Why do you want to work at KPMG in the Philippines specifically?
RoleConsulting Associate
DifficultyEasy
TopicCultural Fit
Asked at
Why This Is Asked
HR uses this to gauge candidate motivation, cultural fit, and whether they have researched R.G. Manabat & Co. specifically. It filters out applicants who are mass-applying without genuine interest in the firm's unique value proposition in the Philippines.
General Approach
Connect your personal career goals and values to specific, researched aspects of KPMG Philippines (e.g., its learning culture, the breadth of industries served locally, or positive employee feedback on mentorship). Avoid generic praise like 'it's a leading firm'; instead, cite a concrete reason that would only apply to KPMG PH.
General Answer
Start by anchoring your answer in something you have actually verified about KPMG in the Philippines, such as its role in serving major local conglomerates, its involvement in public sector advisory work, or the specific industry groups it has built up locally. Then connect that observation to your own career direction, explaining how being part of that particular practice would let you develop skills you cannot easily get elsewhere, like exposure to cross-border engagements with multinational clients based in Manila or working under the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission reporting framework. Say plainly that you have spoken with or read about current associates and that the mentorship structure here feels more accessible than in bigger global offices. Avoid mentioning salary, prestige, or the desire to travel unless you can tie it back to a concrete project type. If you are coming from a BPO or shared services background, acknowledge that shift explicitly, noting that you want to move from process execution to judgment-based advisory work. Keep your tone confident but not apologetic, and do not overuse Taglish unless the interviewer does first. Close by stating that you see KPMG PH as the place where your long term goal of becoming a CPA or a specialized consultant in a particular industry can actually take root.
PH Interview Gotcha
'Kasi po, maganda po yung company, at saka sikat po siya. Gusto ko po matuto at kumita ng malaki. Sana ma-hire po ako.' This kind of vague, overly apologetic, and money-focused response fails to show genuine understanding of the firm and the role.
Sample STAR Answer▾
S
Situation
As a graduating accountancy student, I researched the Big 4 firms in the Philippines. I was drawn to KPMG's reputation for fostering strong learning and development opportunities, especially the chance to work across diverse industries like banking, manufacturing, and retail. During a campus career talk, I spoke to a Senior Associate who shared how her team helped a major Philippine conglomerate streamline its financial reporting process. That story stood out to me.
T
Task
I need to express why KPMG Philippines, among all the Big 4, aligns with my career goals and personal values as a fresh graduate seeking a consulting associate role.
A
Action
I highlight two specific factors: first, KPMG's commitment to continuous learning, which matches my desire to build a strong technical foundation beyond textbook knowledge. Second, the firm's collaborative culture, as evidenced by employees I've spoken with who emphasize mentorship and teamwork, matters to me because I thrive in environments where I can both learn from seniors and contribute as a team member.
R
Result
My answer shows that I have done thorough research on KPMG Philippines, not just the global brand. It demonstrates a genuine interest in the firm's local impact and culture, which leaves a positive impression on the HR interviewer as a candidate with true motivation rather than just prestige-seeking.
Key Takeaway
Researching the specific local office and its recent projects or culture through conversations and available resources can set you apart from candidates who give generic 'Big 4' answers.
Attempt Your Answer
Write your own answer, then get instant AI feedback graded against:
- •STAR Structure
- •Specificity & Numbers
- •Ownership Language
- •PH Workplace Context
Get AI feedback on your answer — free.
3 free AI-graded answers + 1 free mock interview, no card needed.
Sign Up FreeAlready have an account? Log in
Share Your Answer (0)
Sort
Sign in to join the conversation.
No answers shared yet — be the first to show how you'd approach this.