Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

 

A strong KPMG cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and being filtered out. KPMG receives over 225,000 applications globally each year and accepts roughly 4 to 8 percent of US applicants. Your cover letter needs to stand out fast.

 

By the end of this article, you will know exactly what to put in a KPMG cover letter, see four proven examples for different roles, and avoid the most common mistakes that get applications rejected.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Is a KPMG Cover Letter and Why Does It Matter?

 

A KPMG cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to KPMG recruiters and explains why you are a strong fit for a specific role. It pairs with your consulting resume to tell a coherent story about your qualifications, motivations, and cultural fit.

 

KPMG uses cover letters during the initial screening stage to evaluate three things:

 

• Your written communication skills

 

• Your understanding of KPMG's business, services, and values

 

• Your fit with the specific role and team you are applying for

 

According to KPMG Luxembourg's careers page, a cover letter is not always mandatory but is strongly recommended to reinforce the key points in your resume. Many KPMG offices, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific, still require one with every application.

 

Even when a cover letter is listed as optional, including one increases your chances of getting an interview. As one of the Big 4 consulting firms, KPMG hires roughly 4 to 8 percent of US applicants according to data from The Cambridge Consultant. A well-written cover letter is a free chance to differentiate yourself from thousands of other candidates.

 

What Should a KPMG Cover Letter Include?

 

A KPMG cover letter should include six core elements. Each element serves a specific purpose and skipping any of them weakens the application.

 

The six elements are:

 

• Header with your contact information

 

• Date and KPMG's office address

 

• Greeting addressed to the hiring manager

 

• Opening paragraph stating the role you are applying for

 

• Body paragraphs covering your qualifications and fit with KPMG's values

 

• Closing paragraph with a clear call to action and signature

 

The table below shows what to cover in each section.

 

Section	Purpose	What to Include
Header	Make it easy to contact you	Full name, phone, email, LinkedIn URL, city and state
Greeting	Personalize the letter	Hiring manager's name if known, otherwise Dear KPMG Recruiting Team
Opening	Hook the reader fast	Role title, where you found the posting, one sentence on why you are excited
Body Paragraph 1	Prove you can do the job	Two or three quantified achievements that map directly to the job description
Body Paragraph 2	Show cultural fit	A specific example tied to one or two of KPMG's core values
Closing	Ask for the interview	Restate your interest, thank the reader, request a conversation

 

How Long Should a KPMG Cover Letter Be?

 

A KPMG cover letter should be 250 to 400 words and fit on a single page. Anything shorter feels rushed. Anything longer loses the recruiter's attention.

 

Most KPMG recruiters spend less than 30 seconds on an initial cover letter scan. A tight, focused letter respects their time and increases the chance they read it fully.

 

Use this word count guide based on the role you are applying for:

 

• Internship or entry-level Associate roles: 250 to 300 words

 

• Senior Associate or Manager roles: 300 to 350 words

 

• Senior Manager or Director roles: 350 to 400 words

 

• Partner or Principal roles: 400 to 450 words maximum

 

Three to four paragraphs is the standard structure. Use white space generously. Walls of text are a fast way to get filtered out.

 

How Do You Format a KPMG Cover Letter?

 

Format your KPMG cover letter to match your resume so the application looks professional and cohesive. Use the same font, margins, and header style across both documents.

 

Here are the formatting rules to follow:

 

Element	Recommendation
Font	Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman
Font size	10 to 12 points for body, 14 to 16 points for your name in the header
Margins	0.75 to 1 inch on all sides
Line spacing	Single spacing within paragraphs, double spacing between paragraphs
Alignment	Left-aligned text, never justified
File format	PDF unless KPMG requests Word format
File name	FirstName_LastName_KPMG_Cover_Letter.pdf
Length	One page, 250 to 400 words

 

The header should match your resume header exactly. This makes both documents instantly recognizable as part of the same application.

 

If you want a polished application that gets interviews, my resume review and editing service gives you unlimited revisions and 24-hour turnaround on both your resume and cover letter.

 

How Do You Write a KPMG Cover Letter?

