Emperors new clothes, circular firing squad mode
Pros
There are some really talented and driven managers, assistant managers and analysts who are a joy to work with, real shame for them that grad scheme is 3 years unlike competitors at 2 years who pack in much more development and training.
Cons
Partner culture of back-patting, lack of outside reference, all browbeaten into compliance. Any central firm issues not worth talking about as they clearly don’t have a health feedback culture between partners and leadership. Clearly last CEO (Bill “stop moaning” Michael) was as incompetent as he was out of touch, and he casts a long shadow, no one wants to solve problems, just stay in lane and survive. Result: Byzantine office, decision making, processes. Back office technology and facilities worse than the competitor I joined had in late 2000s. KPMG staff trying to compete with ball and chain attached. Each year that goes by spending time using incomprehensible and inconstant finance systems is time competitors are solving client problems and developing propositions. Very weak, mediocre, unimpressive partner group (with a few bright exceptions) that will not lead the firm to catch up with others. 7 standing desks per floor, only about 30 MS teams enabled conference rooms in entire office, more screens and functionality at desk rendering meeting rooms irrelevant. The idea of forcing people back to this office 5 days a week shows current CEO does need a bit of a reality check. Do not go here, go to one of the other firms.
