-air markets and having fresh flowers all the time.
My client-facing work has centered on advising multinational organizations on compliance
with international data privacy regulations. I’ve become certified in data protection law
and developed relationships with regulators in several European countries. Privacy laws
in the U.S. are very different from Europe, and this creates a need for multinational
organizations to balance the different requirements. I’ve worked with companies in
various stages of the compliance process. I look forward to taking what I have learned
from the challenges and successes my clients have experienced back with me so
I can assist our U.S. clients when I return.
Because Privacy is a new area, I also have the opportunity to help shape the approach that
will be adopted by KPMG and the industry as a whole. I work on developing new service
lines and rolling them out to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMA). I write thought
leadership pieces and collaborate with teams from across the globe.
Last year, I attended a meeting of the International Chamber of
Commerce in Paris, France. Regulators from countries throughout
Europe, executives from important multinational corporations, top-tier
legal teams and niche consultants gathered to discuss the future of data
protection law. The opportunity to participate in a two-way discussion with
influencers and decision-makers was the most exciting and challenging
experience I’ve had in my career. Later, we enjoyed casual networking on
a patio overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
I’m glad I’ve been able to take this step early in my career. This assignment
has given me opportunities for growth and learning that I never could
have found in the U.S. Of course, there are seniority, tenure and
performance requirements for assignees, but it’s never too early to
start preparing. I discussed my goal with my performance manager
about two years before I applied, and he helped me position
myself strategically by selecting relevant projects and
training. Global rotation KPMG style: go for it!”
— Lauren Easom, KPMG IT, Advisory
go 4 more...
Want to learn more about Lauren’s
experience in Amsterdam? Check out
www.youtube.com/KPMGGo.
Global Training
KPMG supports sending U.S. Audit, Tax and Advisory associates and senior
associates to train overseas for as long as two weeks. This early career
opportunity allows professionals to enhance their global worldview, as well
as to gain critical teaming skills through interaction with other professionals
from around the globe. KPMG new hires apply online and are evaluated on
various factors, including interest in global opportunities, international and/or
multicultural experience, language skills, work experience and responses
to a series of short-answer questions.
Global Mobility Opportunities
KPMG professionals can apply for overseas rotations lasting up to 18 months
at KPMG International member firm offices worldwide. While in another
country, they operate as fully integrated team members, working on local
assignments and global engagements. When the rotation is over, Global
Mobility participants can return to the U.S. or apply to extend their travels to
other KPMG locations. 1
7
Never Rome
Alone
C
ngrats! You’re traveling to Europe for business,
o
education or pleasure (really—how can you be in
Europe without being pleased?), and you intend
to make some new friends or associates. Just
being yourself is cool—as long as you arrive at
your destination with a working knowledge of
cultural norms and accepted business practices.
If you’re traveling for an internship with KPMG,
we’ll provide a full range of background materials
and advice. Your mentor will also help introduce
you to your host country. If you have the
opportunity to participate in global training, your
international colleagues are a great resource.
Getting a Global Mobility assignment as
a KPMG associate means you’ll be able
to learn another country and culture in
depth. By the time you come home,
you can write your own guide. For
now, read on to discover the surprising
differences the three people profiled
in this issue of KPMG GO encountered
when they landed in Greece, Spain and
the Netherlands.
Or why you
shouldn’t show
your wacky side
in Amsterdam,
dis your family
in Greece or tell
people to get a
move on in Spain.
the netherlands
Keyword: trust
Y
es, the Netherlands—not Holland.
Holland is a region of the Netherlands.
The Dutch are reserved people who
never fail to shake hands when introduced
and use their last names when they answer
the phone. In business, professionals build
relationships based on trust. Promise only
what you can deliver, and keep your humor
on the subtle side.
Doing Business
Meeting People
• T
hey will keep talking until all
parties agree.
• S
hake hands when you meet new people
and shake hands again when you leave
them. Introduce yourself: the Dutch
consider it rude not to.
• S
ome of the most successful traders in
Europe, the Dutch are adept at dealing
with foreigners.
• They are punctual; call if you are delayed.
• P
resentations should be practical,
factual and simple.
• The Dutch tend to give direct answers.
• O
nce decisions are made, things
happen fast.
• It’s thought impolite to shout a
greeting. Wave at someone from
a distance instead.
Social Life
Speaking Without Speaking
• M
ost business entertaining is done
in restaurants.
• T
he Dutch value privacy and seldom
speak to strangers. If you want to have
a conversation, you’ll need to start it.
• M
oving your index finger around your
ear means you’re taking a phone call,
not “you’re crazy.” • D
utch manners are frank—simplicity
combined with strict adherence to
basic etiquette.
• T
he Dutch will make it clear that you are
their guest; otherwise expect to
“go Dutch.”
• T
ake a small quantity of food to start.
A second helping will be offered, and
it’s polite to accept.
• U
se a knife and a fork to eat everything—
including sandwiches, fruit and pizza.
• It’s rude to leave the table during dinner
(even to go to the bathroom).
• P
lan to stay for an hour or so after dinner,
as Dutch parties run late.
• D
on’t ask for a tour of your host’s home:
it’s considered impolite.
Choosing Clothes
• T
he Dutch prefer fashions that are casual,
unpretentious, conservative and subdued.
• T
aking off your jacket in an office is
acceptable. When leaving an office,
put your jacket back on.
bringing Gifts
• G
ifts are generally not given or expected
at business meetings.
• G
ifts are exchanged in business only
once a close, personal relationship
has developed.
• W
hen invited to someone’s home, bring
a small gift for the hostess. Bring children
a small gift or candy. Sending flowers
before or after a party is also appropriate.
travel etiquette
greece
Keyword: family
Y
ou’ve barely met someone in Greece,
and they want to know if you’re
going to get married soon! That’s
because family is very important here,
and personal relationships are the basis of
business success. Younger family members
take personal care of seniors. Children get
lots of attention. And it’s an honor for men
to support their families. So expect the
personal questions—and be glad people are
interested in you.
Meeting People
• S
hake hands with everyone when
introduced, and shake hands again
when you leave.
• G
ood friends will embrace and kiss
as a greeting.
Speaking Without Speaking
Doing Business
• Eat everything on your plate.
• P
unctuality isn’t important, but foreigners
are expected to be on time for business
meetings.
• E
at more, stay longer or do whatever
a host wants.
• Greeks can be slow to trust foreigners.
• J oin in Greek dances—you’ll be
appreciated.
• G
reeks distrust written communications,
so make sure your paperwork is clear
and complete.
• B
usiness dinners are social occasions.
See if business is being discussed before
bringing it up.
• Consensus is important.
• T
he workday starts early, ends at lunch
and starts again at 5:00 p.m.
• If a woman invites a Greek man to dine,
she should invite others as well.
• A
Greek man will always try to pay:
make arrangements beforehand.
Social Life
• G
reeks are very demonstrative
and affectionate.
• A
rrive at least 30 minutes late for social
invitations. Eight o’clock really means
“after 8:00.”
• N
odding your head “yes” isn’t polite;
say “yes” instead.
• Greeks are generous hosts.
• T
he “O.K.” sign is rude; “thumbs up”
means O.K.
Choosing Clothes
• D
ress is more informal than in most
European countries.
• Women usually wear dresses.
bringing Gifts
• W
hen you’re invited to someone’s home,
bring a gift such as wine, brandy, pastries,
whiskey, or cut flowers.
• B
usiness gifts such as wine or
Greek handicrafts are common.
• D
on’t try to split the bill: the person
who extends the invitation pays.
spain
Keyword: Time
S
-l-o-w d-o-w-n. In Spain, there’s always
time. Spaniards don’t hurry. Instead,
they expect delay and embrace
interruption. This culture values modesty,
personal style, relationships and character.
Keep up appearances, throw out your
agenda, linger over tapas and take time to
smell the Spanish roses.
Doing Business
Meeting People
• B
e aware of eye contact: returning a
man’s gaze may be interpreted as flirting.
• S
hake hands with everyone when
introduced. Shake hands again
when leaving.
• M
en may embrace each other when
meeting (friends and family only).
• W
omen may kiss each other on the
cheek and embrace.
Speaking Without Speaking
• N
ever touch, hug or backslap someone
you don’t know well.
• Spaniards stand very close when talking.
• Spaniards speak a lot with their hands.
• S
paniards do not take punctuality
seriously.
• This is not a culture that values meetings.
• S
paniards spend time getting to know
you before doing business.
• People like making decisions on their own. • W
omen shouldn’t dine alone in a
restaurant or bar at night.
• S
panish men expect to pay. Speak to
the maître d’ first if you intend to
handle the bill.
social Life
Choosing Clothes
• A
ppearance is important. People dress
well, even for casual occasions.
• D
ress conservatively, avoiding flashy
colors.
• M
en should wear jackets and ties for
business, even in warm weather.
• W
omen should wear dresses, blouses
and skirts.
Bringing Gifts
• If you’re invited to someone’s home,
bring a small gift such as pastries,
cakes, chocolates or flowers.
• D
on’t give chrysanthemums,
dahlias or a bouquet with thirteen
flowers (it’s considered unlucky).
