Audit Associate Japanese Practice SummerFall 2027

KPMG LLP; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

KPMG LLP is seeking an Audit Associate to join our Audit and Assurance team in California. You will collaborate on financial statement audits, focusing on Japanese clients or those needing cross-border guidance, and leverage AI and data analytics tools to enhance audit quality.

The role requires pursuing CPA licensure, a relevant degree, strong Excel skills, and bilingual English/Japanese capabilities. In-person collaboration at a California office is expected, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing and have obtained by start date the following degrees/majors: Bachelor of Accountancy, Master of Accountancy, or equivalent program.
• Must be pursuing state-specific CPA education requirements with completion of required credits prior to start date.
• Preferred GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Bilingual in English and Japanese with ability to use both languages in business environment.
• Coursework in information systems, software engineering, computer science or data analytics; experience with data analysis tools such as Alteryx or Power BI preferred.
• Foundational knowledge of GAAP.
• Ability to leverage MS Office, including Excel, and AI; quickly learn KPMG Audit tools.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to conduct financial statement audits for capital markets, especially for Japanese clients or those needing guidance in Japan.
• Prepare clear, well-structured audit documentation detailing client processes and IT systems, including transaction flows and controls.
• Execute and document testing of client controls (IT, security, governance) and financial balances; identify misstatements and deficiencies.
• Support high-quality audit through assigned tasks and client interactions; utilize enabling technologies in audit, including data analysis.
• Identify process improvements and audit efficiencies; assist with project management and status reporting.
• Support data-driven audit using technologies like AI, Excel, Alteryx, SQL and Power BI.

Skills

Bilingual English/Japanese

Excel/MS Office

AI & data analytics literacy

Power BI

Alteryx

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor of Accountancy

Master of Accountancy

Equivalent program

Tools

Alteryx

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Career Level Requirement

Early Career

If you are currently pursuing college coursework or have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in the past 12 months. If it has been more than 12 months since you have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree program you should explore experienced career opportunities at KPMG Careers: Experienced Professionals.

KPMG recruits on a rolling basis. Candidates are considered as they apply, until the opportunity is filled. You are encouraged to apply expeditiously to one role for which you are qualified and is of the greatest interest. You are limited to a maximum of two active applications. Give serious thought to your location preference. We strongly recommend applying to the location where you want to build your life and career long-term.

Start Season & Year: Summer/Fall 2027

Earliest Graduation Date: Nov 2026

Latest Graduation Date: Sep 2027

At KPMG, we are not only keeping pace with the future of business; we are defining it. Harnessing the full power of AI and digital innovation, we deliver intelligent, data-driven solutions to help our clients navigate change and transform their competitive edge. Our people-first approach makes this possible. KPMG invests in continuous learning by providing the tools and training for you to thrive within a culture that fosters growth and collaboration, whether you're launching your career or bringing decades of experience. Join an inclusive team that inspires excellence, delivers meaningful impact, and empowers you to shape your own future.

KPMG is currently seeking an Audit Associate to join our Audit and Assurance team.

Responsibilities:

• Work as part of a team to play an integral role in conducting financial statement audits and serve the capital markets by helping ensure accuracy and reliability of client financial information while upholding the principles of objectivity and independence; contribute to the overall effectiveness of our clients operations while maintaining the highest standards of our professional integrity; develop an understanding of client-specific risks through review of financial results, relevant external information, current business trends and client transactions, primarily for Japanese clients or non-Japanese companies that need strategic assistance in Japan


• Learn to prepare clear and well-structured audit documentation regarding our understanding of client processes and information technology (IT) systems, including the flow of transactions, identification of risk points and controls that mitigate the risk points; translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights


• With appropriate guidance, execute and document testing of client controls (including IT, security, programming and governance controls) and financial statement account balances using appropriate standards and terminology; identify potential misstatements and control deficiencies, escalating matters as appropriate


• Support the execution of a high-quality audit through the performance of assigned tasks and professional client and engagement team interactions; support the use of enabling technologies in the audit, including risk assessment, data extraction, statistical and machine learning-based sampling procedures and data analysis


• 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 professional relationships commensurate with level and experience


• Support the data driven audit by utilizing a range of technologies and data analysis tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), Excel, Alteryx, SQL and Power BI

Qualifications:

• Must be pursuing and have obtained by the start date or have completed the following degrees/majors in the past 12 months: Bachelor of Accountancy, Master of Accountancy, or equivalent program from an accredited college or university


• Must be pursuing the state-specific education requirements to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the principal place of business (the state in which the office is located) for this position, with completion of required academic credits prior to the start date for this position


• Preferred GPA of 3.0 or above


• Bilingual in English and Japanese with ability to use both Japanese and English language skills in a business environment


• Coursework or minor in information systems, software engineering, computer science or data and analytics preferred; experience with data analysis tools such as Alteryx or Power BI preferred


• Foundational knowledge of technical accounting and financial reporting standards, including U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)


• Ability to leverage common business technologies, including MS Office (with an emphasis on Excel) and AI, and quickly learn KPMG Audit tools and applications used by our clients


• Strong in technical, business acumen, critical thinking and agility skills; demonstrated ability to excel and drive strategic outcomes, coupled with a professional demeanor and a collaborative leadership approach, in a dynamic, evolving environment


• Strong communication, organization and relationship-building skills, with the ability to apply professional judgment and skepticism, manage priorities across multiple tasks and deliver high-quality work in a professional services capacity


• Must reside within a reasonably commutable distance to the office for this position and be able to travel to reasonably commutable work locations using own means of transportation, such as a personal vehicle or public transportation


• Audit and Assurance professionals are expected to work in-person at a KPMG office or client site on an average of three days per week; some client site locations may require travel and overnight/extended stay (varies by office)

KPMG LLP and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“KPMG”) complies with all local/state regulations regarding displaying salary ranges. If required, the ranges displayed below or via the URL below are specifically for those potential hires who will work in the location(s) listed. Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as applicant’s skills, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations. In addition, KPMG is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, with options designed to help you make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. Available benefits are based on eligibility. Our Total Rewards package includes a variety of medical and dental plans, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health. Depending on job classification, standard work hours, and years of service, KPMG provides Personal Time Off per fiscal year. Additionally, each year KPMG publishes a calendar of holidays to be observed during the year and provides eligible employees two breaks each year where employees will not be required to use Personal Time Off; one is at year end and the other is around the July 4th holiday. Additional details about our benefits can be found towards the bottom of our KPMG US Careers site at Benefits & How We Work.

Follow this link to obtain salary ranges by city outside of CA:

https://kpmg.com/us/en/how-we-work/pay-transparency.html?id=UTAAUDA_6_24 California Salary Range: $78000 - $94000

KPMG offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. KPMG is an equal opportunity employer. KPMG complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The attached link contains further information regarding KPMG's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws. No phone calls or agencies please.

KPMG recruits on a rolling basis. Candidates are considered as they apply, until the opportunity is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply expeditiously to any role(s) for which they are qualified that is also of interest to them.

Los Angeles County applicants: Material job duties for this position are listed above. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, and safeguard business operations and company reputation. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.