KPMG invests in its people strategy

Big Four firm KPMG has appointed Rachel Campbell as its international head of people, performance and culture (PPC) and a member of its global executive team.

She has led the firm’s award-winning ‘Employer of Choice’ strategy in the UK, and will now be responsible for driving this policy globally and ensuring that KPMG’s member firms around the world are all pulling in the same direction. 

John Harrison, deputy chairman of KPMG International, told Recruiter that the new appointment would further the firm’s goal of becoming an attractive employer in the professional services industry.

“We look forward to Rachel’s further contributions as global head of people, performance and culture. She brings a depth of experience to our global leadership team through her work serving global clients and as head of people for KPMG Europe.

“That perspective will be a valuable asset as she collaborates with member firms around the world to ensure KPMG remains a great place to work and build a career.”

As more firms in the industry look to improve their working environments, those looking for jobs in accountancy should ensure that they have the right range of skills for the contemporary workplace.  

Sonja Stockton, head of recruitment at KPMG's rival PricewaterhouseCoopers, explained that while academic achievement will always be important, a growing number of firms are now looking for something more.

"Academic capability is a vital foot in the door, but employability skills push it open to much wider opportunities,” she said.

Job hunters should do all they can to ensure they have the skills and knowledge that employers want, she added.