• L
unches and dinners are important to
business relationships.
• It’s common for dinners to run late
by 15 – 30 minutes.
• Don’t
waste food: better to decline
rather than leave it on your plate.
• Tip everyone.
Cultural etiquette tips courtesy of
www.ediplomat.com.
9
Sweet!
Nestlé makes the very best...
chocolate—and a whole lot more.
“I love this team!” says Anita Chan, senior associate, Audit, Los Angeles, who graduated from the
University of Southern California. “I started with KPMG as an intern during college, and Nestlé was one of
many client engagements I worked on. I joined KPMG professionally after graduation and started off with a
one-year rotation at the Department of Professional Practice in New York. The rotation focused primarily on
technical accounting research and gave me an opportunity to gain an understanding of the firm’s process for
issuing internal guidance—something that became very useful in the audit field. When the firm asked me
to rejoin the Nestlé team in L.A., I said ‘Absolutely!‘”
Cool client
T
his is my second full year working with
Nestlé,” says Anita, “and I’ve come to
know their brands very well. So far, I’ve visited
a Lean Cuisine manufacturing center, a Nestea
plant and—of course—I’ve seen how chocolate
is made.” Anita also visited Nestlé’s corporate
headquarters in Switzerland (it doesn’t get more
“chocolate” than that) to work on Nestlé’s global
audit, which included assisting with consolidation
work and performing analytical reviews of various
accounts on a global scale.
“
One client, many brands
“Although chocolate and coffee are Nestlé’s legacy
businesses,” explains Stuart Mullen, KPMG senior
manager, Los Angeles, and Nestlé engagement
lead, “the company’s product lines include brand
names as different as Jenny Craig, Dreyer’s and
Gerber. And, these days, they’re focusing more on
the full spectrum of nutrition, health and wellness
products, in addition to the product brands that
they are best known for in the U.S.”
“We’re friends
after-hours,
too, and hang
out on weekends.
We even built
a Habitat
for Humanity®
house together! ”
Stuart has been with KPMG for 11 years—three
of which have been spent working on Nestlé. “We
audit Nestlé’s consolidated financial statements for a significant
portion of its U.S. operations. But because Nestlé is truly a global
enterprise, this engagement requires working with people across
many borders and time zones, from the various KPMG teams
in the U.S. to the lead KPMG teams in the U.K. and Switzerland
to their global shared services center in Bangalore, India—all of
which people on our engagement in Los Angeles have visited
in recent years. The size and scope of the audit means this is an
engagement that people across KPMG know and respect.”
global policy meetings and interact with European
professionals who are used to operating with an
international mind-set.”
Working on the Nestlé engagement is challenging
in several ways: logistics, collaboration with the
various teams here in the U.S. and abroad, and
the complication inherent in a company of their
size. “Nestlé divests and acquires businesses
frequently,” says Stuart, “so there’s always a lot
of activity to coordinate with existing business
models—and that makes KPMG’s job even more
challenging.”
All-the-time teamwork
“There’s a great mix of people working on the
Nestlé engagement,” says Anita. “Our team
can swell to over 15 members in the busy
times. We’re friends after-hours, too, and hang
out on weekends. We even built a Habitat for
Humanity® house together! When a new team
member from the Nestlé engagement team in
Mexico City arrived in L.A. on rotation, I became
her ‘buddy’ and introduced her to the area. Last
year, we took on an intern from KPMG’s Global
Internship Program who came from Italy to work in L.A.
He fit right in and brought an international perspective that
was really valuable.”
Show on the road
“Nestlé is so big—and truly global—that I’ve learned a
lot from dealing with people around the world whose
training and cultures are very different from mine,”
Anita continues. “I’ve learned I can fit in anywhere
and perform to a global standard—which is why
I’ve applied for a global rotation to Beijing, China,
in 2010! I’ll be exploring my Chinese-American
heritage, learning about audit practices in Asia
and experiencing professional life in the fastest
growing economy on the planet. And, of course,
I’ll be working on Nestlé.” 1
How many ways to say chocolate?
Stuart explains that “Nestlé employees are like
KPMG people in many ways—looking to provide
high-quality service on a global basis. Because the
Nestlé engagement is managed out of the U.K., my
team members get the chance to participate in
Anita Chan
Think Outside the Bar
Their slogan is “Good Food, Good Life”—and the
global corporation known as Nestlé (www.Nestlé.
com) has moved a long way from chocolate bars.
Nestlé was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestlé and is
headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. Today, it’s one
of the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness
companies with sales in the billions. Nestlé employs
about 283,000 people and has factories or operations
in almost every country in the world.
The
Nestlé business strategy is to “grow through innovation
and renovation while maintaining a balance in geographic
activities and product lines.
ｨ
ｨ
Brands Beyond
Recognizable Nestlé brands that aren’t about
sweetness include: Nescafé, Taster’s Choice,
Poland Spring, Perrier, Nestea, Buitoni, Stouffer’s,
Lean Cuisine, Häagen-Dazs, Arrowhead, Juicy Juice,
Carnation, Purina and Alpo.
11
Use your mental pruning shears to choose a compensation package
that will help you grow a rewarding career.
How much does a 401(k) plan matter to you? What about the number of vacation days? Is insurance
for you and your pet iguana the benefit that will make the difference? More than just a salary, a
compensation package includes many add-ons of differing value to each person. Carefully evaluating
each component will help you select a package—and a firm—that shapes up best for you.
KPMG advantages include:
A highly competitive base salary. KPMG reviews salary data
from similar industries and labor markets (public accounting
firms, financial services firms, the Fortune 500 and others)
to establish appropriate benchmarks for starting salaries.
Payment of CPA review courses up front and
reimbursement of exam fees. KPMG assumes this financial
burden for eligible employees.1 The firm also reimburses
certain fees and pays bonuses for several certifications
applicable to other KPMG functions.
The opportunity to build a stronger financial future. KPMG’s
401(k) Plan matches 25 percent of each participant’s eligible
contribution, based on contributions up to 5 percent of a
participant’s base salary.2 KPMG also provides a pension plan
that requires no contribution from employees and includes a
one-time, $5,000 pension credit for campus hires after they
first become eligible to participate in the pension plan.3 This
benefit is provided in addition to annual pension credits in
varying amounts for as long as employees work for KPMG.
Opportunities to earn additional cash rewards. Based on
personal and/or firm performance, you can earn additional
cash rewards. Employees can earn base salary increases,
including merit and promotion increases, as well as variable
compensation and “encore” awards.4
Extensive training and development. KPMG’s innovative
career-planning tool—Employee Career Architecture—can
help you map potential career paths and determine what skills,
experiences and developmental opportunities you need to get
where you want to be. KPMG also offers a robust mentoring
and an award-winning training program.
Attention to work/life balance. You’ll find balancing your
personal and professional life can be tricky! That’s why
KPMG constantly looks for ways to improve employees’ work
experience and provide more support for managing personal
lives. For 2009, KPMG’s new associates receive 25 paid
personal days and 9 paid holidays. 1
Pass CPA. Collect $$$.
It’s the key to your professional future—
your CPA license. Earn it by passing your
CPA exam, and KPMG will reward you in
a very tangible way!
The firm offers CPA incentive awards in
addition to the variable compensation
program employees are eligible for after
launching a KPMG career.
n $5,000 if you pass all parts of the CPA
exam prior to your start date, or within
your first year of employment or CPA
exam eligibility, whichever comes later
but before being promoted to senior
associate.
n $3,000 if you pass all parts of the CPA
exam in your second year of employment
or CPA exam eligibility, whichever comes
later but before being promoted to senior
associate.
Note: CPA incentive awards are payable to
active KPMG employees upon submission of
the required paperwork.
shaping your career
Key Questions to Ask
Prospective Employers:
• Do you offer beneficial internship
programs that have the potential to
help me expand my knowledge, gain
experience and network professionally?
• Do you offer the potential for global
mobility through international
assignments or training opportunities
during my early career stages?
• Do you offer a choice of medical plans,
and do you have programs in place to
help keep me healthy?
• Do you offer an employer-match level in
your 401(k) plan that can help me build
a stronger financial future? Do you
offer a pension plan in addition to
the 401(k)?
• Beyond base salary, do you offer other
forms of compensation that I would
value, such as performance-based
incentives, firmwide perks and bonuses?
• Will your firm pay for my CPA review
course fees up front?
If your prospective employer answers
“yes” to all of these questions,
congratulations! You’re about to join
an accounting firm that’s committed
to rewarding employees with a solid
compensation package that goes well
beyond base salary.
And that firm is KPMG.
1. KPMG covers only the CPA review course fees associated with national providers Bisk or Becker.
KPMG offers full payment for either the Bisk CPA Review Online course or the Becker In-Class (live)
CPA Review program, or reimburses up to $1,400 for an approved, university-sponsored CPA review
course taken in preparation for the exam.
2. 401(k) plan contributions and eligible compensation amounts are subject to IRS limits.
3. This credit is only for client service delivery employees below the senior manager level.
4. To be eligible for variable compensation in their first year, employees must be hired on or before April 30.
This article summarizes firm-sponsored programs available at the time of printing.
