Five Questions With: Kristin Fraser

A 17-year veteran of national accountancy KPMG, Kristin Fraser was named managing partner of the Providence office last week.
The first woman partner in the local office, Fraser is now charged with the health and well-being of the Providence practice.

PBN: You are the new managing partner for KPMG’s Providence office. How much of the office’s direction do you set? Do you and your colleagues in Rhode Island concentrate on certain practice areas?

FRASER: As the managing partner of the Providence office, I am responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the office, as well as the day-to-day operations, and the approach and reach of our business development activities in the Rhode Island marketplace. The Providence office is one of KPMG’s many offices located across the country that are dedicated to providing our clients with a multiple-discipline industry approach in the areas of audit, tax and advisory services.
The benefit of being a partner in an international firm is being able to call on national and international industry or technical specialists in a variety of tax and advisory areas to service our clients here in the Rhode Island market.

PBN: Are there challenges in Rhode Island that are unique for a firm like KPMG?

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FRASER: The challenges we face in Rhode Island are not unique to our state. A recovering economy, a focus on economic development and enhancing the financial stability of our residents and government require dedication and commitment from our state and municipal government officials and our for-profit and nonprofit business leaders throughout the state. KPMG will be a dedicated business partner as the city of Providence and the state move forward on their agenda for the Knowledge Economy and the I-95 redevelopment activities.

PBN: In your PBN Business Women profile from three years ago, you said that you were not sure if you wanted to stay in Rhode Island with KPMG, as opposed to move to one of its international offices? Does this promotion mean you aren’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon?

FRASER: I am thrilled to have this opportunity to lead KPMG’s office in Providence. As a partner with KPMG, national and international opportunities can present themselves at any time. But as the new managing partner, and as a lifetime resident of Rhode Island, I’m committed to the Rhode Island marketplace personally and professionally, and I look forward to continue being a strong presence in the business community.

PBN: When you were named a partner of the KPMG Providence office, you were the first and only woman. Are there more women partners in the office now? Are you satisfied with the firm’s efforts to diversify the office?

FRASER: Yes, I am happy with the firm’s efforts in diversity. In fact, 29 percent of our management group in Providence is made up of women. KPMG is very active in diversity efforts, with six national diversity networks, including the KPMG Network of Women. In addition, 15 percent of our offices are led by women managing partners and 20 percent of our new partner class in the United States is made up of women.

PBN: If you were auditing the state’s books right now, what would be the most important thing that it could work on, and how would you go about doing it?

FRASER: The focus really needs to be on the future of the state and our municipalities. Rhode Island needs to be a place that can provide current residents and businesses with a predictable tax structure and financial stability, while being an attractive place for new and relocating businesses and their employees to call home.

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