KPMG Professional Services, operating in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, was recognized as the Best Workplace at Fast Company Middle East's Most Innovative Companies 2023 awards. Acknowledged for their dedication to achieving the greatest impact through their initiatives and making a positive social impact, KPMG was lauded for being an innovative workplace. Ahmed Almusharraf, Head of People, was there at the ceremony in Dubai to receive the award. Fast Company further highlighted KPMG's strengths in integrated team learning and development programs, exemplified by the Digital & Data Foundations course where KPMG donated SAR300 on behalf of each employee completing three modules to allow for upskilling and tutoring for mothers of children with Down Syndrome. Further, KPMG's thought leadership publications have contributed to societal insights across various topics and sectors, aiming to foster innovative ideas, inform, and stimulate discussions. In its efforts qualifying for this award, KPMG actively demonstrates its commitment to creating impact across four fundamental pillars: planet, people, prosperity, and governance. ESG and sustainability are firmly rooted throughout their initiatives by setting policies, overseeing activities, and aligning their strategy with their purpose through a strong governance structure. KPMG aligns its societal impact initiatives with these SDGs, fostering a culture of skilled volunteering among employees. The firm promotes a high-performing work culture that encourages excellence, collaboration, and learning and development opportunities. Their 2022 Impact Plan highlighted offering 237 courses and over 28,000 hours of training for its employees. Furthermore, KPMG supported communities through 3705 hours of pro bono, skill-based activities, and 17 wider initiatives, nurturing a culture of giving back to build a better community. KPMG has been an active participant in various charitable initiatives, including supporting the "Mubadarty" initiative for disabled children and contributing to the expansion of facilities at the Down Syndrome Children Association. Their support extends to providing free financial audits to Wedad Charitable Foundation and raising donations for natural crises in Syria, Turkey, and Pakistan, reinforcing the culture of giving back and serving others. Additionally, the firm has collaborated with MiSK Foundation to offer a Job Shadowing Program for high school students, helping students make informed decisions about their academic future plan. KPMG has shown a commitment in supporting women in the tech domain through CODE FOR GIRLS initiative, as well as partnering with Almashtal Community House & Creative Incubator to provide professional support and mentorship to entrepreneurs in general. The firm prioritizes increasing the representation of women in senior leadership roles, as part of that objective, they have collaborated with Princess Noura University (PNU) and MHRSD in identifying highly qualified female candidates for women's leadership programs such as the Qiadya program, Women on Board, and several mentorship programs. Overall, KPMG's prioritization of ESG issues reflects their values, demonstrating that every action has a greater impact than meets the eye. By providing development and growth opportunities, they created a more inclusive place where they managed to leverage each other's differences for better business outcomes and to better serve the community.