See KPMG-go.com for updated information.
go 4 more...
To learn more about what KPMG offers,
visit kpmg-go.com/Benefits and download
KPMG Total Rewards Flyer.
m
13
GO
AHEAD
14
How our Asian Pacific Islander Network works
like a great game of Go*
Focused on individual playing pieces
but paying long-range attention to
a strategy that covers the entire
grid: that’s how to win at the iconic
Asian game of Go. It’s also how KPMG
employees are building a network and
support organization that is enhancing
the firm’s inclusion strategy.
“Being part of our Asian Pacific Islander
Network (APIN) has enabled me to meet
people across KPMG, from the mailroom to
firm leadership. It has made KPMG seem
smaller and more like a family. I know great
people I would never have known were it
not for APIN,” says Manolet Dayrit, principal,
Advisory, who serves as APIN national
co-chair and New York chapter head.
APIN was formed just four years ago. By
Spring 2009, it had 12 chapters with a total
of 872 members. Each chapter is essentially
independent—creating its own calendar
*
of meetings, events and activities. Once a
month, chapter heads get together to share
ideas and plan national initiatives.
When APIN was formed, its founders
developed a three-pronged mission
statement—to which APIN remains faithful.
APIN works to attract, retain and develop
KPMG professionals by (1) fostering inclusion,
(2) highlighting Asian heritage and culture, and
(3) promoting professional development and
helping to position KPMG with prospects as
the best of the “Big Four” firms.
To foster inclusion, every APIN chapter has
a recruiting liaison who makes candidates
aware of the network. That way, as soon as
a new hire joins, he or she has someone to
connect with. Some chapters host meetings
to welcome new hires to the firm and have
GO is a strategic board game for
two. Also known as Igo (Japanese),
Weiqi (Chinese) or Baduk (Korean),
Go is played by alternately placing
black and white stones on the vacant
intersections of a 19x19-line grid.
Rich in strategic complexity, yet with
simple playing rules, Go originated in
China more than 2,500 years ago. The
game became popular in Korea and
Japan around the seventh century
and reached the West through Japan.
The Japanese name—Go—is how
Westerners know it today.
In the community
programs to connect new hires with mentors
who can help guide them over time in their
transition to professional life and KPMG.
APIN sponsors numerous activities to
highlight Asian heritage and culture. During
the firm’s annual celebration of Asian
Heritage Month in May, APIN chapters
often host events highlighting traditional
music, dance, costume and cuisine. Explains
Manolet, “Asian cultures are themselves
diverse—China is very different from
India, which is very different from Thailand
or Malaysia—so even those of us with
an Asian background sometimes need to
increase our awareness about each other.”
Other APIN activities are simply good fun.
Chapters have staged “Photos from Home”
contests and have even conducted their
own karaoke singing contests.
APIN also hosts a variety of events to
promote professional development. It
partners with Ascend (the National Asian
American Society of Accounting and Finance
Professionals). Together, APIN and Ascend
offer professional development events
such as the “Inspiring Across Generations”
seminar—a one-day event held in various
cities that offered participants technical,
leadership and soft skills training. APIN also
sponsors lunch ‘n’ learn sessions on relevant
topics such as “China and India: Global
Issues from a Local Perspective,” “Effective
Mentoring,” “Leveraging Diversity for Our
Go-to-Market Strategy“ and “Business
Etiquette in the East.” In another instance,
KPMG Vice Chairman for Global Strategy
Brian Ambrose spoke to APIN members on
a national Webcast about Asia’s importance
to the firm’s global growth strategy. APIN
Co-chair Norio Takeda, partner, Audit,
Japanese Practice, says, “Being part of this
network has enabled me to interact with
KPMG colleagues and other professionals
in my field far beyond the office walls of
my small practice. That’s been invaluable in
building my career—and enriching my life.”
To help position KPMG with prospects, APIN
members often accompany recruiters to
college campuses. “College students are
rightly attracted to firms that make it easy for
them to connect to colleagues, leadership
roles and clients for business and social
reasons,” explains Manolet. “They also
want opportunities to develop leadership
and teamwork skills early in their careers.
APIN is a great way to demonstrate KPMG’s
commitment to networking and professional
development, as well as to diversity and
inclusion.”
In Go, when all your stones are in close
support of each other—even as they cover
the widest possible area on the grid—you’ve
won. Just like how our Asia Pacific Islander
Network helps tie KPMG people together
while spreading our inclusion message
far and wide. 1
15
Start
building
your
career
Audit
Pillars
K
PMG’s Audit practice plays a key role in helping to build and
maintain the credibility of independent reporting for today’s capital
markets system.
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.
(Continued on page 18)
eAudIT: The Next Generation
eAudIT is an electronic audit management tool
created by KPMG to provide the methodology,
guidance and industry knowledge needed to perform
efficient, high-quality audits. A unique combination of
experience and innovation, eAudIT enables KPMG to
deliver an unparalleled audit experience for clients.
eAudIT’s activity-based guidance during each step of
the audit process makes certain that every member of
an engagement team has KPMG’s global knowledge
base at his or her fingertips. The industry-specific
knowledge integrated into eAudIT makes certain
that new auditors have what they need to support
their clients by focusing on what’s important to
their business. Currently in year two of a three-year
deployment plan, eAudIT will be deployed to all Audit
engagements in 2010.
KPMG’s new eAudIT program requires engagement data to be entered just once, then repurposes data
for all relevant audit sections.
16
practices that deliver
Tax
I
f you want to focus on tax issues, KPMG’s Tax practice provides
a range of services covering key tax areas of interest to today’s
global companies. Between this range of opportunities and KPMG’s
award-winning training programs, the firm’s Tax professionals have
the resources to develop the skills and knowledge to think beyond the
present within the continually evolving tax and regulatory environment,
but also to help add value for our clients.
(Continued on page 18)
Take a Taxcursion
“The simulation did an excellent job of reinforcing and
expanding on concepts covered in our training course,
and was entertaining. I especially enjoyed the different
ways the characters traveled to the managers’ offices—
the pogo stick was my favorite.” —KPMG Employee
Whether you go by pogo stick or not, taking a Taxcursion
is the fastest, easiest way to simulate what it’s like to
work in Tax. KPMG’s new program uses clever computer
graphics and engaging scenarios to lead participants
through situations in which they might need to consult
with colleagues about a question or problem.
With Taxcursion, Tax professionals can engage in virtual
travel to learn the fundamentals and the fine points of
Tax. No playing phone tag or missing someone who’s
actually traveling on behalf of the firm. Training modules
are followed by opportunities to use the new knowledge
right away. And the program also helps make learners
comfortable with eStars and other KPMG software
programs.
That said, who wouldn’t jump on their pogo stick for a
quick little Taxcursion?
Advisory
KPMG’s Taxcursion software enables Tax professionals to learn the fine points of tax preparation without
leaving their desks.
K
PMG’s Advisory practice helps Fortune 1000 companies
understand the vital relationship between risk, controls and
business processes that can drive sustainable improvements
in business performance. These include services designed to provide
trusted advice that can help companies maintain compliance and
achieve sustainable value over time.
(Continued on page 18)
More Training, Less Travel
KPMG Advisory is practicing “just in time” training via
virtual, Web-based programs created at KPMG specifically
for our associates.
These programs teach a wide range
of technical methodologies and
foundational skills, as well as
awareness building. And they
don’t require employees to leave
their desks to get answers!
This means KPMG Advisory team
members have great opportunities to
learn the latest concepts and skills just
before starting new engagements—
ensuring that the knowledge they gain
is current and fresh in their minds.
To help new Audit professionals prepare for the real-world accounting issues they’ll face, KPMG offers
the Audit Fundamentals training program. Among its features is one technology-based audit simulation
of a virtual company called Pretty Liquid.
17
practices that deliver
Audit
Advisory
(Continued from page 16)
(Continued from page 17)
KPMG International’s network of
member firms 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 and
valuation, 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
means more
opportunities to
develop the skills,
knowledge and
relationships that can
help in climbing the
career ladder. 1
Tax
(Continued from page 17)
• Economic and Valuation Services
(EVS): EVS offers clients a wide
range of advanced analytical services
that can help them effectively and
efficiently manage their transfer pricing
activities—including compliance,
planning, operational implementation,
controversy resolution, and risk
management services—as well as
valuation services such as business
valuation, financial reporting and tax
valuation analyses.
• Federal Tax Services (FTS): This
practice supports companies by
providing them with tax advice and
compliance services that can help them
manage their federal tax obligations
for the present and the future. By
18
New Advisory professionals have
the opportunity to develop
their skills in three areas:
• Performance & Technology: Drawing
on capabilities in Business Performance
Services (BPS) and IT Advisory Services
(ITAS), these professionals combine
skills in operations improvement,
financial management and technology
that can help enhance company results.
They provide advice to chief financial
officers that focuses on financial
analysis, operations, controls and
performance.
• Risk & Compliance: These services
can help address client issues
regarding risk management, internal
controls and compliance with a broad
range of regulatory, legislative and
other requirements. These include
competencies such as:
being attuned to the latest IRS rules
and regulations, KPMG’s Federal Tax
professionals offer a broad range of
services that can help clients improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of their
operations. Additionally, our Federal Tax
professionals can provide clients with
the knowledge and technology tools to
enhance their tax reporting systems.
