Pat Canning, managing partner of KPMG in Providence, hired Kristin Fraser fresh out of college about 14 years ago. In 2006, Fraser was promoted to partner of the Providence firm, making her the first and only woman among the five partners at the company’s Providence location.
“When I first went to work for KPMG, I thought I’d stay for five years and move on,” Fraser said. “But it didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to stay here and move up the ladder.”
KPMG International, one of the “Big Four” global audit and tax firms, has 92 locations in the United States and an additional 120 worldwide. Canning knew Fraser would be an asset to the company from the start.
“She has been an outstanding employee from day one,” he said. “When I give her a task she always does a better job than I even expect her to.”
“I just always do my best,” Fraser said of the praise.
But being technically proficient is not the only reason that Canning knew Fraser deserved to be made partner is such a large and talent-laden atmosphere.
“Once people have been with us for 12 to 15 years, they’re eligible to be promoted to partner,” he said. “But it isn’t just about tenure. Employees need many skills to be selected, and Kristin came up through the ranks because of her technical skills, people skills and the way she deals with stress. She doesn’t shy away from confrontation and can deliver a tough message, and clients like that she’s so up-front. In addition, she’s extremely organized. That’s partner material,”
For Fraser, “organized” means that 60 percent of her day is planned and in her calendar. She audits and manages a large client load that includes corporations that are publicly traded and private companies that are trying to go public. Fraser also leads the company’s management team for career development. Canning depends on her to recruit women and help them to advance in the industry which was once very geared towards men.
“I’m a very goal-oriented person, and I worked at becoming a partner for very a long time, Frazer said. “Now that I’ve met that goal, I need to set some new goals. But they will all be based on what’s best for KPMG. It’s not a 9-to-5 job, but I really enjoy it, and besides being very supportive, Pat Canning has been my mentor and friend.”
When she accepted the partnership, Fraser knew the day may come when she would be asked to transfer to another KPMG office anywhere in the world. She said she’s ready. “As partner I have many opportunities, and I haven’t completely decided in which direction I want to go, yet. I just know KPMG is where I want to be. Every day offers a new challenge that keeps it very interesting,” Fraser said. •
