KPMG teams up with SFU Beedie to equip auditors with advanced skills in digital and cognitive analytics

Unique graduate program focused on evolving role of artificial intelligence and machine learning

TORONTO and VANCOUVER, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - KPMG in Canada has teamed up with Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business (SFU Beedie) to develop and deliver a unique program that will take audit professionals' digital skills to the next level. 

The industry-leading program ? named Digital University - will focus on technology and data analytics to help prepare KPMG's auditors for the fast-changing world of machine learning, artificial intelligence and technological transformation.

Participants in the Digital University earn a Graduate Certificate in Accounting with Digital Analytics and can continue and gain a Master of Science in Accounting with Cognitive Analytics. The Digital University is open to qualified CPAs within KPMG's Audit practice with 3-6 years of experience.

The Digital University teaches participants not only technical knowledge in data analytics, but also how to combine these skills with critical thinking to derive meaningful business insights from data. The courses will provide a valuable complement to KPMG auditors' core abilities, setting them apart in the industry.

"The audit profession is undergoing tremendous change and we have the opportunity to stand out and lead ? the Digital University will help us do that," says Kristy Carscallen, Canadian Managing Partner for Audit at KPMG in Canada.  "As part of KPMG's commitment to investing in its people, the Digital University will propel the careers of high-potential auditors, and help our teams deliver high quality audits at the same time as providing more advanced insights for our clients." 

"I am thrilled we have worked with SFU Beedie to give our leaders of tomorrow the skills and credentials that will last a lifetime," says Elio Luongo, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner at KPMG in Canada.

SFU Beedie was selected to deliver the Digital University through a competitive process, during which the school demonstrated its ability to deliver this forward-looking program through an advanced online interface, alongside in-person teaching sessions.

"The Digital University relationship between SFU Beedie and KPMG in Canada reflects a shared commitment to developing innovative business professionals who will lead the way in their industry across Canada," says Ali Dastmalchian, SFU Beedie's Dean.

"KPMG's decision to work with SFU Beedie on this crucial project, which will position their workforce to adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace, is fantastic recognition of the school's professional education offering."

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About KPMG

KPMG LLP, an Audit, Tax and Advisory firm (kpmg.ca) and a Canadian limited liability partnership established under the laws of Ontario, is the Canadian member firm of KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG member firms around the world have 200,000 professionals, in 154 countries.

The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity, and describes itself as such.

About Simon Fraser University:

As Canada's engaged university, SFU is defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting-edge research and far-reaching community engagement. SFU was founded 50 years ago with a mission to be a different kind of university?to bring an interdisciplinary approach to learning, embrace bold initiatives, and engage with communities near and far. Today, SFU is Canada's leading comprehensive research university and is ranked one of the top universities in the world. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities ? Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey ? SFU has eight faculties, delivers almost 150 programs to over 35,000 students, and boasts more than 135,000 alumni in 130 countries around the world.

About SFU Beedie:

Since the creation of Canada's first Executive MBA in 1968, Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business has championed lifelong learning, productive change and the need to be innovative as it delivers research and teaching that makes an impact. The school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and has received the EQUIS Quality award from the European Federation for Management Development (EFMD). AACSB and EFMD are globally recognized accrediting agencies for business schools. Less than 1% of business schools worldwide have earned both of these accreditations. Undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. programs demonstrate a spirit of innovation, flexibility and relevance. Supported by extensive partnerships with public, private and not-for-profit organizations, SFU Beedie's mission is to develop innovative and socially responsible business leaders with a global perspective through education, inspired by research and grounded in practice.

SOURCE KPMG LLP