• International Corporate Services
(ICS): To help multinational
organizations deal with the complex
tax issues they face every day, KPMG’s
professionals think globally and advise
on establishing new ventures, planning
overseas transactions and maintaining
compliance with tax and trade
regulations in myriad tax jurisdictions.
• International Executive Services
(IES): IES helps companies manage
global mobility programs for
their employees on international
assignments by offering advice in
areas such as income tax and social
security compliance, technology for
managing assignment programs and
tax implications of global compensation.
– Financial Risk Management
(FRM) which helps organizations’
management and boards of directors
identify, measure and monitor
financial and business risks.
– IT Advisory Services, which helps
assess, design and coordinate
information management and
operational processes, technologies
and controls.
– Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance
Services (IARCS), which helps
companies enhance their internal
audit functions to align with
company objectives, shareholder
expectations, and audit committee
and management goals.
– KPMG Forensic, which works with
organizations to achieve high levels
of business integrity by helping them
detect, prevent and investigate fraud
and misconduct.
• Transactions & Restructuring: These
professionals assist clients throughout
the deal cycle and economic cycle.
They provide merger, acquisition and
divestiture support on both the “buy
side” and the “sell side,” and they can
help improve performance, stability and
recovery for stressed and distressed
companies. 1
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A):
Mergers and Acquisitions professionals
offer companies and private equity
funds global perspective and local
tax law knowledge to help facilitate
business combinations and divestitures.
M&A also provides a range of services
to troubled companies, including
restructuring. The Tax professionals
in this KPMG service can help
organizations across a spectrum of
client needs, everything from due
diligence reviews to technical tax
planning advice.
• State and Local Tax (SALT)
Services: KPMG’s State and Local
Tax professionals help organizations
manage their state and local tax
obligations, including income and
franchise tax, sales and transactions
tax, and business incentives services,
while keeping clients abreast of new
developments that may affect them. 1
Corporate citizenship
FREEZE
FRAME
Inspiration on Ice
Talk about a field trip: for two
weeks last March, KPMG Director
Brad Sparks became a member of the
2009 Inspire Antarctic Expedition. It’s
a great platform for KPMG employees
to learn about climate change, and its “Leadership on the Edge”
program challenges participants to take personal responsibility for
their environmental impact, strengthen their leadership abilities
and get a new perspective on the environment.
19
B
“
efore I left, I tried to learn more about Antarctica through books, articles and other
research,” Brad says. “For example, I researched the ‘Madrid Protocol,’ which establishes
a set of principles related to the environmental protection of the Antarctic. The treaty comes
under review in 2041, and Robert Swan has made it his goal to help build awareness now.”
In Antarctica, Brad got the chance to learn from famed British explorer Robert Swan about
his five-year Voyage for Cleaner Energy on a renewable energy sailboat. He also spent
time in educational sessions led by experts from organizations such as the World
Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace. He shared his knowledge and views with
50 other corporate professionals from around the world. And he returned home
armed with new knowledge that can help raise awareness within KPMG and
the larger community.
“Understanding climate change is a key aspect of my current position
working with the firm’s Global Green Initiative,” Brad explains. “One of
my primary goals is to help educate colleagues on the potential impacts
of climate change for both business and the world.” He concludes,
“Going to Antarctica has energized me to work on an issue I’m already
very passionate about.”1
Lord Hastings in the Lead
The Global Green Initiative is working to reduce KPMG’s carbon footprint by 25 percent.
For KPMG, corporate citizenship is a long-term strategy that
defines the relationship between the firm and the communities
in which its employees live and work. Three focus areas unite
the firm worldwide: education, environment and development.
An interview with KPMG International’s International Director
of Corporate Citizenship Lord Michael Hastings.
Q What is KPMG’s global strategy
for corporate citizenship?
Q What is the KPMG Global Green
Initiative?
A Internationally, we set the pace by
leading change—harnessing KPMG
skills and experience to tackle some of
the world’s most challenging issues,
such as climate change and international
development. Locally, we inspire
our people to be engaged with their
communities as leaders, volunteers and
supporters.
A In April 2008, KPMG became the first
of the ‘Big Four’ to announce a global
approach to address the challenges of
climate change. Our Global Green Initiative
is centered on three commitments: (1)
measuring, reducing and reporting our
global carbon footprint; (2) supporting
environmental projects that address
climate change within our wider
community commitment; and (3) working
with our employees, suppliers and clients
to help reduce their environmental impact.
Our primary ambition is to reduce KPMG’s
carbon footprint by 25 percent (using a
2007 baseline) by 2010.
Q Are KPMG member firms worldwide
taking the same approach to going green?
A Although we’ve established a global
climate strategy, member firms are also
taking individual approaches to managing
their emissions. For example, KPMG in
the Netherlands has implemented an
efficient-driving program to improve fleet
fuel economy. KPMG in Japan has a
‘Cool-Biz’ program that aims to reduce air
conditioning use by promoting business
casual dress in summer.
Q What are some of our
accomplishments so far?
A KPMG in the U.K. has reduced
paper use by 32 percent over the past
five years. KPMG in Brazil now includes
personal carbon footprint reduction in
Corporate citizenship
Sights, Sounds and Seasickness
“We flew from Buenos Aires (warm enough for shorts) to the jumping-off point at the
southern tip of Argentina—where an icy wind made warmth a memory. We spent two
nights at the Ushuaia southern base before we made our last phone calls and sent final
emails, then boarded our former Russian research ship for Antarctica.
The Drake Passage is home to some of the world’s roughest waters, but our trip out was
remarkably calm. We saw no land for two days, until King George Island rose up ahead.
Robert Swan’s international education station was stop one—reached by Zodiac® boat.
Swan ‘earned’ the station by picking up some 16,000 tons of waste left by hundreds
of Antarctic visitors. Today, the education station is totally powered by wind turbines.
On our excursions, we saw thousands of penguins—some of the babies would walk
right up and check us out! We slid down incredible snow slopes—no sled required. We
camped overnight on the ice—and could hear the glaciers breaking up around us. I slept
outside our tent, looking up at a sky so clear that it looked more like a textbook map of
the stars than real life. And we heard the silence—complete and awe-inspiring.
For our return trip, we got to experience the legendary rough seas of the Drake Passage:
many of us disappeared to our rooms during 36 hours of 20-foot swells. I’ll tell you: it
was scary! We emerged as we entered calmer waters and agreed this was still the trip
of a lifetime. It was great to meet people from around the world and share perspectives
on global climate change. I’m even more optimistic now that we can all work together
on this critical issue.”
their goal-setting. KPMG in Australia and
Ireland have achieved ‘carbon neutrality.’
The implementation of Halo Telepresence
videoconferencing studios in KPMG
offices worldwide will help reduce air-travel
emissions while increasing productivity
and global connectivity.
Q How can KPMG employees help?
A Some of the best ideas that we’ve
received have come from our employees.
Employees can make suggestions through
the Global Citizenship Web site. KPMG
employees will consider environmental
issues in both their professional and
personal lives.
Q How does KPMG help clients
with environmental issues?
A KPMG’s growing Global Sustainability
Services network consists of practitioners
across 40 countries who assist clients
with projects such as the development of
climate change strategies and the energy
optimization of data centers. We also
provide nonfinancial assurance on
corporate sustainability reports.
Q What are the long-term benefits of
KPMG’s green commitment?
A Going green is an important aspect
of our Employer of Choice initiative, as
prospects and employees are increasingly
interested in working for firms that
recognize and address environmental
issues. It’s also important to achieving our
goal of being ‘the best Big Four accounting
firm.’
There can also be cost savings associated
with eliminating waste and increasing
efficiency through environmental initiatives.
For example, KPMG LLP in the U.S.
recently upgraded its Central Data Center
in New Jersey, installing energy-efficient
gas microturbines.
Finally, climate change is an important
issue for our clients, who are starting to
understand and evaluate the environmental
impact of their supply chain, including
professional services. We are asked about
KPMG’s environmental performance and
are proud to have an established program
to communicate.
BRAD SPARKS is a director with KPMG Global
Citizenship, responsible for the firm’s climate change
program, Global Green Initiative. He joined KPMG’s
Atlanta office in 1997 as an auditor. In 2003, Brad served
as a sustainability advisor with KPMG in Johannesburg,
South Africa. The following year, he joined KPMG
Forensic in Los Angeles and also became a part of
KPMG’s Global Sustainability Network. He began his
current position with Global Citizenship in 2008.
Brad loves to travel and spent two summers at
Fudan University in Shanghai, China. He also studied
at the Graduate School of Management in Sydney,
Australia. While earning his MBA, Brad interned
with the Kenan Institute Asia in Bangkok, Thailand,
as a labor standards monitor and later volunteered for
a non-profit organization in Cape Town, South Africa.
Brad is passionate about the environment and the role
that business plays in addressing some of the world’s
most pressing sustainability issues. He believes that
climate change presents risks—but also opportunities
for the world to work together.