 

Write your KPMG cover letter in six steps. Each step solves a specific problem most candidates get wrong.

 

The six steps are:

 

• Step 1: Research the specific role, team, and recent KPMG news

 

• Step 2: Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible

 

• Step 3: Open with a strong hook that names the role and your headline qualification

 

• Step 4: Connect your experience to the job description using quantified achievements

 

• Step 5: Demonstrate fit with at least two of KPMG's five core values

 

• Step 6: Close with a clear call to action and professional sign-off

 

Step 1: Research the Specific Role and Team

 

Read the job description carefully and identify the top five skills and qualifications KPMG is looking for. Visit the team's page on KPMG.com and look up the practice leader on LinkedIn.

 

Look for recent press releases, thought leadership articles, or KPMG Insights pieces published by the team. Mentioning a specific piece of recent KPMG work in your cover letter signals genuine interest.

 

Step 2: Address the Letter to a Specific Person

 

Generic greetings like To Whom It May Concern signal laziness. Find the recruiter or hiring manager's name on LinkedIn, in the job posting, or through campus career events.

 

If you genuinely cannot find a name after 10 minutes of searching, use Dear KPMG Recruiting Team or Dear Hiring Manager. Never use Dear Sir or Madam.

 

Step 3: Open With a Strong Hook

 

Your opening sentence should name the specific role you are applying for and lead with your strongest qualification. Save the throat-clearing for someone else's application.

 

Here is a weak opener: I am writing to apply for the Audit Associate role at KPMG.

 

Here is a strong opener: As a recent Cornell accounting graduate with a 3.8 GPA and two PCAOB-compliant internship experiences, I am excited to apply for the Audit Associate role in KPMG's New York office.

 

Step 4: Connect Your Experience to the Role

 

Pick two or three accomplishments from your resume that map directly to the job description. Quantify everything. Use percentages, dollar amounts, and time frames.

 

Weak example: Led a team project that improved processes.

 

Strong example: Led a 4-person team that automated the monthly close process for a Fortune 500 client, reducing close time by 35 percent and saving the client over $200,000 annually.

 

Step 5: Demonstrate Fit With KPMG's Core Values

 

KPMG explicitly looks for candidates who live its five values. Pick one or two values that genuinely fit your background and weave them into a specific example.

 

Do not just list the value. Show it with a concrete story. The next section covers exactly how to do this.

 

Step 6: Close With a Clear Call to Action

 

End by restating your interest, thanking the reader, and explicitly requesting an interview. Include your phone number and email again in the closing line.

 

Sample close: Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background fits the role and can be reached at 555-123-4567 or [email protected].

 

What Are KPMG's Core Values and How Should You Address Them?

 

KPMG's five core values are Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, and For Better. Your cover letter should show, not tell, that you live at least two of these values.

 

Generic claims like I am a team player or I have strong integrity carry zero weight with recruiters. Specific examples backed by results carry all the weight.

 

The table below shows what each value means at KPMG and how to demonstrate it in your cover letter.

 

Value	What KPMG Means	How to Show It in Your Cover Letter
Integrity	We do what is right	Describe a time you flagged a mistake or pushed back on a shortcut even when it was costly
Excellence	We never stop learning and improving	Mention certifications in progress (CPA, CFA), continuous learning examples, GPA improvements
Courage	We think and act boldly	Share an example of starting something new, leading a difficult conversation, or taking a calculated risk
Together	We respect each other and draw strength from our differences	Describe a cross-functional or diverse team project where you facilitated collaboration
For Better	We do what matters	Highlight pro bono work, sustainability projects, or initiatives with measurable social impact

 

Pick two values, not five. Trying to demonstrate all five values in a 300-word letter dilutes the impact of every example.

 

KPMG Cover Letter Example: Audit Associate

 

This sample is for an undergraduate accounting student applying for a full-time Audit Associate role. Notice how it leads with quantified academic credentials, then ties two specific accomplishments to KPMG's Excellence and Together values.

