Professional services firm KPMG is to create 350 jobs in the next year, expanding its digital technology practice as it invests in a new global innovation hub in Dublin’s IFSC.
KPMG said the move was in response to increasing client demand, with new work patterns emerging in the wake of the pandemic that are based on technology, flexibility, and collaboration.
The new jobs will be a mix of posts for graduates of Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) disciplines and experienced professionals. Combined with the company’s plans to add more than 800 new roles to its workforce, KPMG will grow to have more than 4,000 staff by the end of the year.
The company is also investing in a digital innovation hub, Platform X, to support businesses dealing with new and emerging threats driven by advancements in digital adoption.
Platform X is designed to support clients through the latest in collaborative technology and design, allowing them to incubate new products and services. It connects Dublin to 32 KPMG innovation hubs in key tech cities, facilitating global collaboration and reducing the need for travel.
The hub was launched by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and KPMG managing partner Seamus Hand.
Mr. Donohoe said the launch of the new facility and the technology-focused new jobs it will support was a vote of confidence in Ireland as a leader in global, technology-led collaboration.
Working from home
Platform X has a 100-seat auditorium, five collaboration suites, options for team break-outs, technology-equipped meeting rooms, and an innovation lab that combines advanced electronic workspace technology with the latest visualisation and collaboration tools.
“This unique space leverages the latest collaboration and communications technology to support new levels of innovation, engagement and the latest emerging ways of working,” said Mr Hand. “Many of the challenges we’re helping our clients overcome are complex and benefit from a multidisciplinary approach – and Platform X really does support that approach to problem-solving. Our clients are excited about how we are helping them bring the best thinking from around the world into the room, right here in Dublin.”
Research published recently by KPMG found the office was likely to continue to play a large role for companies, with less than a quarter of Irish chief executives expecting to cut their office footprint following the pandemic. That was down sharply from 88 per cent a year ago.
However, nearly two-thirds think office employees will do at least two days a week at home. Mr Hand said the reality would be nuanced. “Flexible and remote working and tech-led collaboration deepens the talent pool, so that’s a good thing,” he said. “We also know that people are social and like to see each other and often collaborate better in person – Platform X delivers this flexibility for our clients and for our people.”
