KPMG International and Microsoft today announced two important strategic initiatives that will expand the scope of their global alliance: providing clients with a portfolio of digital solutions[1], and enabling KPMG’s smart audit platform, KPMG Clara – both built on KPMG business experience and the Microsoft intelligent cloud.
The two organizations are establishing the Global Digital Solution Hub, which will leverage Microsoft Azure intelligent cloud services and artificial intelligence (AI) technology with KPMG business experience to help companies transform all areas of their businesses -- including finance, operations and the customer experience.
KPMG[2] and Microsoft also announced plans to place the new KPMG smart audit platform, known as KPMG Clara, on Microsoft Azure, which will make KPMG the first of the Big Four professional services firms to enable its member firms to conduct external financial statement audits utilizing Azure, a comprehensive, cloud-based platform. Deployment across the KPMG network will depend on, among other things, applicable country regulations and any applicable engagement terms with companies audited by KPMG member firms. KPMG currently has 73,000 audit professionals worldwide and provides audit services for 23 percent of global Fortune 500 companies.
Of KPMG’s commitment to deliver KPMG Clara through Microsoft Azure, KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer said: “As businesses become increasingly digitized and face continued disruption, audits need to continue to evolve with those changes and KPMG is committed to leading digital transformation in the professional services sector. Placing our smart audit platform on the Microsoft Azure cloud and leveraging other Microsoft technologies will accelerate and expand digital capabilities to further enhance quality, consistency and efficiency.”
Regarding the importance of the Digital Solution Hub to KPMG member firm non-audit clients around the world, Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, said: “As every industry and every organization becomes digitized, leaders are looking for the right technologies and partners to accelerate their transformation. Working with firms like KPMG, we aim to help customers harness the intelligent cloud and build AI capability to drive business outcomes and unlock new opportunities.”
Veihmeyer remarked: “The CEOs I talk to are looking for new types of digital solutions that combine the best technology with deep sector and business expertise. Creating a global Digital Solution Hub demonstrates our joint commitment to develop and deliver world-class, technology-led solutions that harness our combined business and technology expertise to transform their business. The technology solutions we develop will help clients optimize their operations, to build more efficient and sustainable digitally driven business to compete in an ever-changing world.”