 

Jane Smith

[email protected] | 555-123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/janesmith

New York, NY

 

May 19, 2026

 

KPMG LLP

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

 

Dear Ms. Rodriguez,

 

As a Cornell University accounting graduate with a 3.8 GPA, CPA exam eligibility, and two PCAOB-compliant audit internships, I am excited to apply for the Audit Associate role in KPMG's New York office. KPMG's recent Audit 2030 report on AI-driven testing methodologies is the kind of forward-thinking audit work I want to be part of.

 

During my Summer 2025 internship at a mid-tier accounting firm, I led the substantive testing workstream for a $400 million manufacturing client. I identified a $1.2 million revenue recognition error that had gone undetected for two quarters, working with the senior to coordinate the necessary restatement. This experience reinforced for me how Integrity is not just a value but a daily practice in audit.

 

Beyond technical work, I served as Treasurer of Cornell's National Association of Black Accountants chapter, where I led a 12-student team that grew our annual Big 4 networking event from 80 to 220 attendees. That experience taught me how diverse teams produce stronger outcomes, which is exactly what Together means at KPMG.

 

I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background fits the Audit Associate role. Thank you for considering my application. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or [email protected].

 

Sincerely,

Jane Smith

 

KPMG Cover Letter Example: Tax Associate

 

This sample is for a Master of Tax student applying for a full-time Tax Associate role. Notice how it leads with technical credentials and ties experience to KPMG's Excellence and Courage values.

 

Michael Chen

[email protected] | 555-987-6543 | linkedin.com/in/michaelchen

Chicago, IL

 

May 19, 2026

 

KPMG LLP

200 East Randolph Street

Chicago, IL 60601

 

Dear Mr. Patel,

 

As a University of Illinois Master of Tax candidate with a 3.9 GPA, completed REG and FAR CPA sections, and prior experience advising on Section 174 R&D capitalization, I am applying for the Tax Associate role in KPMG's Chicago Federal Tax practice. The KPMG Tax 2026 report on Pillar Two implementation is the kind of complex cross-border work I want to grow into.

 

In my Summer 2025 internship, I supported a federal tax compliance engagement for a $2 billion private equity portfolio company. I built a Python script that automated the categorization of 8,000 fixed asset additions, cutting depreciation schedule preparation time by 60 percent. The senior manager adopted the tool across three additional client engagements.

 

During my undergraduate degree, I cofounded a free tax preparation clinic at my university that has now filed over 400 returns for low-income filers. Building that clinic from scratch required pitching the idea to skeptical faculty, recruiting volunteers, and getting IRS VITA certification. That experience embodies what KPMG means by Courage and For Better.

 

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my technical skills and initiative would translate to the Tax Associate role. I can be reached at 555-987-6543 or [email protected].

 

Sincerely,

Michael Chen

 

KPMG Cover Letter Example: Advisory Associate

 

This sample is for an MBA candidate applying for a full-time Advisory Associate role in KPMG's Strategy practice. Notice the heavier emphasis on quantified business impact and structured thinking.

 

Priya Sharma

[email protected] | 555-456-7890 | linkedin.com/in/priyasharma

Boston, MA

 

May 19, 2026

 

KPMG LLP

Two Financial Center

Boston, MA 02111

 

Dear Ms. Thompson,

 

As an MIT Sloan MBA candidate with three years of healthcare strategy consulting experience and a track record of delivering $45 million in cost savings for hospital system clients, I am applying for the Advisory Associate role in KPMG's Boston Healthcare Strategy practice. KPMG's recent thought leadership on value-based care transitions aligns directly with the work I want to do over the next five years.

 

In my prior role at a boutique healthcare strategy firm, I led a market entry assessment for a regional health system evaluating a $120 million ambulatory surgery center expansion. I built the bottom-up market sizing model, designed the competitive analysis framework, and delivered the final recommendation to a 9-person C-suite audience. The client approved the expansion and broke ground six months later.

 

As a section representative at MIT Sloan, I led a cross-functional team of 12 classmates with backgrounds in engineering, healthcare, and finance to redesign our case competition strategy. We took our section from a 4th place finish to winning the year-end championship. That experience captures what Together means at KPMG and what I would bring to your client teams.