Find out 25 more
things about Brad:
Page 34
KPMG International member firms have
started to receive external recognition
for their efforts. KPMG LLP in the U.S.
recently placed third in Net Impact’s
annual Corporate Green Challenge. KPMG
in the U.K. received the ‘Environmental
Leadership’ award from the U.K.-based
Business in the Community. KPMG in
Canada was recognized as one of Canada’s
greenest employers. And Computerworld
recently named KPMG a top Green IT
organization. 1
go 4 more...
For a slideshow of Brad’s Antarctica
highlights—including penguins, seals,
whales and sleeping on ice, visit
www.kpmg-go.com/Antarctica.
For more information on KPMG’s
Corporate Citizenship programs, visit
www.kpmg-go.com/Responsibility.
For more about KPMG’s Global Green
Initiative, visit www.kpmg-go.com/Green.
21
Energy
Change Your Bulbs.
Switch incandescent
for compact fluorescent
bulbs. They use lots less
energy and last up to
ten times longer.
Check Your Temp.
Turn your thermostat
down (in winter) or up
(in summer) just two
degrees and your carbon
footprint will shrink
dramatically—along
with your heating or
cooling bill.
Unplug. Almost
anything electronic
uses energy, even when
you’re not using it.
This includes TVs, DVD
players, cable boxes,
computers, printers,
The Greening of Apartment 12C
It might be “builder’s beige,” but you can give your first
apartment a green glow if you take this approach.
W
hen you move into your first apartment, you may not have a piece of real Earth to call
your own. In fact, you may not have much of anything! But you can do the right thing by
the planet. You don’t have to spend much of your money and very limited free time. Think
energy, cleaning, recycling, food, transport and decorating—it’s all ripe for improvement when you take
your first place green.
video games, microwave
ovens, and chargers/
adapters for cell phones
and digital cameras.
Lips—and windows—
sealed. Even apartment
dwellers can get some
inexpensive caulk and
weather stripping.
Comes with directions—
you can do it!
Cool Down Carefully.
Opt for a ceiling fan,
unless it’s really hot.
And if you must get an
air conditioner, make
sure it’s labeled Energy
Star efficient.
Cleaning
Switch Over. It’s pretty obvious: if it has a skull and
crossbones on the label, you might want to switch
your cleaning product to something a little safer.
There are many nontoxic cleaners on the market
now—including new green alternatives from major
manufacturers.
Chill Out. Wash in cold water and save 80 percent
over hot/warm-water washing.
Fill ‘Er Up. Six saucers, two spoons and a saucepan
do not a full load make. Fill your dishwasher to the
top before you run it. It takes the same energy, full
or half full.
Go Low-flow. You’ll miss the pounding spray, but
savor the energy savings that come with replacing
your showerhead with a low-flow model. They’re
inexpensive, easy to install and can come with you
when you move.
Hands Off The Faucet. Startling fact: brushing your
teeth requires only a brush and toothpaste. Wait to
run the water until you’re ready to rinse.
Spot Clean. Dry
cleaning is a chemical
funfest. Stretch out
the time between
cleanings by spot
cleaning or tumbling
clothes in your dryer
to freshen. When you
do bring clothes back
from the cleaners, air
them out to release
any residual chemicals.
apartment living
Decorating
Breathe Free. If your
landlord will let you
repaint your place,
consider using one
of the newest lowor no-VOC (volatile
organic compounds)
paints. Especially in the
enclosed space of an
apartment, these new
options can help your
respiratory system and
those of your neighbors.
Get Another Oxygen
Supply. Plants. You
Recycling
Get Off The List. Catalog and direct mail lists, we
mean. Browse and shop online, and opt out of paper
by visiting www.dmachoice.org/MPS/.
Recycle More Stuff. It’s not just about paper
anymore. Take the time to recycle things like
computers, monitors, cell phones and other
electronics that contain
toxic materials. Bag
packing peanuts, too,
and recycle them after
your move. Check
your local government
Web site for nearby
recycling centers that
take these items.
Practice Patio
Composting. Yes,
you can! You can
compost on your deck
or patio or buy one of the new units that compost
right in your kitchen. Apartment dwellers need to
compost responsibly so no odors reach into others’
spaces.
Food
Buy local. Hit the local farmers’ market! Food
grown nearby saves energy in its production and
transportation. And locally grown food is often
cultivated without pesticides and sold without the
need for chemical preservatives. It can also be
cheaper, need less packaging and last longer!
Sip Styrofoam-Free. Bold roast or decaf, the
important thing here is the cup you put it in. Bring your
own insulated mug to the coffee shop.
Bag It. Plastic grocery bags are on their way out, but
don’t wait until they’re gone. Bring your own reusable
bag to the store. Many stores will even give you a
discount for supplying your own or for reusing their
paper ones.
remember from science
class—plants actually
give off oxygen, so they
clean the air without
effort. They look good,
too.
Transport
Get Really High Mileage. When you car shop,
consider a high-mileage hybrid or another highefficiency car. Check the U.S. Department of
Energy’s list of
most fuel-efficient
cars to find the one
that’s right for you.
Abandon Your
Car. Even a couple
of days a week
of riding public
transportation,
biking or walking
will cut your
commuting costs
and help the environment. It might renew your spirits
and your quads, as well.
Bring People Together. What’s old is new again.
Carpooling is a classic energy-saver, and you can be
the leader in your office that gets people together and
into the carpool or high-occupancy-vehicle lanes.
Finally, even though your first apartment
seems like a great opportunity to buy stuff,
it’s a greener approach simply to use less.
Less everything—energy, water, chemicals,
resources—to make a first home that you love
and the world loves, too. 1
Believe That “Beige
Is Beautiful.”
Growing and bleaching
cotton has all kinds of
environmental problems,
so choose unbleached,
organically grown fabrics
for your linens and other
material goods.
Look For A FleaMarket Fix. Why make
new furniture (meaning,
cutting down trees)
when there’s plenty of
furniture already floating
around. Save money and
the planet by haunting
the flea markets and
buying vintage pieces
you can slipcover (in
beige!) or reupholster
for a new look.
23
spokespeople
The Chasing Daylight Team Cycles On
Adventurous routes. Amazing scenery. Interesting connections. Major laughs.
Serious challenges. Good deeds. Great accomplishments. What life’s all about—
as inspired by a KPMG executive and made possible by hundreds of contributors,
volunteers and participants. It’s the Chasing Daylight Tour and reason enough to
grab your road bike and go.
Leg One: From SF to a great idea
How’d it come about? In 2006, Director, Fred Isaak, Advisory
Services, and Advisory Partner, Kevin Coleman, both from San
Francisco, set out to cycle the nearly 700 miles from San Francisco
to San Diego. At the time, they simply wanted to share a sports
challenge and see some great scenery along the Pacific coast.
Cycling can be inspirational, and on the way down the two
colleagues had an idea: “Wouldn’t it be great if we could get
people to share this experience and do it for a great cause?”
With that—and a little more biking and planning—the Chasing
Daylight Tour was created.
Leg Two: From tragedy to inspiration
The charitable tie-in to the American Cancer Society/Hope Lodge
and the inspiration for the name Chasing Daylight Tour came
from KPMG’s former CEO Eugene O’Kelly. In 2005, O’Kelly was
diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer at age 53. He wrote a book
called Chasing Daylight to tell the story of how he chose to live
the last of life to the fullest.
Fun Facts
Total ascent for each rider
was 5.45 miles. Think of it
as riding from sea level to
the top of Mount Everest
(29,029 feet).
q day 1: 44.88 miles
“That first ride had such a positive impact on Kevin and me,”
Fred explains, “that we wanted to share the experience and use
it as a tool for community benefit—following the values Gene
instilled at KPMG. How perfect, we thought—a bike tour to honor
him, his legacy and his belief in work/life balance.”
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is one of the national nonprofit
organizations that KPMG supports, and the firm donates more
than $500,000 annually through a variety of fundraising channels.
In 2008, ACS created the Eugene D. O’Kelly Award to honor
KPMG’s former chairman.
In October 2006, the tour officially began as Fred and three
other “ragtag” riders set off from San Francisco for San
Diego. The four of them alone raised almost $20,000.
Leg Three: Turning east, then west
In Fall 2007, eight riders rocketed down the East
Coast from Bangor, Maine, to New York City,
raising $15,000 and eyebrows as they cycled
through Times Square. “We moved the tour
On average, each day
we rode to the top
of a 36-story high-rise...
ten times!
g day 2: 70.16 miles
To replace all of those
calories, riders would
have to eat 148 slices
of pizza, each.
e day 3: 91.46 miles
a day 4: 72.90 miles
making a difference
Wheel Support
“I was in my second round of interviews with KPMG
when I was introduced to Fred Isaak. As we talked,
I said that I liked to mountain bike. Fred replied that
he had a ride for me: the Chasing Daylight Tour.
It sounded great, and before I had signed my offer
letter, I had volunteered to help.
I spent my first week at KPMG driving a tour support
truck from Vancouver to Portland— the biggest Penske
truck you can rent loaded with luggage, lunches and
lug wrenches. I was brand-new to the firm and found
myself hanging out with partners who’d been here 15
years. What a networking op! Way before the last mile,
I’d gotten to know my boss and his boss and his boss.
