I see in the media that KPMG is at risk of going under for the tax shelter scams it was running for clients. The article I read said that each partner would have to fork out at least $300k. What does this mean for the future of KPMG consulting, and the consulting arms of the other accounting firms. I was considering applying to KPMG in London, but I've been put off to date by their alleged low pay levels. Is it still a wise idea to apply anyway ? Could it damage my CV ?

I don't think they're going anywhere. KPMG is a powerful brand name, and their 'punishment' for being a bunch of tax evading crooks is little more than a slap on wrist. Having said that, I would be wary about applying for KPMG right now. They lost 90% of their people when Atos came along and bought their consulting arms. The people that are left behind are trying to gear up to reenter the consulting market, but they have a long way to go to get up to full strength. Here is an article that might be interesting: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/05/AR2005090501333.html

If each partner is to be hit with a fine of that size, staff can kiss off pay rises for the next few years. Might be best to hold off sending a CV in for a while. From what I hear, KPMG are very poor payers anyway

I actually recruit for the 'consulting' arm of KPMG and they pay big 4 market rate, no more, no less. They would not be able to hire the requisite number/quality of people if they paid beneath market rate.

care to specify how much?

Is this why in reality they actually recruit so few consultants these days?

They're just not a big player, so don't appear on the radar for most job hunters. Vodafone is their only big client. I'd agree that they do pay below market rate though.

I've no idea what KPMG's future holds, but I do know of one colleague who got an offer from them and turned it down as they were offering a pay cut to come to them.