Big Four firm KPMG's Audit Practice has established a new program that will pay new hires to study for the CPA exam.
The CPA Kickstart program, a two-month, 40 hours per week initiative, will provide new hires with time, compensation and benefits to study for two of the exam's toughest sections: Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG).
The program will officially launch this summer as a pilot in 35 of the firm's offices, and it has already enrolled more than 225 candidates.
“Auditors are constrained without their CPA, and studying nights and weekends can be a difficult, frustrating experience,” said Becky Sproul, KPMG's talent and culture leader of audit, in a statement. “Our program will provide extensive support in passing the CPA exam while adding top talent to our engagement teams.”
Kickstart will be run by KPMG and a third party review course. New hires enrolled in the program will receive additional support for the completion of the CPA exam's final section once they begin their respective client work. Kickstart will also boost the firm’s existing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“We are committed to delivering a better audit experience for our people and our clients, fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce to drive innovation and sustain audit quality,” said Scott Flynn, KPMG vice chair of audit, in a statement. “KPMG CPA Kickstart opens doors to students from a less traditional academic path or smaller program, providing them the opportunity to focus on passing the CPA exam while compensated.”
More information is available on KPMG's