Everyone was casual, down to earth and dedicated to
the American Cancer Society—the charity we ride for.
I want to do more for the t our, so I offered to be the
2009 logistics coordinator. From Montvale to Virginia
Beach, I’ll manage the team of volunteers and handle
registrations, rider support services, communications
and financials. Some 40 riders will be depending on
me—and my ability to wrestle that rental truck all the
way to the finish.”
— Richard Fifield, Associate, Advisory, KPMG Mountain View
from the West Coast to the East to reach new people and to follow
Gene’s career path,” Fred explains. Chairman O’Kelly started his
KPMG career in San Francisco and later moved to New York.
number of repeat riders. Most cyclists from previous tours will
return for 2009—even those who’ve moved on to careers outside
of KPMG.
Last year, the Chasing Daylight Tour was back on the West Coast,
covering a route from Vancouver, Canada, to Portland, Oregon.
Twenty-three riders raised over $90,000. “That was huge!”
says Fred, “and generated lots of PR for the tour.”
The Chasing Daylight Tour is truly a KPMG community event.
KPMG staff, managers and partners cycle, provide support for
the 700-mile ride and plan the entire event—from determining
and testing the route to booking hotels and buying the food.
Each participant covers the cost of his or her own travel,
accommodations and food. The firm supports the ride by covering
the expense for the volunteers and support vans. And those that
don’t ride often donate to the cause: most of the funds raised come
from the generous contributions of KPMG employees.
Leg Four: Down the Mid-Atlantic coast
In September 2009, the Tour heads east again. More
than 40 riders and 4 volunteer organizers will start from
Montvale, New Jersey, and travel through Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Richmond. They’ll
arrive at Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Day Eight. Says
Fred, “We’re going for a team fundraising goal of
$120,000. That’s about $3,000 a participant—but once
you start asking, raising $3,000 isn’t as hard as you
think.” A large portion of the generous contributions
come from KPMG employees.
Tour cyclists can be fierce competitors or easygoing
sightseers—all ages and skill levels can find themselves
at home, as it were, with other riders of similar
perspective. “It’s an equal playing field,” says Fred,
“and a great opportunity to interact with colleagues
at all levels. Even executives who are out for a bike
ride are approachable.” The proof of a positive
Chasing Daylight experience is found in the
Each rider lost
approximately
six lbs. of fat!
“Sign up!” says Fred, “And create a new challenge for
yourself. You’ll find that you are capable of much more than
you imagined.” 1
go 4 more...
To make a donation, visit the American Cancer Society’s Team ACS
Eugene O’Kelly Chasing Daylight Tour page at http://Main.acsevents.
org/goto/CDT2009.
If you’re interested in purchasing Chasing Daylight by Eugene O’Kelly,
visit your favorite online bookstore.
If you add up the entire team’s miles, we could
have ridden across the country four times.
Or the team could have ridden from the
United States to China...and back!
25
h day 5: 97.53 miles
k day 6: 72.86 miles
c day 7: 79.77 miles
y day 8: 71.80 miles
x total: 601.36 miles
Fields of
KPMG Connects
W
HAP! On a spring Sunday
in March, more than a dozen
employees from KPMG/Los Angeles
volunteered as coaches and scorekeepers
and handed out Cracker Jack to 110 kids participating
in baseball games as a part of the Major League Baseball
(MLB) Urban Youth Academy Jr. RBI program in Los Angeles.
Batter up
Jr. RBI is a pilot program that focuses on providing quality baseball opportunities to younger urban children
ages 6 to 12. “It was great seeing the KPMG volunteers interact with the kids,” says Erikk Aldridge of the
Boys & Girls Club of Venice, California, who serves as the local RBI program’s administrator. “More important,
it was exciting to witness the power of volunteerism, partnership and community collaboration.”
The launch of Jr. RBI marks the first time that the national Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities
(RBI) program is offering opportunities for even younger children. RBI is
a MLB youth outreach program designed to increase
participation among urban boys and girls
ages 13 to 18 in baseball and softball,
encourage academic achievement,
promote greater inclusion in the
game and teach the value of
teamwork. The program was
founded in 1989 by former
Major League scout
John Young in Los Angeles.
Young wanted to help
children build their skills in
baseball and in life. To date,
nearly one million kids across
the country have benefited
from his vision by playing in
RBI leagues. The new Jr.
RBI has launched in 16 pilot
cities: Los Angeles, Philadelphia,
New York City, Atlanta, Cleveland,
Dallas, Detroit, Bradenton (FL),
Chicago, Cincinnati, Jackson
(MS), Jersey City (NJ), Nashville,
Sacramento, Seattle and
St. Louis.
Dreams
In the community
with The Ball
Baselines
In 2007, KPMG became the RBI program’s first national presenting
sponsor. This is also the first time KPMG has partnered with a major
sports league and the first time Major League Baseball has a sponsor
in the category of accounting and tax services. Sponsorship means
that, in addition to an annual contribution of $1 million, KPMG has
provided more than 1,500 volunteers and other resources to help
leagues with fundraising, coaching and administration. In addition,
the firm’s partners and employees assist young boys and girls with
college prep, life skills, tutoring and mentoring.
At the 2008 RBI World Series Presented by KPMG in Los Angeles,
hundreds of KPMG volunteers, including interns, pitched in
enthusiastically—as the 24 boys’ and girls’ teams competed for
the championship title. The World Series was documented with
a KPMG-sponsored, ESPN primetime special, “The RBI Story:
Driving Home the Values of Life.”
At the 2008 MLB World Series, KPMG presented a $1 million
check to Major League Baseball Charities for the RBI program. Our
Chairman Timothy P. Flynn presented the check to MLB Executive
Vice President, Business, Tim Brosnan and was joined on the field
by the members of the 2008 RBI World Series Championship
teams: the Santo Domingo Girls’ Softball team, the Detroit Junior
Boys’ team and the Los Angeles Senior Boys’ team. In 2008, KPMG,
along with Major League Baseball, awarded six $5,000 “RBI for RBI”
scholarships to selected RBI high school seniors; there are twelve
RBI scholarship recipients in 2009.
Name of the game
“The positive impact on the lives of so many kids who participate
in RBI has generated real excitement as the KPMG relationship
with MLB and the RBI program has moved into its third year,” says
Flynn. “KPMG is proud to help further RBI’s mission of opening the
doors of opportunity for boys and girls through sport, mentoring
and education, which remains consistent with the firm’s core
commitment to serving the communities in which KPMG people
live and work.”
“Major League Baseball thanks KPMG for its continued support of
RBI,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “Together,
we are helping boys and girls play the game and improve their lives.”
KPMG employees help out at the Jr. RBI
Los Angeles event in March 2009 (top and center
above) and also at a regional event (bottom),
with players and coaches from the Houston
Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
Home runs
RBI is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009 and now has a
presence in more than 200 cities worldwide. The program provides
more than 100,000 boys and girls annually with the opportunity to
play baseball and softball, and teaches them necessary life skills.
RBI alumni now playing in the Major Leagues include Carl Crawford
(Tampa Bay Rays), James Loney (Los Angeles Dodgers), Jimmy
Rollins (Philadelphia Phillies), Covelli “Coco” Crisp (Kansas City
Royals) and Dontrelle Willis (Detroit Tigers). 1
go 4 more...
For more information about RBI,
visit www.mlb.com/RBI
27
Branding U
Become your own Google or Pepsi in four simple steps.
®
®
managing your image
Branding’s Not Just For Big Companies Anymore
In fact, branding yourself is a great way to (1) discover things
that make you who you are, (2) develop key messages about
your strengths and abilities, (3) create a consistent look and
voice that presents you in your best light and (4) confidently
market the unique and wonderful brand called…you.
1
2
employers, managers and colleagues. It’s how you start cover letters
and end interviews. It’s the words that come to mind when you
want to focus on presenting yourself or need a confidence boost.
Having your own brand message makes it easy to stay on target in
conversation and develop your personal style.
3
4
Stay True To Your Look And Voice Every great brand is
Ask Yourself Some Probing Questions Every great
branding program starts with research. To conduct your own, spend
a couple of hours asking questions of yourself. What do you really
love? What turns you off? What five characteristics would your best
friend say are your best? How would your family describe you?
What’s your greatest talent, best skill? What interests you so deeply
that you can lose track of time? What colors, places, times, art,
books, music are most associated with you? The goal of personal
research is to learn more about what makes you different—and
uniquely attractive to people and employers. Remember, personal
brand research is about discovering what’s true: it isn’t about
creating a false front or morphing yourself into someone you think is
acceptable. A fake brand is see-through and weak. A brand based on
what’s real has power and longevity.
Develop A Compelling Message It’s a noisy world out
there, with thousands of companies (or, in this case, people)
clamoring for attention. Branding works by boiling down lots of
information and attributes to one or two unique, compelling and true
messages that stand out. Once you’ve done your personal brand
research, try writing down the things you’ve learned about yourself.