 

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my healthcare strategy background fits the Advisory Associate role. I can be reached at 555-456-7890 or [email protected].

 

Sincerely,

Priya Sharma

 

KPMG Cover Letter Example: Summer Internship

 

This sample is for a rising junior applying for a Summer Audit Internship. Internship cover letters should lean more heavily on academic performance, leadership, and demonstrated curiosity since work experience is limited.

 

David Rivera

[email protected] | 555-321-9876 | linkedin.com/in/davidrivera

Atlanta, GA

 

May 19, 2026

 

KPMG LLP

303 Peachtree Street NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

 

Dear Mr. Williams,

 

As a rising junior at Emory University majoring in Accounting with a 3.85 GPA and a Beta Alpha Psi membership, I am applying for the Summer 2027 Audit Internship in KPMG's Atlanta office. After attending KPMG's campus presentation last October, I left convinced this is the firm I want to build my career at.

 

My academic and leadership experiences have prepared me to contribute from day one. In my Intermediate Accounting II course, I scored a 98 percent on the financial statement audit simulation, the highest grade in a class of 84 students. Beyond coursework, I serve as Vice President of Emory's Accounting Society where I coordinated a 6-week financial literacy program for 35 first-generation college students this past spring.

 

KPMG's commitment to learning, evident in the Lakehouse training facility and continuous CPA support, mirrors my own approach to growth. I have already passed two parts of the CPA exam during my sophomore year and plan to complete all four sections before graduation. That drive for continuous improvement is how I live the Excellence value.

 

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I would contribute to the Atlanta audit team next summer. I can be reached at 555-321-9876 or [email protected].

 

Sincerely,

David Rivera

 

What Are the Most Common KPMG Cover Letter Mistakes?

 

There are seven common mistakes that get KPMG cover letters rejected during initial screening. Avoiding these mistakes alone puts you ahead of 70 percent of applicants.

 

Mistake #1: Using a Generic Template

 

Cover letters that could apply to any of the Big 4 firms get filtered out immediately. KPMG recruiters can spot a templated letter in 5 seconds because they read thousands of them every recruiting cycle.

 

Always reference something specific to KPMG, whether it is a recent thought leadership piece, a service line, the Lakehouse training facility, or one of the five values. Generic flattery does not count.

 

Mistake #2: Restating Your Resume Word for Word

 

Your cover letter is not your resume in paragraph form. It should add color, context, and storytelling to two or three accomplishments, not list every job you have ever had.

 

Pick the two strongest stories from your resume and tell them well. Skip everything else.

 

Mistake #3: Making Vague Claims Without Evidence

 

Phrases like strong work ethic, team player, and detail-oriented are filler words. Every applicant claims them. None of them mean anything without proof.

 

Replace every vague claim with a specific example backed by a number. Instead of strong communicator, write led 6 client check-in meetings per week for a $40 million engagement.

 

Mistake #4: Ignoring KPMG's Values

 

KPMG built its entire culture and recruiting process around the five values. A cover letter that does not address at least one of them signals you did not do basic research.

 

You do not need to name the values explicitly. Showing them through your examples is more powerful than calling them out by name.

 

Mistake #5: Typos and Formatting Errors

 

Audit, tax, and advisory work depend on accuracy. A typo in your cover letter signals you cannot be trusted with detail-oriented client work.

 

Read your cover letter out loud and run it through Grammarly. Ask two people to proofread it before you submit. There is no excuse for typos in an application to a Big 4 firm.

 

Mistake #6: Writing Too Much or Too Little

 

Cover letters under 200 words feel rushed and incomplete. Cover letters over 500 words feel self-indulgent and waste the recruiter's time.

 

Stay in the 250 to 400 word range. Cut every sentence that does not add value.

 

Mistake #7: Weak or Missing Call to Action

 

Closing with I look forward to hearing from you is passive and forgettable. Strong closings explicitly ask for the next step.

