Can you briefly introduce yourself, what you studied, and what inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy?
I am Ricardo Walrave, 25 years old, originally from Vlissingen. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Finance & Control at Hogeschool Zeeland in Vlissingen and then, through a pre-master, pursued a master’s in Accountancy at Tilburg University. I am now following the post-master Accountancy program, also in Tilburg, while working as an Audit Associate at KPMG in the Breda office.
Over the past two years, I have been involved in many enjoyable committees at Asset Financials and am still active in the Cooking Club committee. Some highlights of my time with the association include co-organizing the StudyTour to Brazil and last year’s fifth lustrum celebration.
What attracted me to auditing was the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. This allows you to gain extensive knowledge about different industries, understand how businesses operate, and discover where your interests lie. Another aspect I really enjoy is that no two weeks are ever the same.
What specifically attracted you to KPMG as an employer, and how did you experience the transition to working life?
I got in touch with KPMG through the Accounting Expedition organized by Asset Asset Financials. During my visit, I immediately felt a connection due to the welcoming atmosphere at the office. That experience led me to apply right away. After spending six months as a thesis intern and another six months as a working student, I started full-time last September.
The transition to working life took some adjustment in the first few months. Having focused primarily on studying and student life for years, I had to find a balance between a 40-hour workweek and my personal life. However, since I had already gained work experience during my last year of studies, I had a good idea of what to expect, which made the transition smoother. A great aspect of KPMG is that ambitions, requests, or challenges can always be openly discussed with colleagues, and solutions are actively sought. To support this, every new employee at KPMG is assigned a buddy, who provides guidance and assistance.
You both work in audit now—what have you learned so far, and which moments stand out to you?
In just a few months of working, I have rapidly gained knowledge about auditing and related areas. The first month included an onboarding period followed by two weeks of Audit Foundations training. This provided a strong foundation for client work and was a great opportunity to connect with other new hires from various KPMG offices across the country.
I am also part of KPMG’s Digital Audit Track. As part of this program, dedicated time is allocated in my schedule to follow training sessions that enhance my digital skills and contribute to innovation within the audit field. In the first year, we have the opportunity to earn accreditations for tools like Alteryx and Power BI, which can then be applied directly to client work. This helps teams complete tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Which initiatives or activities within KPMG make a difference in workplace culture for you?
KPMG invests a lot in fostering a good atmosphere among colleagues. Regular office- or region-wide events are organized, and we have a weekly Friday afternoon social gathering. Beyond these official events, spontaneous plans often arise among colleagues to grab a drink after work or organize larger outings together. My personal highlight was a weekend trip to Dublin last October.
What were your expectations about working in audit and at KPMG, and how do they compare to reality?
Initially, I knew KPMG mainly from its logo and the huge headquarters in Amstelveen, which gave me the impression that it was a massive organization where employees might just be numbers. However, my perspective completely changed when I joined. The office introduction was very personal, and within a few days, I had already met most of my colleagues. Instead of feeling like just another employee, I found that KPMG values individuals and their unique contributions.
The Future of Audit: How do you see this field evolving?
I expect significant changes in the accountancy profession. Many (AI) tools are already available to streamline our work. For example, at KPMG, we frequently use RobotX and Datasnipper, which automate a large portion of our tasks. Where we once had to manually input data, these tools now allow us to complete extensive work with just a few clicks. Given these rapid advancements, I foresee the traditional aspects of auditing becoming increasingly automated, with auditors focusing more on analysis, evaluation, and providing substantive explanations for their findings.
Beyond digital transformation, regulatory developments are also shaping the industry. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is an example of a major regulatory shift. While some companies are already required to comply, many more will be affected in the near future. In response, KPMG offers an ESG Track alongside the regular audit and Digital Audit Track, allowing employees to dedicate part of their time to sustainability-related work.
What advice would you give students about working at KPMG?
I would encourage students to focus on what personally appeals to them in a company. I also highly recommend joining a study association (preferably Asset Financials 
) to explore different firms. A (thesis) internship is a great way to determine whether the work and office culture suit you.
What drew me to KPMG was the opportunity to work with diverse clients and gain broad industry knowledge. No two weeks are the same. Additionally, KPMG supports me in obtaining my RA title while allowing me to grow step by step in the audit field, with a particular focus on Digital Audit.
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