Keep removing words and shortening sentences into phrases or
single words. Threes are universally pleasing—so reduce your
research discoveries to three things you are, like “smart, analytical
and warmhearted” or “creative, organized and an expert skier.”
This compelling brand message is what you’ll use from now on to
drive your verbal and nonverbal communications to prospective
unique—just like you. Use your short and simple brand message
to guide the way you converse in business situations (speak about
those three great things), choose your clothes and accessories
(they communicate your personal brand before you can open your
mouth), and conduct yourself in life (would a warmhearted you treat
someone else unkindly? Of course not!). As you progress in your
career, continually strategize how to improve your personal brand.
You’ll find that in the process of being true to yourself and your brand,
you’ll become memorable—and liked. Studies show people are
drawn to—and trust—people who know who they are.
Tell Your Story With Passion Once you’ve got your brand—
get it out there! And be passionate about it! The latest employee
engagement research shows that people who are passionately
engaged with their professions, their work and their companies
produce more, perform better and stay with their employers longer.
Hiring mistakes are expensive for companies, so employers today
look for workers who know themselves, their abilities and what
makes them happy. And that’s really what a personal brand is all
about—a great story well told. 1
go 4 more...
For more social networking tips, visit www.kpmg-go.com/BrandingU.
MIND YOUR NETIQUETTE
The wild party pix may be from
five years ago, but they’re always
fresh on Facebook. And maybe
you’ve forgiven Sue for dumping
you junior year—too bad your
MySpace rant can’t let it go. If you
don’t want your Internet past coming back to bite your
professional future, make sure your social networking
makes sense. Social networking sites and search engine
caches keep online content essentially forever. And anyone who copies your stuff can keep it on their own hard
drive ‘til the next millennium. Keep your presence positive
for anyone taking a peek.
Four techniques that can help make you a social
networking expert:
1. Share carefully. You wouldn’t tell a stranger at the bus stop
everything about you. Don’t tell the World Wide Web, either—
know how to manage your privacy settings.
2. Share happily. Anger fades. Online posts, wall messages and
emails can hurt and embarrass you and others for a long time.
3. Share smart. Remember that anyone can download your uploaded
photos and alter them. Use watermarks.
4. Share responsibly. You can be held responsible for what you say
online, and you don’t want people taking a silly joke seriously.
29
What’s Smart
to Wear
Understanding the
difference between
college and corporate
casual
Dream about your friends surprising you with a candid assessment of your current look—then $5,000 and
a week in NYC with a style consultant? Probably not going to happen. But as you get ready to leave college
and head for the professional life, you can get smart, sartorial advice from someone at KPMG who’s pretty
much seen it all.
Dressing for success
Holly Thomas is the firm’s area director
of recruiting in the southeast. She
visits college campuses regularly and
has conducted hundreds of candidate
interviews over her 16 years with KPMG.
She knows what’s professional in any
business environment—and what KPMG,
in particular, considers appropriate for the
firm and the accounting field.
Casual and casual
• Neatly pressed slacks
or dress khakis
• Shirts with banded collars
• Proper-fitting blouses and
sweaters
• Knee-length dresses or skirts
• Leather dress shoes
• Socks or stockings
First impressions
When you choose your clothes for that oncampus interview, make sure you select a
suit. According to Holly, there’s just no other
choice. “You should invest in a nice, formal
suit—not a blazer and slacks or a dress
with a little contrasting jacket,” she adds.
Pantsuits are fine, and hosiery for women
is preferred.
HOT
NOT
Even the most laid-back
office requires employees to
wear “well-tailored“ clothes
that fit appropriately and are
cut appropriately—meaning
no skintight dresses, wornout jeans, bare midriffs or
low-rise pants. “Often times,
women beginning their
professional careers wear
their clothes too tight to be
acceptable in a business
setting,” Holly explains.”I also suggest you
pay attention to fabric and select businessappropriate wool blends.”
Most
KPMG
offices permit
what’s generally
known as businesscasual clothes. But
business-casual still
means exercising good
judgment and displaying a
neat, professional appearance. And if you’re
working on a client engagement, you’ll be
expected to observe the client’s
dress code. KPMG businesscasual style includes:
matched suits
clean, pressed
clothes
flip-flops
wool-blend
business fabrics
wrinkles
leather shoes
skin
moderate heels
tight fit
minimal jewelry
too-casual fabrics
button-down
shirts
t-shirts
groomed hair
tears
clanky jewelry
On the job
Congratulations—you got the job! If you
want to be confident in your everyday
appearance at KPMG, look at what
managers and partners are wearing. Do they
appear for meetings in rumpled cotton capris
or pressed wool-blend dress slacks? Is their
hair long and wild—or trimmed and tamed?
Are their clothes tight and revealing—or
professional and well-fitted? It’s still
true—you should dress for the
job you want. Follow the
lead of successful
professionals in your
field, and it’s like having a style
consultant at no charge.
Guys and gals
“The most common mistake
guys make is wearing cotton
khakis that are just too casual,” says
Holly “with unkempt hems and wrinkles.
Those khakis you wear on the weekend
should be saved for just that, the weekend.
Invest in some nice dress slacks for everyday
business casual.” For women, it’s often the
shoes that trip them up. Holly suggests no
“big platforms, chunky sandals or strappy
high heels.”
After-hours
You might think that if you can pull off
business-casual, business-social should
be a piece of cake. Well, maybe not quite.
Remember, you’ll have to work with these
people again in the morning! Business
after-hours is still business. So no skin,
no low necklines, no midriff, no visible
foundation garments (this includes straps
“meant” to be seen).
Usually, learning what’s smart to wear isn’t
a major project. “Most of our new hires get
it right,” says Holly, “and that’s wonderful.”
As Holly explains, “Even if you’re a creative
type, or a little edgy in your
approach, it’s your
personality that should
be memorable—not
your clothes.” 1
full-length pants
go 4 more...
For more tips, visit
www.kpmg-go.com/BrandingU.
31
lifestyles & choices
Five Great KPMG Locations for Music Lovers
I
n a world of headphones and Internet downloads, live-music cravings are like MP3 players—everyone has them.
Wherever you choose to live and work, the local music scene provides a chance to unwind, meet friends and even
dance to the music that other people can hear, too. But finding your place in that scene is not a simple matter. Music
is the real estate of the entertainment world: it all comes down to location. Every city has its own distinct musical flair,
and you don’t want to live in one that leaves you flat. So if you’re looking to work in a city that measures up to your
musical tastes, look here. We’ve found five KPMG office locations with music scenes that hit the right notes.
AUSTIN An eclectic scene deep in the heart of Texas. Known
as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is the great
equalizer of musical taste. It caters to virtually every genre—
country, rock, jazz, folk, blues, ska and more—and in more music
venues than in any other city of its size in the United States. The
Sixth Street And Red River Districts are the heart of entertainment
in Austin, home to enough music and dance clubs to satisfy
even the most fiendish nightlife aficionado. Prefer to sit down
for a night? You can find concert halls and trendy restaurants in
the Warehouse District downtown. If that’s not enough for you,
don’t miss out on First Thursdays at South Congress, where live
street music accompanies late-night shopping once a month. And
don’t forget to check out the annual music, film and interactive
festival “South by Southwest” in March—it’s one of the biggest
entertainment blowouts in the country.
BOSTON A classical hub. If your prefer Beethoven to Beyoncé,
then Boston is the city for you. Living in Boston lands you in the
midst of classical music organizations and venues that extend
their influence not just around the city, but around the globe. The
Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) performs in the Symphony
Hall, one of the best concert halls in the world. The renown
Boston Pops Orchestra, founded in 1885, performs lighter
classical fare as a subsection of the BSO. And for real musical
authenticity, the Boston Early Music Festival puts on an annual
concert series featuring historical instruments and music of the
Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Got talent of your
own? Try out for POPSearch, and you could win a chance to sing
with the Boston Pops on its national tour!
MIAMI A Latin beat as hot as the climate. Whether you
dance like Shakira or equate your sense of rhythm to a rock’s,
Miami’s Latin music will get you moving. From salsa to rumba
to reggaeton, the dance clubs in Miami and nearby Miami Beach
provide an irresistible backbeat throughout the year. You’ll find
one-night parties with countless themes, infusing Caribbean
reggae and American pop into the Latin flavor. And watch for the
Winter Music Conference every March, when the clubs of South
Beach and Downtown Miami become platforms for the best DJs,
artists and agents of the electronic music industry. If electronic
music isn’t your thing, stick around for the International Dance
Music Awards to hear some of the best hip-hop, rap and Latin
music of the year.
NASHVILLE Big city with a country soul. For fans of country
and bluegrass music, Nashville is like one big radio tuned to
your favorite station. Guitar chords resound from street corners,
shopping malls, even the Nashville International Airport—not
to mention all of Nashville’s established music venues. Music
clubs in The District feature performances by upwards of
40 country bands every night of the weekend. For a more concertstyle performance, head over to Music Valley’s Grand Ole Opry,
Nashville’s number-one attraction. And every June, enjoy the CMA
Music Festival, one of the world’s greatest celebrations of country
music. You can even visit the County Music Hall of Fame and learn
the history of Nashville’s most popular music genre.
