AUDIT ASSOCIATE KPMG PATH TO CPA PROGRAM SUMMERFALL 2025

KPMG - Sacramento, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Sacramento, CA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

KPMG is currently seeking an Audit Associate to join our Audit Services team as part of the KPMG Path to CPA Program. This position is designed for early career professionals who are either pursuing college coursework or have recently completed a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. The role is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in audit services, providing a comprehensive introduction to the field while supporting the execution of high-quality audits for our clients. As an Audit Associate, you will develop an understanding of client-specific risks through the review of financial results, relevant external information, current business trends, and specific client transactions. You will learn to prepare clear, well-structured, and effective audit documentation regarding our understanding of clients' processes and technology systems, including the flow of transactions, identification of risk points, and controls that mitigate those risks. In this role, you will execute and document testing of client controls and financial statement account balances, providing clear explanations of procedures and results using appropriate standards and terminology. You will identify potential misstatements and control deficiencies during testing procedures and escalate issues as necessary. The position also involves supporting the execution of a high-quality audit through diligent performance of assigned tasks and professional interactions with clients and engagement teams. You will be encouraged to identify process improvements and audit efficiencies as part of KPMG's continuous improvement culture, supporting project management activities by assessing and reporting status, tracking deliverables, and coordinating action items. Building and maintaining client relationships will be essential, commensurate with your level of experience. Additionally, you will support the use of Data and Analytics (D&A) in the audit, utilizing a range of technologies and data analysis tools such as Excel, Alteryx, SQL, Python, and Power BI to execute substantive audit procedures. This role requires a commitment to professional development and the completion of the KPMG Path to CPA Program before your start date as an Audit Associate. KPMG is known for its inclusive culture that encourages individual development and rewards innovative excellence, making it a great place to work and build a career.

Responsibilities

• Develop an understanding of client-specific risks through review of financial results, relevant external information, current business trends, and specific client transactions.
• Prepare clear, well-structured, and effective audit documentation regarding our understanding of clients' processes and technology systems.
• Execute and document testing of client controls and financial statement account balances with clear explanations of procedures and results.
• Identify potential misstatements and control deficiencies when performing testing procedures and escalate as appropriate.
• Support the execution of a high-quality audit through diligent performance of assigned tasks and professional client and engagement team interactions.
• Identify process improvements and audit efficiencies as part of KPMG's continuous improvement culture.
• Support project management activities by assessing and reporting status, tracking deliverables, and coordinating action items.
• Build and maintain client relationships commensurate with level and experience.
• Support the use of Data and Analytics (D&A) in the audit, including data extraction and analysis.
• Utilize a range of technologies and data analysis tools to execute substantive audit procedures.

Requirements

• Must be pursuing and have obtained by the start date or have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Accounting or Finance majors are preferred.
• Must be pursuing the state-specific education requirements to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the principal place of business.
• Must have satisfactorily completed the KPMG Path to CPA Program before Audit Associate start date.
• Preferred GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Coursework or minor in information systems, software engineering, computer science or data and analytics preferred.
• Demonstrated quality service mindset and foundational knowledge of technical accounting and financial reporting standards.
• Strong technical aptitude, critical thinking and research skills; ability to navigate various computer applications, including MS Office (emphasis on Excel).
• Strong communication, time management and relationship-building skills; able to employ sound professional judgment and professional skepticism.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with data analysis tools and techniques such as Alteryx or Power BI preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate project management skills is a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental plans
• Vision coverage
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) plans
• Personal Time Off per fiscal year
• Calendar of holidays to be observed during the year
• Two firmwide breaks each year where employees will not be required to use Personal Time Off.