Back in September 2012, shortly after graduating from KU Leuven in Antwerp, I joined KPMG’s Digital Risk Management team. (Back then, I didn’t even know this was an actual career path!)
At that stage, I had only a limited idea of what professional life would really look like. Recruitment events - such as KPMG’s “Job in a Day” - gave me a first glimpse into the reality of the role: what the work actually involved, how teams collaborate, and the kind of challenges you face. This event made the work more tangible for me, and, more importantly, confirmed that the people and the atmosphere were exactly what I was looking for.
I wanted to work with large organizations to understand how they use data, processes, and technology; everything we’re working on in the Digital Risk team. Combining that with a strong sense of team spirit and social connection, I immediately felt at home. Think table football breaks, afterwork drinks, ski trips, pub crawls, and colleagues who quickly start to feel like friends.
For me, the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ captures the reality of working at KPMG. Over the past 13 years, I have worked on a wide range of projects across IT Audit, Digital Assurance, and SAP GRC for both national and international clients. While the topics can be technical, the purpose remains straightforward. We help clients understand whether the technology behind their business is reliable, controlled, and ready for what comes next. This also means that each project is different. Every client has their own systems, risks, challenges, and ambitions. As a team, our role is to bring structure, insight, and clarity to that complexity.
One of the most rewarding parts of my current role is seeing people grow within that environment. The Digital Risk Management team encourages people to take ownership, build expertise, and gradually discover where their strengths lie. Some colleagues deepen their technical expertise and become true experts, while others evolve into strong project leads, trusted client advisors or specialists in topics such as ERP systems, automation, AI, a specific sector, or regulation. There is no single, pre-defined path. That is exactly what makes the journey interesting, allowing everyone to shape a career that fits their strengths and interests.
At the same time, the field itself is also evolving rapidly. Advancements in technology, rising client expectations, and topics such as AI, data reliability, cybersecurity, and regulation are becoming more important every year. This means that our work is never standing still. We need people who are curious, willing to learn, and able to translate complex topics into practical solutions that clients can actually use.
Our way of working is rapidly evolving and AI plays an increasingly vital role in that shift. It’s not about replacing what we do; it’s about enhancing it, taking over repetitive tasks, accelerating analysis, and freeing up time for more meaningful, high-impact work. We also support our clients in adopting AI responsibly in their daily work, while keeping the associated risks in mind.
If you’re looking for a team where ambition goes hand-in-hand with humor and collaboration comes naturally, Digital Risk Management at KPMG could be a strong fit. You’ll be part of a team where there’s always someone ready to say, “let’s do this,” even when you’re not entirely sure what you’re stepping into.
Thomas De Backer, Director Enterprise Risk Services