SEATTLE Indie center of the Great Northwest. If you still
think grunge rock when you consider Seattle, think again.
The city has expanded its musical offerings since Nirvana took
shape there in the early 1990s and is now home to an enormous
variety of independent artists. Pioneer Square, Seattle’s major
live-music neighborhood, offers avant-garde jazz, pop rock, rap and
alternative music. If you’re not sure how to break into the indie
music scene, the Seattle Music Fest at Alki in August highlights
the city’s emerging artists, offering three days of performances
by the best independent musicians in the state. Want to try
something really different? Check out the Seattle Poetry Slam,
the longest-running weekly show in the city—it’s got a serious
musical beat that Seattleites love. 1
33
etcetera
25
THINGS
to know
34
about me*
*Brad Sparks
Director
KPMG Global Citizenship
Perk Alert! There’s magic in it.
Trying to conjure up a way
to afford the lifestyle you’ve
set your sights on? Try
KPMG’s Perks at Work
program. It’s a single source
for great deals, exclusive
discounts and exciting
“finds.” And it’s especially
nice for recent grads who
want to make a good start in
a stressed-out economy.
Just log on to
KPMG.corporateperks.com,
click on “register now,”
enter your full name
and the “magic word”—
KPMGfall09.
How you look: Lookin’ good at
top-of-the-line retailers like Adidas,
Ann Taylor Loft, Bluefly, Bloomingdales
and others.
Where you go: Sail away, take to the
sky or hit the open road with Hotels.com®,
Sandals® Resort Hotels, Carnival Cruise
Lines®, Avis® and more.
What you do: Discounts on the best
in entertainment and more from TiVO®,
Tweeter®, SIRIUS® or Bose®.
Find out more about how you
can build a great career at KPMG—
and get your subscription to
KPMG GO—at kpmg-go.com.
The URL above will give you access to a third-party, non-KPMG Web site as a convenience
to our users. As KPMG does not control and is not responsible for third-party Web sites
or their content, you are urged to review all terms and conditions, privacy policies and
disclaimers that appear on all third-party Web sites and govern the access and use of
such third-party Web sites.
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I went to Antarctica with British explorer
Sir Robert Swan (www.2041.com).
My wife is a direct descendant of Johann
Sebastian Bach.
I took my grandfather white-water rafting and
to a Queen Latifah concert when he was 92.
I’ve completed three marathons: Nashville,
New York and Washington, D.C.
I’ve started personally purchasing independently
verified carbon offsets. In some countries, KPMG
provides services related to carbon offsets.
I worked in Bangkok as a labor standards monitor
for a nonprofit organization.
On a field trip with my high school accounting
class, I visited KPMG in Atlanta.
I led a 12-person team twice in the Hood to Coast
200-mile relay in Oregon.
I took the leap on the Bloukrans Bungy Jump
in Africa—the world’s highest.
I’m a member of Net Impact’s corporate
advisory board.
I despise mayonnaise.
One of my first assignments with KPMG required
me to certify the Georgia Lottery results.
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I spent two summers studying at Fudan University
in Shanghai.
One of my favorite races is the Camp Pendleton
Mud Run.
I took a six-week sabbatical to volunteer for
a children’s charity in Africa.
I once was a bridesman in a wedding.
Before beginning my MBA studies, I traveled alone
around Europe and Africa.
I attend the Stagecoach Country Music Weekend
Festival in the California desert each year.
I’ve set a goal to have a ‘zero-waste’ week twice
a month.
I’ve driven one of the vehicles in a presidential
motorcade.
I once organized a KPMG recruiting event at
a WWE wrestling match.
I spent two months in Malaysia for a forensic
accounting investigation.
After I passed the CPA exam, I celebrated with
a Kenyan safari.
I serve as KPMG’s liaison delegate to the World
Business Council on Sustainable Development.
I truly love my job!
What’s
different
down under?
Compare the two
pictures of Brad in
Antarctica, and see
if you can find all the
things wrong with
the one on the right.
There are 12, and
some are harder to
see than others.
go 4 more...
Can’t find them all?
For clues, go to:
www.kpmg-go.com/
Answers.
To hear more from
Brad, check out
www.kpmg-go.com/
Bradsparks.
35
Catalyst Award
2009
Diversity Inc.
Top 50 Companies
for Diversity 2009
KPMG made the Top 50 for
the second consecutive
year. The firm is sixth on the
Top Companies for LGBT
Employees and tenth on the
Top Companies for People
with Disabilities lists.
KPMG ranks 20th on
the list that draws
two-thirds of its data
from partner and
employee responses and the rest from the firm’s
benefits and practices.
1
4
2
F ortune 100 Best
Companies to
Work For® 2009
3
KPMG received the
Catalyst Award in
recognition of exceptional
programs to support and
advance women in business.
T raining Top 125
Training Companies
2009
KPMG is ranked second
on the list that recognizes
excellence in training
quality, innovation and impact in meeting core
strategic objectives.
Working Mother Top 5
Multicultural Companies
for Women 2009
5
KPMG is one of the top five
in the list that recognizes
organizations that place
diversity and inclusion at the
top of their workplace agenda.
The Black Collegian
Top 100 Employers
of the Class of ‘09
6
Like how many awards
we won for creating a
great work environment.
KPMG is among the topten companies for diverse
students graduating in
2009 and beginning their professional careers.
BusinessWeek
50 Best Places to
Launch a Career 2009
7
KPMG is ranked fifth
on the list recognizing
recruiting, benefits,
training and collaborative
culture—plus 25 days off for working professionals.
Companies That Care
Honor Roll 2009
Diversity Edge Best
Companies for Diverse
Graduates 2009
KPMG is recognized for
the firm’s commitment
to elevating the work
environment and the quality of life in the wider
community.
KPMG is one of the top two,
and the only one of the
Big Four, recognized for
leadership in recruiting, retaining and advancing
diverse professionals.
KPMG is ranked seventh
on this list that recognizes
efforts to reduce energy
consumption and carbon emissions and
conserve energy.
8
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9
10
omputerWorld
C
Top Green IT Firms
2009
2009
Award
Winner
Tweet Time!
KPMG is on Twitter.
© 2008 KPMG LLP, a U.S. limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. 080606
Home Profile Find People Settings Help Sign Out
Name KPMG LLP (U.S.)
Diversity. Opportunity. Mobility.
It all adds up to a great career.
Location Worldwide
(KPMG International and the
member firms)
KPMGCampusUS
Web http://www.kpmg-go.com
Bio KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and
advisory firm, is the U.S. member
firm of KPMG International
Follow
Follow us! KPMG is now on Twitter.
Check us out @ KPMGCampusUS,
following
followers
Updates
and tune in to our tweets.
12:00 PM Aug 5th from web
Favorites
While you’re online, GO to > http://www.kpmg-go.com/GlobalCareer and stay connected with the newest
issue of KPMG Global Careers Magazine that reports on recruiting trends and KPMG life.
Actions
8:20 AM Aug 26th from web
Following
GO to > http://www.youtube.com/KPMGGo and watch KPMG’s Branding U videos on You Tube
for tips and techniques on branding your unique self. You’ll find great information that can help you
land the internship or job of your dreams.
10:13 AM Sep 3rd from web
Next GO to > http://www.kpmg-go.com/ValuesInAction and check out KPMG’s e-book Values in Action—
Thinking Beyond, where words and images show the spirit of KPMG people supporting developed and
developing economies.
4:45 PM Sep 20th from web
Bookmark These...
KPMG has an eye out for the
best and the brightest who have
their sights set on business
careers. We offer opportunities
in our audit, tax and advisory
practices that include global
experiences and leadership
development programs. Factor
in your ability and commitment,
and it adds up to a calculated
career decision.
kpmgcareers.com
Branding U on YouTube
KPMG.
A great place to
build your career.
Interviewing for internships or for your first job
is an exciting process, but today’s economy has
presented some challenges. That is why it is so
important to differentiate yourself and ensure you
make that right impression. KPMG has developed
this series, Branding U, with just that in mind. The
information contained in these videos can help
you land that internship or job you are looking for.
Good luck!
http://www.youtube.com/KPMGGo
Global Career Information...
just a click away
Stay up-to-date and connected to global career
opportunities with KPMG.
http://www.kpmg-go.com/GlobalCareer
Check out KPMG Values In Action
Values in Action—Thinking Beyond shows that
KPMG values are integral to our global strategy
and being an Employer of Choice. It demonstrates
the giving spirit of our people and how our
global reach and capability is supporting our
communities in both developed and developing
economies.
http://www.kpmg-go.com/ValuesInAction
ISSUE 3.1 FALL 2009
© 2009 KPMG LLP, a U.S. limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. 090615
InterviewTips
SweetOpportunities
Drive your
The mark of a leader.
Passion. And persistence.
Maintaining the fervor to deliver your best performance
takes an intense desire aligned with strong staying power.
The same goes for moving your business forward, even in
adverse conditions. The right adviser can help. Someone who
understands motivation and can enhance it with insight and
experience. Which is the definition of a leader.
Like Phil Mickelson.
And KPMG.
kpmg.com
Career
Experiences from
Around the World!
Antarctic
Adventures
Branding U