Big 4 firm KPMG’s audit practice has implemented a two-month program that will pay new hires to study for two of the CPA exam’s toughest sections – Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG).
The new, 40-hours-a-week CPA Kickstart program provides the time, money and benefits to study and is designed to enable CPA candidates to easily transition to full-time work. The program will be facilitated by KPMG in conjunction with a third-party review course. Those enrolled in the program will receive additional support for completion of the final parts of the CPA exam once they begin client work, the firm announced.
“Auditors are constrained without their CPA, and studying nights and weekends can be a difficult, frustrating experience,” Becky Sproul, talent and culture leader for audit, said in a statement. “Our program will provide extensive support in passing the CPA exam while adding top talent to our engagement teams.”
The program is also expected to foster the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. “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,” said vice chair of audit Scott Flynn.
KPMG CPA Kickstart is launching this summer in 35 offices and has already enrolled over 225 new hires.