 

Better closing: I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background fits the Audit Associate role at your earliest convenience.

 

KPMG Cover Letter Tips: How to Stand Out

 

Use these eight tips to lift your cover letter from competent to interview-winning.

 

Tip #1: Reference a Specific KPMG Thought Leadership Piece

 

KPMG publishes hundreds of insights articles every year through its Insights portal. Pick one that connects to the role and mention it by name. This shows genuine research and intellectual curiosity.

 

Tip #2: Match Your Cover Letter Header to Your Resume Header

 

Use the exact same font, layout, and contact information block on both documents. This makes your application look professional and cohesive.

 

Tip #3: Lead With Your Strongest Credential

 

Your opening sentence is the only one a busy recruiter is guaranteed to read. Put your most impressive qualification first, whether it is a GPA, a relevant internship, or a specific certification.

 

Tip #4: Use Numbers Everywhere

 

Quantify every accomplishment with percentages, dollar amounts, team sizes, or time frames. Numbers make claims credible and memorable.

 

Tip #5: Mention a KPMG Employee You Connected With

 

If you spoke with a KPMG professional at a campus event, coffee chat, or info session, mention their name and a specific takeaway from your conversation. This signals you are actively networking and have insider context.

 

Tip #6: Tie Your Story to KPMG's Service Line

 

Generic interest in KPMG is weak. Specific interest in KPMG's Federal Tax practice, Cyber Advisory team, or Forensic Accounting group is strong.

 

Tip #7: Write the Closing Last

 

Once your body paragraphs are tight, write a closing that explicitly asks for an interview. Avoid passive language like I hope to hear from you. Use active language like I would welcome the chance to discuss this role.

 

Tip #8: Prepare for the Interview While You Write

 

Every specific story you include in your cover letter is a story you should be ready to expand on in your interview. Many KPMG interviewers explicitly ask candidates to talk through accomplishments mentioned in their cover letter.

 

That means preparation for the KPMG case interview starts the moment you sit down to write your cover letter. Pick stories you can defend, expand, and connect to business problems on the spot.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is a cover letter required for KPMG?

 

A cover letter is not always required at KPMG, but it is strongly recommended. KPMG Luxembourg's careers page explicitly states that while cover letters are not mandatory, they help reinforce the key points of your resume. Many KPMG offices in Europe and Asia Pacific still require one with every application.

 

How do I address a KPMG cover letter if I do not know the hiring manager?

 

Spend 10 minutes searching LinkedIn for the recruiter or hiring manager handling the role. If you cannot find a specific name, use Dear KPMG Recruiting Team or Dear Hiring Manager. Never use dated greetings like Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom It May Concern.

 

Should I mention salary expectations in my KPMG cover letter?

 

Do not mention salary in your KPMG cover letter unless the job posting explicitly requests it. Salary discussions belong in the interview process after KPMG has expressed interest. Including salary expectations upfront can come across as presumptuous and reduce your chances of advancing.

 

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple KPMG offices or roles?

 

No. Customize at least 30 percent of your cover letter for each application. Update the opening to name the specific office and role, swap in achievements that match the new job description, and reference different service lines or thought leadership pieces. KPMG recruiters often work across offices and can spot a recycled letter immediately.

 

How do I submit my cover letter to KPMG?

 

Most KPMG applications are submitted online through the KPMG careers portal. You upload your cover letter as a PDF in the application form alongside your resume and unofficial transcripts. The full application takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

 

Do KPMG recruiters actually read cover letters?

 

Yes, KPMG recruiters read cover letters during the initial screening stage, especially for competitive roles like Advisory, Federal Tax, and specialized internships. A well-written cover letter can also be the deciding factor when two candidates have similar resumes. Skipping the cover letter when it is optional puts you at a disadvantage.

 

What is the difference between a KPMG cover letter and a Deloitte or PwC cover letter?

 

The structure and length are similar across all Big 4 firms, but the values you should emphasize differ. KPMG emphasizes Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, and For Better. A Deloitte cover letter or PwC cover letter should be tailored to that firm's specific value framework and culture.

 

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