Jeffrey Knight, Short Hills Office Managing Partner, KPMG LLP

The regulatory and trade environment is characterized by uncertainty, but KPMG tries to stay nimble to help clients navigate challenges as they arise. “We have established a dedicated group to assist clients in assessing the impacts of tariffs on their businesses, modeling the effects and planning for the future,” Jeffrey Knight, managing partner of the firm’s Short Hills office, told Invest:.

What have been the overall contributions or impact of KPMG in the New Jersey area in recent years?

KPMG remains deeply invested in New Jersey and its business landscape. Our Short Hills office has always been a cornerstone of the firm, playing a vital role in serving clients and contributing to the broader business community. Our approach is built on a cross-functional perspective, integrating advisory, tax, and audit expertise. Whenever we engage with clients, we bring the full strength of our firm’s resources to help drive meaningful change and support their business strategies. 

The business landscape is constantly evolving, especially in the post-pandemic era. Companies face increasing demands in areas such as digital transformation, AI adoption, and navigating ever-changing regulatory requirements. Our goal is to empower clients by providing them with the best insights and guidance, helping them overcome challenges and position themselves for long-term success.

What is the strategy behind relocating to Morris County?

I couldn’t be more excited about what this location offers KPMG. As we look ahead to the future and consider how to attract top talent, we recognize that much of our future workforce is drawn to urban environments. Creating a workspace that fosters natural collaboration and access to that environment while also offering convenient public transportation to Manhattan was a key priority. 

Morristown presents a unique opportunity, not just in terms of integrating into the local community but also within the broader business landscape. Many of our clients are already based in Morris County, which has been a strong area for us in New Jersey. This move represents an exciting transformation for our firm and our employees. We believe it will serve as a key differentiator, helping us stand out among the competition and ensuring we continue to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

What other factors differentiate KPMG from other firms in the region?

Our strategy has always focused on a dedication to fostering strong relationships with our clients, ensuring we understand their needs and then where we can best support and provide value to them. We concentrate on those needs and the ability to adapt in a fluctuating marketplace to provide services that are innovative and transformational.  

Additionally, we stay focused on the evolving business landscape and where clients need support. We are currently facing U.S. and global tax changes in the coming year, and also market uncertainties around tariffs and global economic unrest. We provide expert insights and strategies to prepare for these changes and have established and dedicated groups of professionals to assist clients in assessing the impacts of tariffs and tax changes on their businesses, modeling the effects, and planning for the future. Our goal is to determine the best way for clients to manage change, maintain profitability, and continue serving their industries effectively.

What is your overview of the New Jersey marketplace in terms of emerging opportunities?

Businesses in the region are navigating a range of challenges, including economic uncertainties, regulatory changes, and the need for transformation. At KPMG, we focus on providing valuable and relevant insights to our clients by drawing from a broad range of functions. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that we bring a diverse set of expertise to meet our clients’ needs. 

New Jersey has always been an intriguing market. While it’s often seen as the state between New York City and Philadelphia — and we certainly benefit from proximity to both cities — New Jersey has its own distinct identity. The state is home to diverse industries and a highly skilled workforce, which has given KPMG the opportunity to leverage our deep expertise and established market presence to provide innovative solutions that help New Jersey companies.  

How does KPMG continue to leverage technology and make sure its staff is well-equipped as the firm continues to evolve?

New technologies are helping many companies create greater value. At KPMG, we focus on strategic technology investments to ensure our success in the marketplace. KPMG has entered into a multi-year partnership with Microsoft to provide us with the technology and tools necessary to transform our service delivery model and deliver valuable insights to clients. Equally important is our commitment to talent development. We are dedicated to continuously enhancing the skills of our workforce through education and training. It’s crucial that our professionals are well-versed in the tools and technologies we use so they can effectively deliver the value our clients expect. Staying at the forefront of innovation is essential: if you let up for even a moment, you risk falling behind. Technology, including artificial intelligence, is undeniably a key piece of our future, and the key challenge is leveraging it responsibly to drive productivity, efficiency, and insight. These principles form the foundation of our strategy.

What are your biggest challenges at KPMG?

One of the biggest challenges we face as a firm is ensuring we can attract and secure the right talent for the future. The ongoing competition for top talent is a significant factor in the marketplace. At the same time, our relevance as a profession and the need for our services have never been greater in today’s society. We’ve been closely examining enrollment trends in accounting programs and the requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). In addition, KPMG is advocating for an alternative pathway to the CPA, such as including more on-the-job experience or work-study programs to help individuals achieve their CPA designation.

What is your outlook not only for KPMG but also for the accounting space in New Jersey in the next three to five years?

I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for accountants in the evolving landscape. It’s a dynamic profession that has been around for many years, and I believe it will continue to play a crucial role in the future. The trust that clients and the capital markets place in the profession is humbling, and we strive each day to serve them better.

In the near term, at KPMG, we’re preparing for our move from our current location in Short Hills to Morristown. We have several strategies in place to ensure the transition is smooth, both for our employees and our clients. My strategy in New Jersey centers on the internal and external evaluation of our talent at KPMG and our position in the marketplace. Success is measured not just through internal metrics such as hiring and retention, or business and client growth, but also by how we’re perceived within the community. 

It’s especially exciting for me to lead this effort, having grown up professionally in New Jersey, and now guiding nearly a thousand talented partners and professionals in this strategic direction. My ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone comes to work with a smile, takes pride in where they work, and understands the value they bring, both to our clients and to the community around us.